We just returned from an unforgettable trip to Greece — our honeymoon stop in Santorini was absolutely magical. We worked with Katie from Ever After Honeymoons, and her suggestions for hotels, restaurants, and activities were spot on. Santorini has been on our bucket list for years, and the island did not disappoint. From the distinctive architecture and vibrant colors to the breathtaking coastal views, it often felt like we were walking through a dream.
The island is incredibly photogenic, and narrowing down our photos was nearly impossible — Jeff was in full-on photographer bliss. Below I share highlights from our stay, tips for getting around, and some of our favorite spots in Oia. For those planning a visit, a map of our top recommendations is included further down.
Click through for more photos from our adventures, and for a map of our top places to hit in Oia.
We stayed at Canaves Oia Suites, a luxury boutique hotel carved into the cliffside of Oia. Our suite was classic Santorini white with a private plunge pool and a patio overlooking the sea — the perfect honeymoon retreat. Mornings began with a relaxed breakfast by the pool, followed by explorations around the village. Afternoons were for returning to the hotel to relax, enjoying light meals by the pool, and prepping for evening dinners.
The staff at Canaves were exceptionally welcoming and attentive. The hotel’s location made it easy to wander Oia during the day and return for restful breaks before dinner. It felt both central and pleasantly peaceful — far enough from the busiest sunset spots to avoid the largest crowds.
Our favorite activity was simply wandering the streets of Oia. The pedestrian paths open into a maze of alleys, stairways, colorful doors, and charming facades. The architecture and hues are unforgettable. A practical note: finding specific places can be tricky since formal addresses are rare. Locals often point you in a direction and say “you can’t miss it,” which isn’t always true. If you rely on restaurants or appointments, save locations before leaving your hotel or be prepared to roam and discover places by chance.
Although Oia was our base and we loved walking everywhere, we took a taxi to Fira on our last day and were delighted by it. Fira has its own network of narrow streets, wonderful architecture, and lively squares. There’s a cable car that descends to sea level if you want that experience. We returned to Oia by bus — an inexpensive option compared to taxis — and, while the cliffside drive felt a bit nerve-wracking, it was worth the savings if you’re comfortable with narrow roads.
We booked a catamaran tour with Sunset Oia that sailed the Caldera and stopped at beaches and hot springs. Seeing Santorini from the water is a must — the cliffs, volcanic rock, and coastal views are stunning. The crew prepared an impressive Greek-style lunch on board, and drinks were included. It was a relaxing and scenic experience that gave us a new perspective on the island.
Sunsets in Oia attract huge crowds, and they’re treated almost like a communal event. If you prefer a quieter view, head to the main road where fewer people gather and you can still witness the spectacular colors without the crush of tourists.
The island is full of friendly stray dogs and cats that seem well cared for by the local community; shop owners and residents often look after them and provide food. Their presence added warmth to our walks through town.
One of our most memorable outings was walking down the many stairs to Amoudi Bay at the tip of Oia. It’s a long descent — locals joke about “a thousand steps” — but the waterfront restaurants and crystal-clear swimming spots are worth it. From the water’s edge you can swim, jump off small rocks, or enjoy seafood dinners literally on the water. If you don’t want to climb back, there are donkeys to give you a lift.
All Photos by Jeff Mindell
For convenience, we had a local map created that highlights our favorite spots around Oia — places to eat, shop, and explore. We kept the trip relatively relaxed and budget-conscious: walk when you can, save taxis for longer trips, and choose a few special experiences like a romantic dinner or a boat tour.
Map Illustration by Striped Cat Studio
Recommended places in Oia:
To Stay: Canaves Oia Suites
For Coffee + Smoothies: Passagio — conveniently located across from Canaves and serving delicious drinks.
For a Treat: Lolita’s Gelato — a charming spot near the bus stop ideal for a refreshing snack.
For Casual Dinner: Thalami — excellent pita and souvlaki, plus memorable small plates.
For a Romantic Meal: Ambrosia — an intimate restaurant with atmospheric seating and lovely flavors.
For Baklava: Melenio — a cozy subterranean bakery known for its baklava.
For Linen Clothing: There are many shops selling linen; we found a particularly friendly boutique near the Amoudi steps with high-quality pieces.
For an Adventure: Take a catamaran from Amoudi Bay to swim in the volcanic hot springs and explore the coastline.
For Lunch: Dine at one of the seaside tavernas in Amoudi Bay and consider taking a donkey ride back up if you’d like to rest after the stairs.
Part one of our honeymoon was everything we hoped for and more. We’re grateful to Katie for planning such a wonderful Santorini experience and to the Canaves team for their warm hospitality. Stay tuned for part two of our trip — Italy next!
For more travel stories and photos, stay tuned.