Discover the captivating tranquility of Santorini, Greece - a picturesque paradise waiting to be explored.
In the heart of the Cyclades, nestled amidst the crystal-clear Aegean Sea, lies the croissant-shaped island of Santorini. This enchanting destination, with its undulating white houses perched atop cliffs and its vibrant caldera, has long held a special place in the hearts of many.
For the author, Santorini holds a particular nostalgia. It was here, during a family holiday when he was just 13, that he first set foot on the island and fell in love with its unique charm. Fast forward to the present, and the author found himself drawn back to Santorini, eager to rekindle the memories of his past and create new ones.
One of the first stops on his journey was the picturesque town of Oia. The streets, while bustling with visitors, were not congested, allowing for a leisurely stroll. The author reminisced about a previous visit, recognising the very hillside where he once saw mules laboriously making their way up precipitous inclines. This time, however, he found himself riding a mule, clad in a blue blazer and clogs, up the same path.
The Ganter and Chaidemenos families, native to Santorini but now residing in Athens, have played significant roles in the island's tourism industry. In the 1980s, they transformed caves, which had been used for generations in their families as wineries, chicken coops, and mule stables, into hotels. Today, the Chaidemenos family's Canaves Collection boasts five properties around Santorini, including the reimagined Canaves Ena and the contemporary Canaves Epitome, which opened in 2018 and offers a warm and earthy version of glamour.
The author experienced the hospitality of the Canaves Ena firsthand, enjoying a sojourn at the hotel's taverna, Armeni, located in Ammoudi. The taverna, which also bears the same name as the port below, offered a delightful dining experience, with the fresh seafood and tender pork souvlaki, enjoyed while overlooking the sea, being particular highlights.
Santorini's premier winemaker, Sigalas, is another must-visit destination. The soil here, a remarkable red, black, and white volcanic ash, lends a unique character to the wines produced. The head of hospitality at Sigalas winery, Labrini Kouvatsi, leads tours through the vineyards, offering insights into the winemaking process and the history of the estate.
No visit to Santorini would be complete without a soothing swim in the caldera's hot springs. The author was fortunate enough to experience this on a catamaran, floating in the warm waters as the sun set, casting a golden glow over the island.
As the author's sojourn in Santorini came to an end, he couldn't help but feel a sense of longing to return. The island, with its fishermen with rugged faces, widows clad in black, and the breathtaking caldera, has a charm that is difficult to resist. Santorini, it seems, is a place that once visited, never truly leaves you.
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