Santorini – Astro Palace

It’s been a long time since I took a vacation, a real vacation, one that had nothing to do with work or a wedding, so when we started planning Greece I thought I’d book a couple of days in a posh hotel. That turned out to be Astro Palace, a small piece of paradise in Fira, Santorini.

Originally I had booked 2 days, because luxury comes with a price, but when we got here I decided that we’d stay for two extra days. Astro Palace, did not disappoint.

We’ve been here since Sunday and I couldn’t love a spot more, I only wish we could stay until Sunday and finish our vacation off here.

I spent Monday and Tuesday lounging by the exceptional pool, where the staff could not have been more accommodating, drinks are almost always served with snacks here. Although who needs snacks when you’ve filled up on their incredible breakfast and have a beautiful menu sitting beside you all the time. I could eat the pork souvlaki until I grew fat and listless and I doubt I’d even be upset. Just thinking about it now makes me want to order it.

Yesterday evening the hotel put on a wine tasting for the guests, in their exclusive wine cellar, where we were able to taste four of Santorini’s most famous wines. They make a dessert wine here that is almost similar to ice wine, but instead of picking the grapes in sub-zero tempratures, they dry them in the sun, which gives them their sweet flavour. 

Made it to the top of the volcano.

 Today, the front desk staff helped us to arrange a morning boat tour. We headed down Gold Street, which reminded me so much of the ‘old bridge’ in Florence, in that it’s full of jewellery that I can”t afford… but wish I could. When we got to the steps heading down to the old Port of Fira, we decided to take a donkey ride down the stairs (there are 600 of them) to the port. I loved it, and I got a sweet nuzzle from the donkey behind me. Once we arrived at the port we boarded an 11AM boat to the volcano, climbed to the top and marvelled at the power of nature. The last time the volcano erupted was 65 years ago but the steam coming from the rocks reminds you that she’s still a powerful mistress and if she chose to erupt tomorrow she could.
 

After returning to the boat we headed to the hot springs and swam around in the sulpherous waters for 30 minutes before returning to the port. Ash wasn’t such a huge fan of the donkey ride, so we took the cable car back to the top of the cliff and headed for lunch.

Tomorrow we’re off to a new, slightly less luxurious, hotel and I know we’ll miss it here. If I could spend the rest of my holiday here by the pool, I would.

If you’re ever in Santorini, make sure to make a reservation at the Astro Palace, it’s totally and completely worth it.