Warning: This is yet another Santorini post from a set I had squirrelled away before this whole working lark began. I am beginning to feel like I am getting into some kind of routine though, and there are plenty of posts on other subjects coming up – promise! But for now, if you will indulge me…
No doubt spurred on by the chunks of delicious chocolate they were given on the previous day’s vineyard visit, both Small people upped the anti and opted for a trip to a Wine Museum – I didn’t have to show them a brochure or anything (it had taken their fancy after driving past several times!)… And, as this particular museum is set in a deep and very cool (in terms of climate, not funkiness) underground cave system AND it involved wine, I wasn’t about to argue with their decision.
As with vast amounts of things in Greece it seems, you don’t usually have to fork out for children under the age of ten. This meant, that whilst they were gratis, we had to share audio-guide headset things by plugging in an extra set of headphones. An audio-guide that the Seven year old insisted on being in charge of, which resulted in us quite often attempting to go in opposite directions in a slightly PushmePullYou-esque manner. Add to that a (quite typical) fault with our particular set which meant the sound effects were so much louder than the actual dialogue (and a child reluctant to change it as he couldn’t understand why I had a problem with it!) and soon enough I had lost my serious wine appreciation composure thanks to the super loud clip-clopping donkeys, over-dramatic wine machinery clanks and over excessive “background chatter” from the locals in group scenes. Not wishing to encounter any more disapproving looks from other museum guests, it wasn’t long before I had unplugged my earphones, and opted for the old-fashioned system of reading the detailed inscriptions of the displays instead, which meant I did at least learn something – besides insisting on paying for extra audio-guides.
Wine Museum visit complete, we headed for beautiful Pyrgos and the shade of the Kastilli – an ancient Venetian Castle perched at the very top. If you look closely enough, you can still spot the Venetian influences too, including the famous winged lions here and there! I would go so far as to say that Pyrgos is a must see/do for any Santorini trip.
Its charming shady streets and alleys are incredibly picturesque and the view-point from the very top is almost certainly the one you see on the front of many a Santorini guide-book and postcard. Do pay a quiet visit to the tiny church of Church of Agios Nikolaos Theotaki to gasp at its prettiness and revel in the coolness.
Looking for something to eat? We spent a few happy hours in the company of friendly staff (and a few feline friends!) in the shady courtyard of Kantouni Traditional Cafe. Don’t miss the tiny shop here, it’s worth a visit!
We ended our day (when energy levels had been replenished) with a return visit to Oia for a wander. If you were to ask The 9 Year Old what her favourite shop was here, it would definitely be this quirky little place. Founded by a group of friends, Atlantis Books is a treasure trove for any bookworm and really worth a visit.
And later still we stumbled across Roka, tucked away down a tiny side street in time for dinner. I guess you should really book a balcony view for the sunset here, but we were more than content with our last-minute spot in the tiny courtyard at the back, with a huge delicious plate of baked aubergine, and an obligatory Greek salad. All Highly recommended.
Sophie says
Santorini looks fabulous and I would kill for that blue sky right now. The museum sounds really interesting but that food looks out of this world.
Emma says
Thanks so much Sophie! :)
Lily Lau says
I love Greek buildings, that pure white with the electric blue on the top… Your beautiful photos made me so nostalgic!
Emma says
Thanks so much Lily! :)
Rachel says
The photo of the donkey is a bit scary for a Sunday morning :-)
I’m hankering after Greek food now though, looks so good!
Emma says
It was actually a pretty scary donkey… Accompanied by loud braying donkey noises it was even more so! Thanks Rachel! :D
Christa says
Hi its Christa, host of the Sunday Traveler, I just wanted to pop in and say thanks for joining in on the fun. I have to say you’re speaking right to me museums, castle, wine, food and book shops are all things I love! Especially when I’m on vacation. I now have a few spots to add to my travel list!!
Emma says
Thank you so much Christa
Molly S says
Wine, castles and books? Perfection! (I’m really impressed your kids chose the wine museum – you’ve obviously brought them up well!!)
Emma says
I think I am doing a good job! :D Thank you Molly! :)
Sammi Wanderlustin' says
Aww it looks sunny, and beautiful!
I really hate when audio guides have background sound effects, it doesn’t do add anything except for making me want to skip it.
Emma says
Especially super LOUD sound effects! Thanks Sammi! :D
Pia says
I’d bought a yellowed copy of ‘The Mystic Masseur’ from Atlantis – I remember being stuck in there for hours :) Such a treasure of a shop, and so unexpected in Oia.
Emma says
Amazing shop isn’t it! Thank you Pia! (: x
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says
Is that a huge slab of cheese on that salad? Yummers! I have also encountered problems while attempting to share an audioguide with child. That’s how I ended up going through Pompeii reading the rather dry guidebook while everyone in the family with audioguides chuckled away at the amusing commentary. Oh well. I’d really love to get to Greece some day. My teen has been requesting it, so I hope it’s sooner rather than later.
Emma says
Glad it’s not just me! :D Thank you Michele! And yes, you must try to get there, I know you would love it! :)
Jess says
I love that the wine museum is underground! And that little bookshop is adorable.
Emma says
Such a nice idea in the mid-day heat! Thanks Jess! :)
Corinne says
Emma, I love all things Greek, so keep those Santorini posts coming. Oohhh Greek Salads!
Emma says
Thank you Corinne, there are at least two more posts lined up! :D
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
Beautiful setting and you’re really inspiring me to visit Greece especially those stunning photos of those white buildings. I can see the appeal on the Atlantis Books. Love the mural. Sounds like another memorable trip!
Emma says
Thanks so much Mary, it’s a lovely place! :)
older mum in a muddle says
How I could do with there right now! Love the stuffed donkey and just look at that slab of cheese on top of the salad – yummy! X
bavaria says
Me too!! Thank you S! :) x
Amanda says
Im chuckling the way at the thought of you trying to follow the commentary, whilst it went haywire. Hehe! Gorgeous photographs!
bavaria says
I could not keep it together after nearly half an hour of clip-clopping donkeys! Thanks Amanda! :)
Manneskjur says
This looks lovely – blue skies, white buildings, good food and wine. Sold to the woman in the dressing gown!
bavaria says
Would be so nice if we could just teleport ourselves to places wouldn’t it? Thanks Annie! (: x
Aly says
I don’t care if you’re still going on about Greece.I think it’s nice to write about something well after the fact.Gorgeous photos as ever and I can totally relate to the loud children antics.
bavaria says
Thank you Aly x
Trish - Mum's Gone to says
Love it that your children chose a wine museum – how well you have brought them up, Emma!
Feeling very hungry looking at those little roasties – they have a name and I can’t think what it is.
bavaria says
Thank you Trish! I did have to laugh at their decision… They did actually get given chocolate there as well though! :D I can’t remember the name for the potatoes either! :D
Cass@frugalfamily says
Gorgeous photos – I love the white buildings against the lovely blue sky!
bavaria says
Thank you Cass. You can’t beat blue sky can you? :)
Katy Hill says
I ALWAYS look forward to your photos! Stunning blog post – as ever! Santorini is on my list to visit x
bavaria says
Thanks so much Katy! (: x
maggy, red ted art says
Oh what stunning photos!! You always make me want to go TRAVEL!!
bavaria says
Thank you Maggy! :D xx
Mum of One says
As ever the food looks delicious, the buildings beautiful and the sky so blue! Your blog makes me so jealous!
bavaria says
Thank you so much! (:
Pinkoddy says
Wines, caves, castles and good food – sounds great. Some good choices made there.
bavaria says
Thank you J! (: