Santorini | Arriving at a blue-and-white dream by boat

Some places leave an indelible mark on your memory with just one glance. For me, Santorini in Greece is one such place. As the ferry glides across the deep blue of the Aegean Sea, the island perched on the cliff gradually comes into view, and my heart feels as light as the sea breeze. The moment I arrived at the port and looked up, I saw layers of white rooftops complemented by blue-domed churches—a scene that truly felt like "wind in the painting, light in the dream." 🌀 **Winding up from the port to the blue-and-white world of dreams.** I chose to stay in Oia, the legendary "most beautiful sunset spot." Every evening before dusk, the entire town seems enchanted—the streets quiet down, the sky gradually turns shades of pink and gold, and people naturally face west, ready to witness the grand sunset ceremony. 🌅 As the sun slowly sinks below the horizon, the entire blue-and-white town is bathed in golden light. At that moment, I suddenly understood why people from all over the world are willing to travel far and wide just to witness a sunset. — 📌 **Travel Tips & Reminders** 🚢 Transportation * You can take a ferry from Athens to Santorini (about 5–8 hours) or opt for a flight (about 45 minutes). * After arriving at Athinios Port, it’s recommended to **book a shuttle in advance** as the island has steep slopes and finding transportation on the spot can be challenging. * Transportation options on the island are limited, with sparse bus schedules and expensive ride-hailing services. Consider using Uber. 🏠 Recommended Accommodation Fira: The city center, lively and convenient with plenty of shops and restaurants. Oia: Known for its stunning sunsets, accommodations are pricey but the views are unbeatable—book early. * **Imerovigli**: Offers great views and fewer tourists, ideal for a quiet getaway. 👗 Outfit Suggestions * White clothing is a perfect choice here—great for photos! * The ground is mostly cobblestone, so wear comfortable sandals or casual shoes. * Bring a light jacket for the breezy evenings. 📸 Photography Tips * For the blue-domed church area, take photos early in the morning or at dusk when there are fewer people and softer lighting. * At Oia’s sunset spot, arrive **at least an hour early** to secure a good spot—it gets crowded during golden hour. * Be mindful of local drone regulations, as many areas prohibit flying. 🍽️ Food Recommendations * Try traditional dishes like Moussaka (Greek eggplant casserole), tomato fritters, and fresh octopus. * Oia has several scenic restaurants, though prices are higher. Consider visiting at lunchtime for photos and dining to avoid the crowds. — 📖 One sentence to summarize this trip: "In Santorini, you don’t need to rush your itinerary, because the most beautiful moments happen when you pause and take it all in." Thank you to this blue-and-white island for showing me that sunsets can be so tender and travel can be so pure.