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This was not my first time to this lovely island. In fact, this was my 3rd time to the island of Santorini and honestly, the first time I completely enjoyed it. My other visits were overrun with tourists. This time, ours was the only cruise ship visiting and the visit was much more pleasant.

If you have never been to Santorini, it is a must-see island. Any picture you have ever seen of Greece is likely either of the Parthenon in Athens or of the white houses and blue domes along Santorini’s caldera cliff edge.

Our ship anchored offshore just beneath the 600 or so donkey steps to the top. We took little tender boats to the very small dock and then of course paid the 6 Euros/person each way to ride the cable car. No donkeys for this girl. Giggle.

When we got off the cable car nothing was recognizable to me. Everything was new. I’m not sure how I got turned around but it allowed me to experience the island as though it was my first time there. The hubby picked a direction and away we went.

We ended up doing part of the hike between Fira and Oia. Walking along the caldera. It was hot and uphill. Taking breaks in every bit of shadow we could find.

The view in either direction was amazing. Much like my childhood home of Bermuda, Santorini is a big little island. You can stand in one place and see both ends and sides. Shaped in a U, it was once much bigger before the volcano erupted and sunk some of it. On my first visit, I got to visit Akrotiri, a still active archeological site, and saw hints of what life was once like.

We didn’t go as far as it felt. But far enough for the time that we had.

As we made our way back to Fira, who should we run into but my parents! Mom was shopping and dad sitting in a local cafe overlooking the caldera’s edge. They certainly know how to live it up. We joined them for a slow break. Having the best iced coffee I’ve ever had.

Once we returned to Fira, I started to recognize the streets and stores around me. Excited, I made a bee line to Zotos, a family-owned pastry shop right in the heart of Fira. It’s become a tradition: visit Zotos and indulge in Kataifi. Typically in a roll form, I choose the gelato. Sweet!

Greece has always been one of my favorite places in this massively small and brilliant world we live in. And now I can finally say that Santorini is one of my favorite islands.