Oia, Santorini

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.We 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!
I die. These sandals were everything this trip | Schutz colorful sandalsSuch a happy little Mrs. | wearing Lilly Pulitzer Top + Woven Metallic Clutch c/o, Henri Bendel Sunnies c/o, White Skinnies + Schutz Colorful SandalsI learned very quickly not all Greek salads are created equal…my favorite {by far} was actually at our hotel – Charisma SuitesDoes 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?!Architecture smooth as the yogurt.Custom ‘out of office’ hat {other sayings available!} c/o White Elephant Designs
Custom ‘out of office’ hat {other sayings available!} c/o White Elephant Designs A little pre-dinner shopping. White leather soludos – love love loveeeee these.Breakfast: 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.