Imerovigli & Oia, Santorini @ Greece–My Unforgettable Trip In 2012 (Part 1)

I'm going to write about my trip to Santorini which took place less than 2 years ago. Trying to refresh my memory since the trip was taken back in April 2012. I would remember the month since I celebrated my birthday in this magical island. Photos that was taken while I was there reminds me of this beautiful and amazing place and perhaps the only place that I hope to return back again for a holiday. 

Santorini voted as 1st place to visit in Greece (can't agree more) by Traveller's Choice (tripadvisor) in 2013. 

Took a flight to Santorini via Olympic Airline. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes to arrive from Athens. For those who want a cheaper alternative, you can opt for ferry....but it takes between 5 or 8 hours ride, depending which ferry you take.  

Magnificent view from the plane...nothing but blue sky and blue sea.

Airport in Santorini is quite small and once we've collected the baggage, we're already out from the airport. 

It's advisable to make the necessary arrangement (transportation) with the owner before you arrive. Taking a cab from airport can be a costly affair. Can't remember how much we paid to the driver but it dropped us outside the apartment where we stayed. 

The journey took approximately more than half an hour to arrive since the driver need to drop other passenger (apparently we're not the only passenger at the time). 

The driver dropped us right in front of this place since vehicles are not able to go through the narrow road. It was a relieve to find the signboard of the apartment as I was afraid that he may have dropped us in the middle of no where. 

It was a 2 minutes walk to our apartment. 

Finally we found this place where we are staying @ Heliades Apartments.

Booked a Superior Apartment (2 to 3 pax). The apartment we booked consists of 2 separate rooms in the same level.

Our private veranda overlooking the volcano, sunset and the neighboring islands.

One bedroom comes with a double bed and a the living room comes with a built-in sofa bed, dining table, a fully equipped kitchenette with refrigerator, a bathroom with shower. 

After leaving our luggage, we head down the road (where the driver dropped us) in search a place to have our meal. There's a supermarket down the road (plus point for us). The supermarket closed early so make sure to purchase the things that you need before you start your tour. 

Had our lunch in this restaurant. It's across the road from the super market. 

 Can't remember what we ordered but the food was good since we ate up everything. 

After lunch, we took a bus which is down the road. If you're not sure where the bus stop is, you can ask around. It's walking distance from our apartment (as well from the restaurant). 

Since our destination is to Oia, we took a bus on the opposite side. 

Remember to have spare change on you when you board the bus. 

The bus was packed with passengers and we practically have to squeeze ourselves in and stand all the way to the northern tip in Oia @.@. We were relieved when we arrived. It's a must to visit in Oia as it's known to be flocked with tourist to watch the sun set. 

It's advisable to check the the timetable sheet for departure if you do not wished to missed the last bus.  

Spend most of our time surveying the surrounding.

There're loads of interesting thing to see when you're here. 

Interesting and cute t-shirt in display. 

Magnet for sale. Bought one as a souvenir for myself. ^^

Took a break for home made ice-cream. Something sweet on a cool day like this is a bliss. 

Decided to head back to our apartment to watch the sunset. We can see the crowds coming in and we felt that we should leave before the sunset. We do not want to be caught up with the crowds later once the sun is set, imagine having to line up to take the coach back. 

Am glad we decided to head back because our apartment have the best view. We have the whole place to ourselves since we're the only occupant in this apartment. 

 The view was spectacular....peaceful and quiet. 

After sunset, we headed to Estia for dinner. This place is next to Anoti Restaurant (if not mistaken), where we had our lunch earlier. They have great variety of traditional meals and desserts here, and only walking distance from our apartment. Saves us time and cost to look for food at night. :)

 Love the interior of this place. It's really cozy and comfortable.

 Bread is served as starter (complimentary). 

Our order took a while, but it's worth it when the food finally arrived. The food is excellent and pricing is reasonable. Read some reviews that this place can be busy during the peak period and need to book a table in advance. It's advisable to come early (if possible). 

That's the end of part 1. 
Click here to continued with part 2.