Santorini, Greece

A friend of mine and I were talking the other day about our “dream vacations”. It was a subject that I had an immediate answer for: Greece. My dream of Greece began in the sixth grade, when we were studying Greek mythology. I checked out all the books that our library had on the subject, poured over encyclopedias and maps, and drew in my mind’s eye the perfect vacation experience wherein I would gaze upon white-washed, blue-domed dwellings framed by azure waters, wander barefoot among the docks and piers, gaze longingly over the wares offered in the open-air markets, and sample artisan breads soaked in local olive oil.

Yes, even in sixth grade I had this idealized image of what Greece is like. I had nothing if not a very active and romanticized imagination.

The Acropolis, Athens, Greece

My dream vacation would begin in Santorini. I would rent one of those white-washed, blue-domed dwellings and stay for at least a week, sipping wine and gazing out at the water. From there I would spend a few nights in Athens. As much as I’m not a huge fan of playing tourist in a big city, I feel that Athens is a must, if for nothing else but the ruins and other historical sites. Finally, I would visit the island of Corfu, which I hear is one of the loveliest destinations in Greece.

Corfu, Greece

Since Greece encompasses mainland and peninsula geographies, and 1400 islands, the opportunity for exploration is nearly unlimited. Landscapes vary from arid to tropical, coastal to mountainous, with an abundance of culture and history for the avid vacationer. Certainly one would need to spend at least a couple of weeks in the area to feel like they have truly experienced Greece and the many wonders it has to offer. I myself hope to plan an extended vacation there one day soon. I’ll once again pour over books and websites, buy travel guides and talk to friends who have visited Greece and can offer their advice. Then I’ll just… go.

It has, after all, been a life-long dream.

Photo Credits (in order of appearance):
- “Oia Santorini” by Jorge-11 on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “The Acropolis, Athens” by Eustaquio on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “The Corfu people liked” by mickpix on Flickr Creative Commons.

Related: Mystique’s Charisma in Santorini, Greece; Zante’s Portokali Art Bar.