With many destinations I had been to and got use to, I always had an impression that Thai and Chinese food is very easy to find everywhere on this planet! I am a fan of Asian and could not help having it every times though when I visit some Western countries. I came over to Santorini island with an intent to have Chinese food right after I arrived. I was dying for it after my 5-day trip in the UK. Unfortunately, Chinese influence does not come this far to this island, the Malaysian-run Chinese restaurant seemed to be the only one here in Fira, the capital of Santorini. Don’t even talk about Thai!

Gyros at Oia bus terminal

The next meal surprised us! Though it’s very plain Greek food, it kept me forgotten Asian for a while (my hubby was very happy since he did not have to hear me scream when I was dying for Thai or Chinese). Gyros*, Souvlaki**, and Greek Salad were the three main things we had everyday over our trip. Seafood at the island did not fancy us because it never competes with Thai / Chinese seafood. Seafood here also seemed to have only fish!

*Gyros: Kebab lookalike – Blend of beef and lamb topped with onions, tomatoes and tzatziki sauce.

Source: http://www.explorecrete.com/cuisine/gyros.html

**Souvlaki: is a popular Greek fast food consisting of small pieces of meat and sometimes vegetables grilled on a skewer.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Souvlaki

Back to our stunning hotel (Oia Mare Villa) in Oia, we planed to have a “romantic candlelight dinner” because the hotel room balcony with the view looked really nice. We walked down the hill tending to buy a big Gyros pack (gyros for romantic candlelight dinner. What a creative idea!!! -_-) with some wine from one of the food shops and a glossary at Oia bus terminal. The Gyros here tasted totally different from the first Gyros we had in Fira. Our impression on Gyros totally turned from OK to Great!

We ended up with unromantic stupid chatting. We were just too impressed with this great meal. The whole conversation that we had was just about nonsense. This would probably be considered romantic. Do you think so too?

We ignored other restaurants but this shop (@Oia bus terminal). If you go there, you will definitely find this shop. Don’t miss a chance to try it!

Father and son who operate the shop and made great Gyros

The great spot for the best view in Oia, Santorini

Santorini, Greece, We looked forward to leaving for Santorini after our 4 nights in London. We had no idea what Santorini would be like except the white houses along the cliff where we always see in the postcards. I did not expect that it took quite long to fly from London to Santorini. It was 4+ hours, also it is pretty far from Athens.

*(1) The Greek island of Santorini Greece or Thera is located in the Cyclades islands, in the Aegean Sea, Mediterranean at coordinates 36°25′ N 25°26′ E . Santorini Island Greece is with Mykonos, the most famous holiday destination. It is a small group of volcanic islands and its name was given by the Venetian in reference to Saint Irene.

The island was also called Strongili and Kalisti and was the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions but what remains today is a submerged volcano and a caldera. The island of Santorini is related to the myth of Atlantis, the amazing views from the villages of Fira, Oia perched on cliffs, the sunset, the black and red beaches, the wine …

Source: http://www.greeka.com/cyclades/santorini

While plane wheels were touching runway, I looked through the window and could feel hot outside. It really was – in August, it was summer. The agent bus took us passed by Fira, Santorini capital to Oia Mare Villa Hotel, Oia, a village, one the most beautiful Sunset spot in Santorini.

Oia Santorini: Oia, pronounced ‘Ia’, is the most famous of all villages of Santorini. It is known throughout the world for its quiet life and fantastic sunset, and is certainly the most beautiful and picturesque village of Santorini. The village is also situated on top of an impressive cliff and offers a spectacular view over the volcano of Palia and Nea Kameni and the island of Thirassia. Oia is situated on the north of the island, 11 km away from Fira.

Source: http://www.greeka.com/cyclades/santorini/santorini-villages/oia-santorini.htm

Main church in Oia, Santorini

The bus actually did not take us right to the hotel, we walked there together with Santorini taxi – donkey (In Santorini, they drive only on the main road that connects the villeges. In such areas, walk ONLY). There were full of steps on the way to the hotel, good that we had him – donkey, otherwise we would probably die there. Even walking down the steps with bare hands in the afternoon, it was suffering (for me). Imagine I walked up and down the steps every single day in 7 days. This was fun though. We laughed every times we were climing the street. When we forgot something, I was the one who did not go back to get those, so he was. That was part of the funny things over there.

Below – Some pictures of Oia Mare Villa, the hotel we stayed. Oia is famous for its imaginary sunset and its narrow passageways get crowded in the evenings. The most popular spot to watch sunset is by the Kastro walls. Oia Mare Villa is considered the clostest to the spot.

When you come up with plan to travel in Santorini, I recommend you stay in “Oia”. Other villeges on Santorini island are where you can visit during the day. Click on source link below to see more Oia pictures and info.