Santorini I Love You

Santorini, Greece is one of the most romantic places on Earth. Suffice it to say I have been there four times with four different lovers. Okay, so I'm dreaming, but it did put a smile on your face, didn't it.

Santorini, or Thera, or Thira—why does every Greek word have three spellings?—is a favourite location for European honeymooners, no matter what your age. If you're my age you'd better get those legs in shape for all those steps on the side of the caldera.

The definition of 'caldera' is a large crater formed by volcanic explosion or by collapse of a volcanic cone. But to me, caldera means one friggin steep mountain side. Santorini is reported to be a section of the sunken, mythological Atlantis, thus the resemblance to the sides of a volcano. [Visit Akrotiri's archeological dig.]

I used to be able to romp down the steps to the bottom of the caldera, swim across to the little island off the coast of Oia (Ia), climb up to the little chapel and ring the bell. Then go all the way back, swimming across, huffing and puffing up the steps to the top. There is absolutely no way I would try that now. Only in my dreams as I sit on the hotel's deck overlooking an amazing turquoise sea, grateful to breathe in the winds off the volcano.

My friend Flora and her family own The Flower Hotel in Oia (Finikia) at the northern tip of Santorini. The website says: "The Flower is located in the beautiful village of Ia, with a splendid view of the Aegean Sea and the islands of Ios, Sikinos and Folegandros. The Flower is a family oriented establishment with a warm, peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, surrounded by a wonderful garden."

I agree. It's a wonderful hotel with clean rooms, a swimming pool, and breakfast included. It's only a five minute walk into the little town of Oia/Ia with its artistic shops, jewellery stores, restaurants and bars, blue-dome churches, marble streets, and white cave homes. I love to walk along the sundrenched streets toward the windmill just before sunset. Buses from all over the island come to Oia to watch sunset. Tourists scramble over the flat roofs of people's cave homes to find their special spot—the Greek owners don't seem to mind and if they do you never hear about it. You see, its tourist season and tourists are their main income. No one wants to rock the boat.

Every year the Greek business taxes go up. Every year I hear how the Greek store owners have to work longer hours, now 24/7 to make ends meet; from May until the end of November when the last of the cruise ships stop arriving. So by the time the autumn winds blows in off the ocean my friends at The Flower Hotel are exhausted, and yet, they will always smile and welcome old friends who return annually.

October is cooler but less touristy. My favourite time of year to visit Santorini or any of the Greek Islands is May-June, springtime. Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines fly all over Greece; or take one of the many ferries and island-hop. But stop long enough in one place to hear the cicadas singing in the evening and watch the sunsets turn brilliant pinks over the turquoise sea.

INFORMATION: The Flower Hotel, Oia, Santorini Island, GREECE - Tel. & Fax +30 2286071130 - Mobile: +30 6944976016 - info@flower-santorini.com; www.flower-santorini.com

—M. J. Milne

(Photo of Santorini by M. J. Milne; Copyright © 2011 M. J. Milne)