I was fascinated with the huge variety of STAIRS and the method in which hotels, homes, pools, you name it all cascade down the side of the cliff.




I had also read about a tiny fishing village called AMMOUDI which is nestled in the cliff below Oia. We'd looked into staying there rather than in Thira but in the end, we prefered to stay in town. However, once we got to Ammoudi and saw how gorgeous, quiet and charming it is, I think we regretted our decision. It would have been great to spend at least ONE night there since the ambience is truly Greek.





From Ammoudi, you can take a small boat to another island - something we would have enjoyed if we'd had more time.


Andreas had recommended that we have dinner at a little place called CATINA. The restaurants of Ammoudi are al fresco and perched on the waters edge. Just exquisite. We each had grilled shrimp (16 euros for 5 large ones) plus we split a huge fresh Greek salad, a plate of tzatziki, bread plus 3/4 litre of the white house wine - all for 50 euros including tip. Quite pricey but the service was wonderful and we were in love with the location. Actually, I wasn't thrilled with the shrimps. I found them tough and dry -probably due to their large size. I much prefer small, juicy shrimp. Karel really enjoyed his though! So we just took our time and savoured the lovely meal and unbeatable view. The sun was low in the sky so everything was kissed with a golden light. Just glorious!

After dinner, we just had a cruisy drive back to our place and enjoyed the sunset from our terrace. Later we had a long talk with Andreas down at the pool bar and Karel and I sampled the house specialty - THE MILLHOUSE. This refreshing blender drink is made by combining cointreau, tequilla, lemon juice and lemon sorbet. Kind of like a margarita - only better!



The entire experience had been TOP NOTCH! Would not have changed a THING - except perhaps the number of days we had here. Enchanting, friendly, homey, luxurious, cool, warm, spicy, sexy, relaxing...... we had come here hoping to have a really special, memorable time - one befitting our special anniversary - and we left COMPLETELY SATISFIED!!!