Immigrate to Greece and check out the Greece Travel Guide: Santorini, one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, has experienced multiple volcanic eruptions throughout history, leading to the collapse of towns on the island. The world beneath the volcano has become a historical mystery, and many believe this is the location of the "Paradise in the Atlantic" from Greek mythology. In fact, if you visit Santorini today, facing the vast blue sea and a landscape of white that resembles a fairy tale, you will believe that paradise is right before your eyes.
Oia (伊阿) is located at the northwest corner of Santorini and is a typical and beautiful Greek island town. From a distance, a blanket of white covers the brown cliffs. The unique white houses of the Aegean Sea cling tightly to the cliffs, densely packed and layered. The contrast between the reddish-brown cliffs and the white houses evokes admiration for the wonders of nature and the incredible resilience of human creativity.
The swimming pool is right on the edge of the cliff
Walking along the streets of Oia, the blue swimming pool of the Katikies hotel stands out prominently amidst the white surroundings. This is also where we will be staying for the next few days. Although this hotel ranks among the top 100 luxury hotels in the world, its entrance is very understated and can easily be missed. A winding white path leads down, enticing endless imagination. Like all the houses in the town, the hotel is also perched on the volcanic rock cliffs. The completely white houses, with turquoise steps and white edges, seem to extend invisibly along with the winding stairs. The exterior of the houses features typical Greek washed walls, uneven and rough, yet possessing a simple and natural beauty. All the paths are built according to the terrain, winding around several swimming pools and 39 suites, resembling a small village.
The swimming pool of Katikies is famous, and everyone who sees it cannot help but stop in awe. The pool is right on the edge of the cliff, with dreamlike lines outlining beautiful shapes, and along the cliff side, there is a straight line as sharp as a knife. In the azure water of the pool, it seems that with just a kick of the leg and a stroke of the arm, one could glide into the sea. However, between the pool and the sea is a steep cliff of 300 feet.
Promises made at sunset
I stay in a two-story suite, with a living room and bathroom downstairs and a bedroom upstairs. Opening the bedroom door leads to a higher terrace. The room is furnished with some traditional Greek furniture. Each suite has its own private terrace facing the sea, yet without disturbing the neighbors.
However, guests rarely wish to stay in their rooms; they either sunbathe by the pool or sit on the terrace reading, even preferring to sleep in the sun. Oia is famous for its breathtaking sunsets, which hotel guests can enjoy from their balconies. However, at dusk, guests prefer to gather in the outdoor lounge, sipping Santorini-produced wine while watching the golden orb slowly sink behind the black rocks, the azure sea bathed in the afterglow, transforming into a myriad of colors. It is no wonder that Oia is regarded by couples as a sacred place for vows of love.
A glass of red wine, a dream
Mornings begin with a Greek breakfast and a glass of champagne, reminding everyone that this is a true paradise. Waking up naturally, breakfast is served on the terrace, and a cat leisurely strolls by to greet you. Then, people start to claim the sun loungers by the pool, bringing books or music, laying large towels on the white leather beach chairs, watching the sun slowly move across the canvas of the umbrella. In a state of half-sleep, one can hear the wind rustling the awning, while the blue Aegean Sea stretches out before them. If one does not wish to move, lunch can be enjoyed by the pool, sipping refreshing lemonade, with Santorini's tomato salad and unique Greek sandwiches occupying just a corner of the spacious beach chair. The waiter points to a large tray filled with a mound of parsley leaves and says: "This is for decoration." Dinner can be enjoyed at a restaurant with only four tables, but reservations must be made in advance. For these four tables, there is a dedicated kitchen and a chef, offering Mediterranean flavors, candlelit drapery, and the starry sea sky... creating unforgettable sweet memories.
Santorini's wines are very famous. Here, 36 different grape varieties are produced for making red and white wines. A simple way to pass the time is to hold a glass of fragrant wine, leaning against your own balcony, watching the stars emerge from the sky, meteors streaking across the Milky Way, and drifting into a dreamlike paradise.