Plato’s Atlantis, Homer’s Odyssey, nor Lena’s summer with the traveling pants could have properly prepared me for the deeply breathtaking serenity of the volcanic caldera of Santorini. Greece’s deep and mystical history seem to anchor heaven (or Olympus) right to the sapphire waters of this island, creating an ethereal energy almost overwhelming in its peace. Under the Grecian sun, deep in the reverie, it's as if a cool breeze could come and fill your ear with a siren’s promise of secrets from the future, and you’d still turn them down for this blissful present.

Mallory and I docked onto Santorini from a ferry from Mykonos, and were greeted by massive and mesmerizing garnet cliffs. We met with the very tan, very sweet, and very Greek man who managed our Airbnb, and he helped us maneuver our bags through the sporadic and winding cliffside pathways that wiggle around homes of all shapes stacked on top of each other.
After quickly settling and admiring our cave home and its idyllic view we nearly ran out the door, heeding the call of olives and octopus.

We meandered the narrow cobblestone footpaths of Oia, admiring the stark and rounded buildings, watching the light constantly danced between the white walls, reflecting the sun, and lighting the island up like a moon. We shared Moussaka, tried local Saganaki (a local fried cheese), and sipped aperol spritz on a rooftop overlooking the glorious Anastasis Church, featuring its famous royal blue domes. After a quick drink of ouzo, the local liquor and a dry anise-flavoured aperitif, we hit to streets again in search of good souvys to remember this heavenly corner of the world by, and stumbled upon the Atlantis Bookstore, a most incredible collection of art and rare and unique literature, a delightful surprise. Nothing makes me happier than a unique bookstore, and the Atlantis Bookstore had me swooning.

A friend had tipped me off to a secret cliff jumping locale (Thanks @NatCrip!), so naturally we had to see for ourselves. We climbed down the 1000 steps to Amoudi Bay while the sun hung low and the water shimmered. We followed the rocky cliffside to the left of the Amoudi Bay restaurants and found an idyllic cove filled with young lovers and adventurous jumpers swimming to a jumping point just away from the rocks. We stayed and watched the sun melt, and accomplished a truly grueling hike back up the 1000 steps (do not recommended, not at all). We climbed onto our rooftop and sipped victory beers in awe as the sherbet sky coalesced on the horizon and a bright sparkling full moon rose behind us. We finished our night under the moon feasting on more Greek eats, of Dolmadakia (stuffed grape leaves), and Souvlaki (skewers).

Under the pristine dark of the night sky, the soft lights that beamed off this small yet buzzy town, seemed to rivaled the stars. On this island, the heavens are closer, and its mystical energy pulls from within your own myth, your inner goddess of the sky, sea, beauty, and sun. Oia’s queenly charm and quiet elegance, made it impossible for us to shut our eyes at night, for not the best dream could contend with the surreal peace of this island.

Ευχαριστώ Santorini!

Xo
Amanda Jam-

THE JAM

DIGS
Airbnb for an authentic cave home vibe
Splurge on The EroSantorini, a brand new villa estate designed by Paola Navone with its own wine cellar, spa, and outdoor cinema, swoon.

EXPERIENCE
Rooftops drinks overlooking Anastasis Church, Sunset at Oia Castle, Atlantis Bookstore, Cliff jumping by Amoudi Bay

FEAST
PitoGyros ( we had these twice in one day!), Octopus at Amoudi Fish Tavern, Ambrosia, Roka, Catch Bar, and Lolita’s Gelato

LOCAL
Eats: Moussaka, Gyros, Olives, Saganaki, Feta, Dolmadakia, and Souvlaki
Drinks: Ouzo and Metaxa