Drumroll please…our first stop on the honeymoon train is none-other than OIA, SANTORINI! So, I’ll admit, this is not one of those scenarios where I’m saving the best for last. Greece doesn’t get much better than Santorini. I swear you just get caught up in the magical views, and sunsets, and food, and architecture, did I mention the VIEWS?! I’ve certainly seen some beautiful places in my 27 years, but nothing really compares to literally waking up staring at the vast Aegean Sea.Sunset Sips2Donkey in Oia, Santoriniviews of oia, santorini, greeceWe didn’t actually ride the donkeys through town {or on the cliffs}, but I’ve got that on my bucket list for my next trip!
Colorful Gladiator SandalsI die. These sandals were everything this trip | Schutz colorful sandalsSunset in Oia, Santorini | Greece GuideSuch a happy little Mrs. | wearing Lilly Pulitzer Top + Woven Metallic Clutch c/o, Henri Bendel Sunnies c/o, White Skinnies + Schutz Colorful Sandalsviews of oia, santorini, greeceI learned very quickly not all Greek salads are created equal…my favorite {by far} was actually at our hotel – Charisma Suitesbeautiful oil, santorini, greece hotelwhere we stayedDoes this not look like I snagged it straight out of a magazine?! Charisma Suites has the viewsssss though. Sterling + I trolled TripAdvisor, hotels.com and about a dozen other hotel booking/reviews sites before we landed on Charisma Suites. There are less then 10 total rooms at Charisma, so we were fortunate enough that something was still available only 2 months out!! Ultimately the decision came down to the fact that Charisma is located on the FAR end/tip of Oia, which we read was very secluded and intimate, but still within super close walking distance to all the shops + restaurants. All of which proved true.

We pre-booked a group car service {40EU total} from the airport – would highly recommend. Charisma can be a little tricky to find along the mountainside. The bell boy met us in the parking lot and took all of our luggage directly to our suite – guiding us through the narrow streets and stairways. Upon arrival, the entire team at Charisma is super friendly and helpful. It almost feels like a little family for the week. Maria {she’s THE best} was our main point of contact during our stay, and help us with everything from restaurant reservations and recommendations, to ordering breakfast and reserving a boat ride. We felt right at home.

In a nutshell – rooms + common areas were super clean, beds were comfy, food was delicious {favorite Greek salad the entire trip}, staff was incredible and made us feel right at home, pool water was too cold to swim {but there aren’t really heated pools in Greece}, amazing location, insane views, private balcony for every room….are you booking yet?!beautiful oil, santorini, greece hotelArchitecture smooth as the yogurt.Poolside in Oia, Santorini, Out of Office Sun HatCustom ‘out of office’ hat {other sayings available!} c/o White Elephant Designs
Poolside in Oia3 beautiful oil, santorini, greece hotelwhat to wear in Santorini, GreeceGuide to GreecePoolside in Oia, Santorini, Out of Office Sun HatCustom ‘out of office’ hat {other sayings available!} c/o White Elephant Designsbeautiful oil, santorini, greece hotel Guide to GreeceSunset in Oia, Santorini | Greece GuideA little pre-dinner shopping.Guide to Oia, Santorini | Greece White Espadrille FlatsWhite leather soludos – love love loveeeee these.Sunset in Oia, Santoriniwhat we didBreakfast: Luckily for us, breakfast was included in our hotel stay. Not too shabby waking up every morning and walking out onto an ocean-side balcony, with breakfast waiting for you. And this is not the ‘American-style continental breakfast’, this is full blown anything-you-want ‘Greek-style breakfast’. I’m talking FOOD on food, on food. Eggs any style, bacon, ham, sausage, assortment of breads, preserves, yogurt with all the toppings, coffee, fresh juice, oh my goodness the list goes on and on. You get the deal. Needless to say, we didn’t feel the need to go elsewhere for breakfast with such delicious breakfast at our fingertips.

Lunch at Metaxy Mas Tavern: A little bit of a drive from Oia, but SO worth it. Take a map and get directions before you go, since it’s a little tough to spot from the road. This little lunch place was recommended to us by Maria {over at Charisma} as one of the more authentic lunch spots you’d see locals dine at. Upon being seated, you’re presented with a complimentary assortment of olives, bread + the Greek favorite…a small bottle of ouzo for you to sip throughout your meal.

Dinner at Sunset Ammoudi Taverna: Hands the only restaurant I would say is an absolute MUST while in Oia. Especially if you’re a seafood lover. The restaurant is located directly on the water, and known for the freshest seafood {even by the locals} on the island. You’ll be presented raw fish table-side to choose from, for the chef to cook any way you’d like. Definitely a nicer, romantic spot for dinner, but could also work for a casual lunch!

Road trip: we rented a car for 2 of our 5 days on Santorini and really enjoyed popping into some of the smaller towns around the island. Santorini {and Greece in general} is really easy to get around, so I’d highly recommend getting a car for at least a day.

Wine Tasting: Greece may not be super well know for their wine making skills, but there are several wineries + vineyards on Santorini worth noting. We made a pit-stop at Venetsanos Winery one afternoon and were taken back by the breathtaking tasting terrace! Such a vision, and we had the entire place to ourselves as the rain clouds started rolling in. The tasting notes were on the sweeter side then what I prefer {Santorini is known for their light whites + rose}, but still very refreshing for mid-day sips, and for an overall experience I’d highly recommend.

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Love your photos and review of ChaRisma. DEFINITELY helped us Decide on Our choice for our stay in Oia. Please if you can avoid Riding the donkeys on your Next trip. This really should be stopped.

I have to bookmark this for future visits 🙂 I absolutely love Greece (I am bias – I’m Greek!) and can’t wait to go back to the country and visit…the pictures look fabulous and I’m glad you had an amazing time. Opa!

maria

http://www.educationchic.com

Santorini generally experiences two seasons. April to October is the warm and dry season and the cold and rainy season lasts from November to March. Pipes with running water and water closets found at Akrotiri are the oldest such utilities discovered

The location is absolutely beautiful and I love your outfits! xoxo

blackhairblackdress.com

Wow, sounds like you had a fantastic time! I literally just came across Oia this morning, and I’m happy you were there and loved it so much! So happy you had a great time! Congratulations again on your nuptials! Xo

That view is AMAZING! I need to put this at the top of my travel bucket list! Love these outfits, too!

Jamie
http://www.treatsandtrendsblog.com/

What a beautiful place to visit! You got some really great shots. I like your cute and colourful sandals too. Hope you are having a great trip!

Away From The Blue Blog

Beautiful pics of Greece. I’m inspired to go

This looks like such a dream 🙂 What a beautiful first stop for your honeymoon! And a great hotel find!

Am in love with your blog OMG!!

Love this lady, it looks like you had the best time. I’m going to Greece next weekend and cannot wait.
XO,
Maria
MariaOnPoint http://mariaonpoint.com/ | Find me on IG https://www.instagram.com/mariajabad/

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