Santorini, Sunsets and a Little Bit of Kamaki
- Feb 24
- 3 min read
I’m very lucky to have made some amazing friends all over the world — and it’s all thanks to this wonderful industry I work in. The travel industry opens doors, broadens perspectives and introduces you to places you may never have considered visiting otherwise.
Santorini is a small Greek island, and if my friend hadn’t moved there a couple of years ago, I might never have gone. Which now feels ridiculous. It’s easy to reach, with direct flights from several airports, instantly recognisable with its whitewashed buildings and blue domes, and home to beautiful beaches — including the famous black sand beach of Perissa. So why had I never been before?
I packed my bags and headed off for a week in the Cyclades, full of excitement and very high expectations. I wanted the postcard views. I wanted that photo of me holding the sun up to stop it from setting. And I wanted to sit on a terrace eating keftedes and kleftiko, gazing out over the caldera as the sky turned soft shades of pink and orange.
Santorini is truly idyllic. Breathtaking. Romantic. Perfect for a wedding or honeymoon, but just as magical with friends, a partner, or even solo. The island itself was formed from the rim of an ancient, drowned volcano — dramatic, beautiful and completely unforgettable.
Oia, built high on the slope of the caldera, stole my heart instantly. The views are unreal. I fell in love with the blue-domed churches, the narrow winding passageways and the endless white walls. Every corner feels picture-perfect. I spent days wandering with friends, browsing beautiful jewellers, shopping for bikinis and artisan leather sandals, and sipping cocktails at cliff-side bars.
From one such bar, we watched cruise ships anchored in the bay below and their passengers making their way back down the mountain… by donkey. Not the most relaxing descent. If the guide is on top of things, you’re fine. If not, prepare for potential donkey pile-ups, being pinned against rocky walls, and a distinct feeling of having absolutely no control as you speed downhill. Definitely not for the faint-hearted — and very entertaining to watch as some people decide halfway through that it’s really not for them.
Fira, the island’s main town, is busy and buzzing, full of people heading out for drinks and dinner. Imerovigli is home to some of the most beautiful (and eye-wateringly expensive) hotels on the island. Yalos Beach impressed with its gorgeous beach bar and sunbeds, while Perivolos delivered incredible seafood and El Greco cocktails enjoyed with our toes in the sand.
And then there was Kamari — where I stayed, overlooking the sea and the airport, just a five-minute drive from the beach. This is where we spent most of our time, laughing, eating and drinking with the owner of Family, a beachfront restaurant with its own sun loungers. This is also where I was introduced to kamaki.
So what is kamaki? Simply put, it’s what the Greeks do best. With everyone. Kamaki means to flirt. And as the saying goes, when in Rome… or in this case, when in Greece. If it’s good enough for the Greeks, it would be rude not to reciprocate. Kamaki it was.
FAQs:
1. Is Santorini worth visiting?
Yes, Santorini is known for its dramatic caldera views, sunsets, beaches and romantic atmosphere.
2. How many days do you need in Santorini?
A stay of 4–7 days is ideal to explore the island, relax on the beaches and enjoy different towns.
3. What is the best area to stay in Santorini?
Oia is famous for views and sunsets, while Kamari and Perivolos offer beachside stays and a more relaxed feel.
4. When is the best time to visit Santorini?
May–June and September are ideal for warm weather without peak summer crowds.
5. Is Santorini only for couples?
No, Santorini suits couples, friends and solo travellers, offering culture, beaches, food and nightlife.
