Happy Monday traveler!

This week we're taking you to the charming island of Santorini, which is in Greece. This country is made up of around 6,000 islands, with about 227 of them being habitable.

Santorini, one of those islands, is a popular spot for cruisers. Its rugged landscape was shaped by a volcanic eruption back in the 16th century BC. The island is known for its stunning views of the caldera (a big hole in the ground that results from a volcanic eruption), brilliant blue waters of the Aegean Sea, and white-washed buildings. 

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A message from Passport Inspiration

Looking to plan an inspiring adventure right now?

Planning an international trip can be overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be.

How?

You just need a plan for your plan.

It’s important to prepare with enough time for things like:

• Visas

• Dining

• Lodging

• Passports

• Excursions

• Travel Arrangements

  If you want a head start planning, we can help you prepare for an amazing trip.

🙌This Week’s Inspiration

There are many decisions a person needs to make when visiting Santorini. Here's the first one: 

Skala is the name of the port where the cruise boats dock, and from here you will need to:

A) walk up 587 steps to get to the top of the caldera or

B) pay around 6 Euros and ride a cable car up instead.

Your first reaction might be to take the cable car, however, we suggest taking the steps if you can. Here's why:

Everyone flocks towards the cable cars, which means longer wait times and less time exploring. The steps are free and it's nice to save some Euros when you can.

Taking the steps also gives you the opportunity to sightsee more and experience Santorini the way the locals do, step by step.

🫏 You'll see donkeys on your way up, and they have the right of way...be prepared to move to the side when you see them because they love plowing their way up and down the steps like champs! 

Once you've made it to the top, your next decision to make is where you want to explore. 

The two main villages in Santorini are Oia and Fira. We recommend heading to Oia, where the buildings are carved into lava rocks!

You can get there by public transportation or by a 6 mile hike. If you choose the hike, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the caldera, Aegean Sea, and you'll get to walk through the smaller villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli. You'll definitely want sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes.

There are many shops, restaurants, and places to explore in Oia. Be sure to head down to Amoudi Bay. It's 200 steps down but worth it.

Amoudi Bay is a small fishing village and the perfect place to unwind.

Visit the Amoudi Fish Tavern for fresh grilled octopus and other seafood. There is a trail you can follow which will take you to a spot where you can watch cliff jumpers making their splash into the Aegean Sea.

Feeling adventurous? You can swim over to the spot, which is on St. Nicholas Island. You'll climb a ladder to the top. The cliff is 20 feet above crystal clear water, and is super refreshing...especially after all the steps you've walked up and down.

💦 We're so glad we made the jumps...check out Bob here:

It took Trisha a bit longer to make the jump and resulted in people clapping and cheering for her in the end!

Santorini is known for its sunsets. You'll definitely want to stick around for one.

When it's time to head back to the port, public transportation is the way to go. You'll have the option of riding the cable cars back down to the Skala port or walking down the 587 steps.

💩 Just use the flashlight on your phone to keep an eye out for any donkey waste! 

We loved our time in Santorini and would love to return some day.

*How to Get to Santorini:

There are multiple options.

We took a cruise from Athens that included several other Greek islands. You can also fly into the Santorini Airport. The airport code is JTR. This site here has all the information you need for using public transportation.

Where to Stay:

Stay in Oia for the best views of Santorini. If you’re looking for a place more centrally located, stay in Fira. Here are the Top Ten Hotels to stay at in 2025, according to Trip Advisor.

What to Pack:

You’ll definitely want your swimsuit here…might even want to wear it under your regular clothes so you’re ready to hop into the Aegean Sea as soon as you can! You’ll want comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses or a hat, and plenty of sunscreen. The vibe there is pretty casual.

👋 Have an Inspiring Week

Here are a few things to help you when in Santorini.

• This is the hike from Fira to Oia.

• This woman’s straw hat is perfect for the sun ☀

• This is the Amoudi Fish Tavern restaurant…sun dried octopus, anyone?

• Here’s a two minute YouTube video on how to get to the cliff diving spot in Amoudi Bay.

See you next week,

Trisha & Bob