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Santorini.
One of the most beautiful of the Greek Islands, it offers towering cliffs, lined with whitewashed villages, set amidst stunning azure waters. Having seen pictures over the years, I knew that if I had to select one Greek Island to visit, that would be it.
After picking up our rental car and making our way up the steep road to our hotel in Pyrgos, we unpacked, made a quick run to the grocery store and then stood on our patio, staring at the beautiful scenery on all sides of us. Now what?
We had three days to discover everything about this unique enclave.
My husband had spoken to the gentleman at the front desk and he had suggested heading to the north side of the island for some of the best views of the sunset. We needed to head out, it was already mid-afternoon!
Following the highway past Thera and Imerovigli and enjoying the views along the way, we finally arrived in Oia. Tour buses rolled past us and parking lots were filled to capacity. Large droves of people walked past us on the narrow roads. Finally, we found a parking spot along the roadway and walked up to the Lioyerma Lounge Cafe and Pool Bar to get a drink and our bearings.
Discovering that the view here was second to none and having had a long day of travel, we decided to remain here and enjoy some cold beers as the sun dropped lower towards the horizon.
While my husband and son enjoyed some traditional Greek appetizers, I decided to do some exploration of the area. Finding small walkways lined with colorful hyposkafa buildings, windmills, minimalist churches, sea captains’ houses, old wineries, hotels restaurants, shops and cafes, I was astounded. Everything was so picture-perfect, I felt as though I was walking through a postcard.
This was what we had come to see!
This…and a sunset.
Yes, the sun was inching closer to where the sea meets the sky, so I returned back to our table on the edge of the cliff.
The winds had increased and it was quite chilly as we toasted our good fortune to have made it to such a stunning location.
Eventually, as a cruise ship made its way out to sea, the sun dipped behind the waves, enveloping us in the gloaming.
One of the most astonishing sights I have ever laid my well-traveled eyes on.
I had always heard about the stunning Santorini sunsets.
Now, I understood.
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Lioyerma Lounge Cafe and Pool Bar
- Address: Oia 847 02, Greece
- Hours: 1000-2200, daily
- Admission: Drinks and food for purchase. To sit at tables near the edge, for excellent sunset viewing, minimum purchase required.