I’m not often lost for words, but this home, these hosts, this location and this Island was so special I find it hard to express just how special. I had booked this in February and as we neared September and anticipation built, I hoped the property would be everything it seemed to be. But in fact, it was so much more. Ester greeted us promptly at 4:00, walked us through this idyllic property and even set us up with local wine, butter eggs, bread, milk, orange juice and coffee! The house sits high up in Pyrgos and the views are truly spectacular from the roof deck where we spent many an evening sipping wine, eating bread, olive oil and feta. We dined in virtually every local restaurant in and around the village and returned to a couple within our week stay because we loved the servers and the food so much. We toured the wine museum, the black sand beaches, Fira, took a sail and swim to the hot springs and hiked the volcanic landscape, spent an afternoon in Oia and just immersed ourselves in this warm, welcoming island. Our hosts were extraordinary in terms of responding to any texts/questions. And communicated so seamlessly leading up to the trip so we could plan ahead in terms of activities and transportation.
Leaving was so hard and I can honestly say a piece of my heart is there, in that home, atop that gem of an island. And somehow, some way, I will get back to Spiti Stelios and Santorini. Thank you for the most magnificent experience and for helping me create such treasured memories with my daughter. I already miss it so.