Early morning flight our of Athens, we arrive in the center of the island, beaches to the south and our cave (our lodging) to the north. Without a rental car or four-wheeler rental we will use our Lyft/Uber apps to get around. They also have a bus that runs from one end of the island to the other which we will use when traveling north and south. We were dropped at a busy roundabout, luggage in hand and rolling our way to the most beautiful view and lodging for the next few days.
So lucky to have found this amazing location. Our AirBNB offers a view of the volcano and caldera from its cliffside location on the western side of the island, the blue painted domes are also visible from every location in our lodging. Villa Matilde sits on the edge of the caldera in Oia. It is a Cycladic house, with a doomed roof and high ceilings, virtually a cave in the hillside.
Because it was the 4th of July, we took our first excursion down to the water for an afternoon birthday lunch. The little wizard island behind us in the family picture from our balcony is where we ended up, Ammoudi Fish Tavern. It was quite a few steps down but well worth the sights and delicious food.
Ammoudi Fish Tavern is in our opinion the best restaurant on the island. The views could speak for themselves but the staff was above and beyond. They were engaging and created a conversation between us very easy. Offering suggestions, we asked for some sun dried squid, all gone for the day:( Ten minutes later he came back saying that he found some and would bring it right away! Great lunch. Afterwards we hiked around to the little wizard island, heading up to the villa, we changed and Cameron, Justin and I came back to swim around the little island as well as climb up to the rock jump multiple times. Hiking back up top to the villa we celebrated the 4th of July with an amazing strawberry cheesecake and view. (the cheesecake was purchased at the local bakery behind our villa).
Jena’s observations before bedtime: Santorini – with Oia’s cobblestone streets, picturesque staircases that wind out of sight, vividly colorful doors that lead to quaint courtyards within, blue domes of Instagram-fame that mirror the hue of the Agean Sea, and throngs of tourists this little village that is built directly into the cliff was everything I had imagined.
