Indulge in the surreal view of the sea sparkling under the glorious Mediterranean sun, the lunar rocks dropping sheer to the sea-filled crater, the cruise ships peacefully floating in the cobalt blue waters, the dazzling white cube-like houses daringly perched on the edge of the steep cliffs, and the dormant volcano standing as a silent sentinel, guarding the secret of the lost Atlantis. Words are not enough to describe the divine natural beauty of Aegean's black diamond. Santorini -repeatedly voted as the most beautiful island in the world by travelers and travel experts- is certainly the jewel in the crown of all Greek islands, with its unearthly raw power, alluring energy, and dramatic landscape.
The traditional settlement of Oia Santorini is world-famous for its legendary sunsets and lively cultural scene. It is located on the westernmost point of Santorini, and its charming cube-like houses with colorful façades are perched on the edge of the cliffs, about 150 meters above sea level. Oia is much more quiet than Fira -the island's capital, located 11 kilometers away-, and its pedestrian narrow winding streets are filled with high-end galleries, boutiques, shops, restaurants, cafés and bars. As dusk falls, hundreds of excitable tourists are looking for the best spot near the ruins of the Venetian castle to watch the sun dipping in the Aegean. It's when the sky and the sea look redder and redder as the sun gets closer to the horizon, creating a postcard-worthy scenery.