Santorini and the views of dreams

All the cliches about Santorini are true but if you’re going to splash out to experience the ‘stunning sunsets’ and ‘picture perfect’ vistas then it pays to plan carefully and choose well. Here’s some top tips from Further Afield traveller Sonia after her recent visit to the island of dreams.
We couldn’t have chosen better than Further Afield to help us find the perfect stay at Athina Suites. Our trip for five nights for our 10th wedding anniversary and my wife’s 50th had been a long time coming and was worth the wait.




Located at the quieter end of Fira, the hotel is perched on the hillside with the token, but not to be underestimated, mind blowing views of the Caldera. Fira worked for us because it was climbing distance to restaurants, bars, shops, buses and taxis. Fira and Oia are the two hotspots for views but Fira is slightly more down to earth and less costly with a fun buzz and lively, lovely selection of things to do, eat, buy in the winding cobbled streets.
We stayed in one of the hotels’ Honeymoon suites which are in a separate block to the main hotel giving us privacy with all the amenities. Although I think the smallest, suite 23 was large inside with a terrace plus hot tub with those show stopping, heart stopping views.
It was hard to pull us away from that magic spot over the five days and was the absolute highlight of the trip, you go to Santorini for the views right? Breakfast is served on your terrace which starts the day absolutely right (no omelette queues for us) with a selection of hot and cold delights.
The staff are heroes in impeccably designed uniforms, always attentive, smiling and helpful not to mention ripped after carrying heavy breakfast trays and luggage up and down those killer steps. Cocktails at the swim up pool bar or restaurant terrace make you feel like you’re in a movie (a good one, designed by Vogue) although, the pool area is small so if it gets dominated by a big group of families, you may want to make like us and fast retreat back to the balcony of dreams.
We didn’t have a single bad bite to eat in Santorini but its worth planning.
Naoussa is a well known taverna close to Athina Suites, get there early for great views, slightly chaotic service, traditional greek menus and maybe the odd smashed plate
La Colline in the Villa Bordeaux Hotel serves the most incredible Michelin worthy food but the service felt more like Nandos at times. Go if you’re a foodie but can tolerate mild chaos
Roka Imerovigli was the breathtaking dining highlight for us. Tucked away between Fira and Oia in quieter Imerovigli, the view and the tasting menu will stay with us for years to come. Definitely worth booking if you like high class Japanese food with a side serving of stunning sunset.
We couldn’t have asked for more from our stay at Athina villas, attentive from the start to finish but never overbearing. Non judgmental of our choosing to slum it on the bus to the beach one minute and taxi to posh Roka the next. You do you, they’re just happy to have you and if you go, try to leave that balcony!