SANTORINI: A SLICE OF PARADISE ON THE AEGEAN SEA

Thirsting for some ‘vitamin sea’ in one of the best locales of the world that looks like a picture postcard? Think of nowhere else other than Santorini, a Greek island in the southern Aegean Sea that has been wooing travellers for decades.

- R L Morris

With its shimmering blue waters that remind one of lapis lazuli, immaculately whitewashed quaint houses that sit on rugged cliffs, churches with blue domes and some of the best sunset points in the globe, Santorini is a veritable slice of paradise enticing visitors like a Greek goddess.

Nirvana at the Caldera

The island is home to one of the most spectacular natural sights on Planet Earth and it is none other than the panoramic Caldera—a 300-metre basin formed by a volcanic eruption. Spanning 16 km, the Caldera and its cobalt blue waters skirt the picturesque towns of Fira and Oia nestled on cliffs. Vistas of the Caldera have inspired shutterbugs and artists for long apart from wooing young couples to its shores. Nature paints the Caldera with an amazing golden hue during sunset making it one of the most beautiful spots to watch the setting sun in all tourist destinations combined.

Chillax in Fira

You can begin exploring Santorini by starting with Fira, its largest town. Put on your walking shoes and head for the main square which is the meeting place for local residents. Relax on a bench and soak in the sights and sounds as you bite into pitagyros fi lled with slivers of meat, potatoes, and vegetables. Wash it down with a glass of ouzo or chilled local beer to feel energized and in high spirits.

Once you are satiated, you can begin the sightseeing jaunt by visiting the most photographed spot on the island—the blue domed Greek Catholic Church of Koimisi Tis Theotokou with its iconic bell tower and three bells. Framed against the Aegean, this church has appeared on countless travel magazines and

portals as well as Instagram handles. The belfry itself provides a natural frame to click the Caldera down below.