After our unforgettable trip to Japan seven months ago (a post still waiting to be written!), we were craving some Mediterranean sunshine—and what better way to spend a week off than soaking in the iconic beauty of Santorini and the rugged charm of Crete?
This time, we made a plan to beat the summer crowds and travel in mid-May, when the temperatures are just right and the islands are still relatively peaceful. We booked our ferry tickets in advance, secured rental cars for both islands, and left our beloved Labrador, Oscar, in the loving care of our son and his girlfriend, who came from Portugal to stay with him at home. We always feel better knowing Oscar is safe and happy in his own environment, and it’s a great excuse to spend time with family.
Read more: A Week in Greece: Santorini & Crete – Sun, Sea & StoriesSantorini: Sunrises, Serenity & Caldera Views
Santorini truly lives up to the hype. The dramatic cliffs, whitewashed houses, and endless blue views really do create a “wow” effect.
Our adventure began in Santorini, where we spent three nights at Yposkafo Suites in Firostefani. Perched above the caldera, the suite offered breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere. Early mornings were our favorite time—before the crowds, the island felt like our own. The sunrise painted the sky in hues of pink and orange, casting a magical glow over the whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches.
We walked a lot (and climbed even more stairs!), and also made good use of our rental car to reach further corners of the island:
We explored:
- Fira & Firostefani: Strolled through cobblestone streets lined with boutiques and cafés.
- Pyrgos: Wandered through this less touristy village, enjoying panoramic views from its Venetian castle.
- Akrotiri: Visited the ancient Minoan city preserved by volcanic ash, offering a glimpse into a civilization lost in time.
- Beaches: Relaxed at Red Beach, White Beach, Perissa, and Kamari, soaking up the sun and swimming in the Aegean Sea.
- Oia & Ammoudi Bay: Concluded our Santorini stay with a sunset dinner in Oia, followed by a stroll down to Ammoudi Bay.
While Santorini is beautiful, it’s important to note that it’s not a cheap destination. Everything from meals to transportation comes with a premium. Tipping is expected (10% minimum) in restaurants, and we also noticed a strong informal economy—many businesses prefer cash to avoid taxes, which seems to be common practice. It’s good to be prepared with cash, especially outside the major tourist hubs.
Beaches, Ruins & Aegean Bliss
We’re not the kind of people who spend all day on a beach, but this time we really needed the sun—and honestly, it was the best decision. For the first time in years, I swam in the sea, let the sun warm my face, and just paused. The beaches were beautiful, each with their own charm, and well set up with sunbeds and umbrellas—perfect for spending a few hours doing absolutely nothing, which felt like a real treat.
The water? So clear and inviting. The water was cold—but not as cold as in Portugal or Ireland, which made it easy to dive in and enjoy. There’s something truly humbling about floating in the vastness of the Sea—just you, the water, and the sky.
One place that really left a mark on us was the Akrotiri archaeological site. It’s amazing how well-preserved everything is. It was hard to believe this city existed thousands of years ago—and was once home to around 10,000 people. What’s even more intriguing is that no human remains have ever been found there, which adds to the mystery. There’s a strange calmness in the air, almost like the place is still holding on to its secrets, quietly waiting to be understood.
Crete: From Heraklion’s History to Chania’s Charm
After three incredible days in Santorini, we boarded a boat to Crete, which took just about two hours. As soon as we arrived, we noticed how different the two islands are. Crete is big, mountainous, and deeply layered with history.
We stayed in a few different places to explore more easily:
- Ibis Styles Heraklion
- Elia Palazzo Hotel Chania
- 7 Rises Luxury Living Heraklion
And we visited:
- Heraklion – including the fortress, Old Town, and the legendary Knossos Palace, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.
- Rethymno – with its fortress, Venetian harbor, and charming old alleys
- Lake Kournas – Crete’s only freshwater lake
- Georgioupolis – with the stunning Chapel of Agios Nikolaos on the water
- Chania – our favorite; a romantic old town with a stunning Venetian harbor
- Fodele – the birthplace of El Greco, and famous for its sweet, fragrant oranges
One night in Heraklion, we had quite the unexpected experience—we were woken up by an earthquake! It happened in the middle of the night, and I remember feeling the bed gently rocking. It wasn’t scary, just… surreal. We’d never felt anything like it before. This is quite normal in Greece, and everyone was very relaxed about it, but for us it was definitely something to remember!
Culinary Delights: A Feast for the Senses
Greek and Cretan cuisine was a highlight of our trip. We savored:
- Salads: Greek and Cretan varieties, fresh and flavorful.
- Fava: A creamy split pea dip.
- Moussaka: A comforting eggplant and meat casserole.
- Seafood: Octopus, squid, calamari, sea bass, and sardines.
- Kleftiko: Slow-cooked lamb infused with herbs.
- Gyros: A classic street food favorite.
- Traditional Greek Cakes: Galaktoboureko, Revani, Portokalopita, Melamakarona, and Milopita.
- Frozen Yogurt & Greek Coffee: Perfect treats to cool down and energize.
Reflections: Sun, Sea & Shared Moments
This trip reminded us how good it feels to unplug, soak in the sun, and embrace a slower rhythm. We met kind people, experienced rich culture, and left with full hearts (and camera rolls). As always, returning home to Oscar was the cherry on top—his tail wagged like crazy when we walked through the door.
One of my favorite post-travel rituals is sorting through our millions of photos, printing a few, and framing them around the house. I may not be a professional photographer, but capturing these memories is something I truly love.
Greece, you were magical. We’ll be back someday!
Your Turn: Thoughts, Tips & Travels
Have you ever visited Santorini or Crete? I’d love to hear about your experience—whether it was soaking up the sun, exploring ruins, or simply enjoying the food and views. Feel free to share your thoughts or tips in the comments. It’s always so nice to hear from others who’ve followed similar paths or are dreaming of going.
