My alarm went off at 9:15 giving me just enough time to get dressed and walk to the post office to pick up my ATV at 9:30. I waited for about 15 minutes for the ATV to arrive. Chalking this up to GIT (Greek Island Time) I filled out some paper work, got the keys and took her out for a spin. I’ve never actually driven an ATV so before I took Bethany all over the island on one I wanted to get a feel for it. I did, it felt like… love. Exciting and dangerous but somehow comfortable and safe.
For a day that was supposed to rain the clear blue sky and 82 degree temperature are perfect for our island travel day.
With no real plans aside from eat Greek food, see the island and lay on a beach we set out on our ATV with only street signs to guide us. That’s right, no map for us seasoned travelers.
When we arrived our host showed us restaurants and wineries that he loved and thought would give us a traditional Santorini experience. One of his favorites was Taverna Rosa. A personal favorite among the local workers. All meals are made with food from a personal garden and fish are caught fresh daily. After eating the best Greek salad we have ever had paired with a delicious meal we headed on our merry way bright eyed and fancy free.
As we reached Fira we began seeing blue signs pointing us to various sites on the Island. We headed first to Ancient Thira. Located on the top of a mountain in Southern Santorini, Ancient Thira is only accessible through a series of steep switchbacks. These proved to be no match for our ATV and we made it up them in short order. At least compared to the people walking up and down the switchbacks. No thank you… walking is for chumps. Unfortunately, going up to Ancient Thira when it’s closed is also for chumps and we were turned around at the very top. Turns out the sign at the bottom that I read as “4:30” really read “14:30” in other words we were 20 minutes late. Ah well, we got a killer view and got to ride the ATV so I’ll count this as a win.
As we descended the mountain overlooking the striking blue ocean we decided to visit one of the famous pebble beaches of Santorini. Though not great for walking on, the dark stones set against the beautiful greens and blues were a sight to behold. Though, the clothing optional nature of southern Santorini beaches was… unexpected, very few people indulged this “luxury.” We lounged for an hour or so listening to the waves crash as the low flying airplanes flew directly overhead bringing more travelers to our island paradise. After walking on the loose rocks that enveloped our feet with ever step we decided to give the Red Beach a go. I noticed a message from Myriam on my phone as we walked to our ATV. Her and Nick wanted to get together so we planned to meet up at Meteor Cafe at 9:00 p.m.
Finally, travel friends!!!
The Red Beach is appropriately named. It is a beach set against a dark red cliff face covered in dark red rocks. Beautiful to see, but maybe not so safe to visit. Not just because the red rocks probably don’t feel great on bare feet. The beach is “officially” closed due to unexpected rock slides. In fact, to access the beach you need to hike a trail and literally climb over a rock slide that has already occurred. But I guess on Santorini “closed” is another of saying “not suggested” because aside from a sign to deter visitors no other enforcement takes place. We’re about 45 minutes from home and in desperate need of a shower before watching sunset so we headed home.
After washing off the days sweat and making ourselves look oh so fresh, we headed again to the lounge for our second Santorini sunset. Passing the hundreds of sunset onlookers on our way to the lounge, we were worried there may be no room when we arrived. There was no need to be worried. Very few people were there and again we were treated to front row seats for the best sunset on earth. I guess payment is a bigger deterrent than “warning, unexpected rock slides” to tourists. Well, at least in Santorini.
A nice Australian family sat next to us and we struck up a conversation and chatted while the sun went down. The family was very nice and was impressed by my knowledge of Australian films #nbd. We discussed our love for Air BNB and travel, anything to keep them talking. We could listen to Australian accents all night. But, we didn’t have all night and it was time to go meet up with Nick and Myriam!
When we arrived, they were already there and Myriam greeted Bethany with the classic European kiss on each cheek. Wonderful! As I went in for a hug I was nervous I may get the same, I didn’t, phew! Just a warm welcome. We sat down and chatted for awhile at Meteor Cafe but quickly invited them back to our home around the corner. That’s right, we have had people in our Santorini home both nights so far! It’s wonderful to have a space you can feel comfortable inviting people to.
We played cards on the deck for a couple of hours and looked out on the lights of Oia at night as we talked about family, friends and life. We said goodbye and planned to meet the same time tomorrow. We hope it works out! Maybe we can get together with Will & Jenn as well?
Cheers,
B&B
