With its white stonewashed buildings and blue-roofed accents, hypnotic sunsets, stunning cliffs, and volcanoes rising out of the mesmerizing Aegean Sea, the beauty of Santorini is just far too difficult to translate into words.

Santorini has been on my bucket list for more than a decade, and with it appearing to be on everyone else’s list too, I feared it may be overcrowded and over-rated, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. It’s perhaps one of the most beautiful islands (and places) I have ever seen, with a very special charm that every travel junkie should experience in their lifetime.

A few days in Santorini was just about enough to get a taste of this Greek paradise, but not enough time to fully appreciate the island. Alongside two of my best friends, we had the best time celebrating my 30th a few weeks early. Here is a brief rundown of our 3-day itinerary, predominantly consisting of the freshest food, and delicious Greek wine!

Day 1

How could you be mad with the world when you start your day with the yummiest Greek yoghurt and honey, and freshest juices, cheeses and coffee. Our hotel (Hotel Kalisti in Fira) put on quite the spread each morning, fueling us with Greek goodness to take us on our adventures to Oia.

We spent majority of the day wandering aimlessly through all of the hidden corners and shops of the town, and pausing (and posing) to take in the postcard worthy views. After working up an appetite, we wandered down the many stairs to Ammoudi Bay where we ate a spread of fresh seafood at Dimitri’s Ammoudi Restaurant, washed down with the local donkey beer I read raving reviews about.

After lunch we went for a walk along the rocks at the end of the bay and watched people swimming and jumping off cliffs, and then climbed the steep ascent back to Oia, where we had a candlelight dinner booked on the panorama terrace overlooking the Caldera at Ambrosia restaurant. What a show the sunset provided us with. The food was some of the best we found in Greece, and so was the wine. I wouldn’t hesitate to return here.

After the most mesmerizing sunset, we wandered through Oia to Lolita’s Gelato for the sweetest end (pun intended) to a perfect day, before heading back to our hotel in Fira.

Day 2

We started the day bright and early with our transfer van taking us to Ammoudi Bay to board our luxury catamaran with Sunset-Oia. With tunes pumping and our very attentive crew, we set sail around the volcanic Caldera Region of Santorini, discovering hidden caves and dramatic rock formations at the red and black beaches, and the natural hot springs. Alongside the girl gang, we spent the entire day diving into, and splashing in the Aegean Sea, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the 5* service of a delicious and fresh BBQ cooked on board and washed down the local wine and beer.

Following the boat, we had a bit of down time at the hotel before heading to the Santos winery where we did a private tasting experience. Nine wines into the tasting, with another breathtaking view, there was lots of laughter and ear to ear smiles in the tasting area. Dinner on Day 2 was at Argo, providing us once again with views of the Caldera, and a true dining experience including Greek and other Mediterranean delights. My only advice is to book weeks in advance to secure your spot.

Day 3

We woke up at 6am to start our hike from Fira to Oia. Visiting Santorini in the height of summer meant that it was really busy. The hike from Fira to Oia gave us isolated paths and unobstructed views of the rock formations and sea to admire at our own pace, with several stops to take in the unimaginable beauty of the island. This was perhaps one of the highlights of our time in Greece.

Following our hike, we took a local bus back to Fira so we could get ready for the day, and sadly, check out of our hotel. We enjoyed some down time by the pool before heading into Fira for lunch at Lucky’s Gyro. If you’re lucky enough, Lucky himself will serve you the best Gyro in Fira, to be washed down with local beer.

Following lunch, we did some retail damage in the Fira shops, filled with more bags and leather sandals that our suitcases permitted us to buy.

Then came the time for our airport transfer, and to say bye to the most stunning island that provided the squad with memories that will last us all a lifetime.

I will be back to discover more of the magic Santorini has to offer, but next time with hubby by my side to experience the romantic side of the stunning island. Two lessons I learnt on my first trip was that three days is not enough time, and it’s an island worth traveling to out of peak season to get to enjoy some of the more luxurious hotels without breaking the bank, and to escape the crowds.