5 Things I Do Every Time I Visit Santorini

Santorini is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in the world. It looks so picturesque it's almost a little ridiculous and the entire time you're there you understandably may have a strong urge to go make sure that horizon line is actually real and not some sort of Truman Show backdrop. Over the last two years I've been able to spent quite a lot of time here and these are the things on my MUST LIST every time I visit.

1. Open Air Cinema Kamari

Coming from a film family, I'm kind of a movie theater dork, but this one is hands down my favorite in the entire world. Under the night sky in Kamari, you can watch films projected onto a large screen and enjoy food and drinks from their bar. If it gets chilly, which it usually isn't in the summer, they'll hand out warm blankets to snuggle up in. As always in Greece, there is an intermission, allowing you to get another glass of wine or hot tea from the bar, or check your Instagram on their very fast and free wifi. Curling up with a glass of wine for a good movie in the Santorini summer air is my idea of a perfect night.

2. Candouni

If it's summer in Santorini and you pass by Candouni sometime after 11PM you might see me and some friends talking story late into the night with bottles of wine and raki taking over the table. Too many amazing dinners led to an almost nightly routine of meeting up for drinks and telling stories for hours before bed here nearly every night. I challenge you to not eat your weight in their eggplant dip! It's pretty much impossible.

3. Atlantis Bookstore

The short story of how Atlantis Bookstore came into being is two guys visited Oia but ran out of books. With no bookstore on the island they imagined opening their own in the small village. A year later, they did! The entire timeline can be read on the ceiling inside the shop, surrounded by quotes written on nearly every inch of space on the walls. In Atlantis Bookstore, you can finds books in many languages, first editions, rare copies, two rather sassy cats, and an almost always slightly grumpy but lovable shop owner Craig. Many people that are working in the store for the summer actually live within it and if you peek around you can see their beds hidden up along the ceiling. Oh, and up on the terrace is one of the best views of the Caldera!

4. B.Loose Clothing

There are two B.Loose Clothing stores in Oia and both are filled with the comfiest and loveliest clothes. Earthly colors and a range of styles in breathable cotton that is still light enough to somehow be worn all year long. Most are even unisex, making them lovely gifts and perfect souvenirs. I think of Santorini every time I throw my B.Loose jacket on, perfectly oversized so I can bundle myself up in it. I swear I can still get a whiff of the salty island air!

5. Pyrgos

The walk up to the Pyrgos castle at sunset. A view of the entire island. Trust me on this one. Just do it.