The Greek island of Santorini (Thira) is known for having the most stunningly beautiful sunset in the world. Santorini is in the southern Aegean Sea and actually consists of a group of islands. Not only that, the complex is still an active volcano as well.  Stop by here when you’re in Greece!

Catching the sunset from the Oia’s Byzantine Castle ruins is one of the most popular spots on the island, but catching the sunset view while sailing is a whole different story.

After three nights at Canaves Oia Suites, my journey in Europe with Grandpa was over. Grandpa had left and Canaves Oia Suites granted me another night in a different suite.

I was alone once again, so I grabbed an evening sailing into the sea, watching the sunset. Sunset Oia Sailing generously offered me their ‘Ammoudi’ Ocean Voyager 74’ Sunset Tour at a last minute notice. I couldn’t resist because I wanted something different from the sunset view I get in my infiniti pool at my suite. Thus, I took up the offer.

‘Ammoudi’ Ocean Voyager 74’ Sunset Tour

Inclusions

• Roundtrip Transfer from/to hotel
• Barbecue meal on board
• Unlimited drinks (Santorinian white wine-selection Nychteru, ouzo, water and soft drinks)
• Snorkeling equipment

Itinerary

Sailing close to Thirasia Island, Aspronissi and Akrotiri

1. Hot Springs (30 minutes)
   • Swimming
   • Mud bath
2. Red beach (30 minutes)
   • Swimming and snorkeling
3. White beach (60 minutes)
   • Swimming and snorkeling
   • Barbeque on board.
   • Sailing inside the Caldera, very close to the Volcano

Sailing to the Sunset

The tour started at 13:450 sailing from Ammoudi bay in Oia. I had been easily picked up at a cafe that was only steps away from my hotel and brought at embarkation point by one of their vans.

Off we go to the sea!

First Stop: Hot Springs

Once on board, which was really clean and well kept, the crew took us first to a small bay in the in the Caldera. That was where the the hot springs were located.

As soon as I arrived, I jumped in, soaked and mud-bathed in the water heated by what remains of the volcano with many other tourists. The water wasn’t so hot, nor too cold. It wasn’t their hottest point of summer, but it was still warm and soothing.

After that I relaxed and recovered on the boat under the Greek sun before we headed off to the next stop.

Second Stop: Red Beach

As we drew close, I could see why it was named Red Beach. It earned its name because of its vivid red sand and boulders from the volcano. It was located near the village and ancient site of Akrotiri.

I jumped into the water once again and swam around for short, but it wasn’t long before I went back on the boat for some more of their excellent wine to sip on. I just laid down and sunbathed most of the time.

Final Stop: White Beach

The final part of the cruise come with a barbecue meal on board at the White Beach with crystal deep blue waters and impressive cliffs. I grabbed a last swim before the dinner came.

The meal was served in a buffet-like table and we all gobbled up what we could eat from:

• Meal options: pork suvlaki, chicken filet or vegetarian option
• Sides: Greek Salad, Bread, Tzatziki , Italian pasta, Ntolmadakia,
• Dessert: Fruits with honey and cinnamon as desert.

I had so much fun, wine, and good food that I immediately went into a food coma after finishing up my dinner. Also, let’s say I was exhausted from my fun with Grandpa and the energy of being alone was different.

I actually knocked out while lying on the dock and watching the sunset. I’d say I missed half of the sunset, but boy it was a good rest.

Before I knew it, I was woken up when everybody was off the boat and the tour was over. It was such a disappointment for me that the tour had ended, but I loved every minute of it.

Final Thoughts

I couldn’t imagine a more peaceful way to spend an evening on the island. I would absolutely recommend a sail with Sunset Oia to anyone visiting. Besides I would also recommend it as a top must-do when visiting Santorini!

Sunset Oia Sailing

• Address: Sunset Oia, Oia 84702, Santorini, Greece
• Email: reservations@sunset-oia.com
• Website: www.sunset-oia.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/sunset.oia.sailing