Page 34 - EMPIRIA 2023
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JOYFUL EXPLORATION I SANTORINI








              heart for lighthouses, and the Lighthouse in Santorini
              is an exceptional spot to watch the sunset from – and   VEDEMA CONCIERGE UNLOCKS THE TRUE
              it is highly recommended as it is as beautiful as it is off   ESSENCE OF SANTORINI
              the beaten path. The view is truly breathtaking, with the   Complete the phrase: For me it’s not Santorini
              Aegean stretching as far as the eye can see as the sun   without…
              goes down over the horizon with the white, dignified mass   Wine, cherry tomatoes, fava and the sunset.
              of the lighthouse imposing in the foreground. Utterly   Share with us a car trip or walk that will charm
              romantic, it has to be visited at least once. Meanwhile,   your guest.
              for the more classic Santorini sunset experience, Oia is   It’s in the heart of Santorini. Few know of this route
              at the other end of the island, its northwest. This is the   and it’s just 12min on foot from Vedema. Wild
              quintessential spot from which to observe the sky change   beauty, a stunning sunset and a small church. We
              myriad colors as the night approaches – just get there   always recommend guests wear trainers for this.
              early to beat the crowds during high season.       Reveal for us your favourite island beach, which
                                                                 may not be commonly known to visitors.
              Popularity beyond time                             Theros Wave Bar on Vlychada Beach.
              If the island seems popular now, one should point out that
              it has always been. Since the beginning of history, human
              civilization flourished here. Beyond the aforementioned   Atlantis calling…
              sites, Minoan antiquities and housing have been found at   Mentioned by Plato as a prosperous utopia that was
              the Red Beach. Later came the Dorians, the Phoenicians,   forever lost after a natural destruction, Atlantis has been
              the Byzantines... all the way to the Venetians and Turks,   a mystery since the Ancient Greek era, with hundreds
              and to Modern Greece, who reintroduced Santorini to   trying to locate it, be it by travels or research. One of
              the world. Near Kamari, the ruins of Ancient Thira date   the most prominent theories is that Atlantis was, in fact,
              to the 9th century BC, while an archaeological museum   Santorini before the ancient volcanic eruption that caused
              in Fira features artifacts from the Dorian, Hellenistic,   more than half of the island to be submerged into the sea.   Painted paths will lead you to charming houses or white chapels, amazingly colorful bougainvillea flowers and delightful shops selling
              Roman and Byzantine periods. Another museum to visit   Visit the archaeological findings at Akrotiri from the           handmade local delicacies... Order a Greek coffee, take a moment, and the island will reward you with memories for a lifetime.
              is the Museum of Prehistoric Thira. As for its Venetian   17th century BC to catch a glimpse of that distant past.
              heritage, there is a castle at Akrotiri. The capital under
              the Venetians was Skaros, now an interesting rock   Breathing the Aegean air
              projecting outwards from Imerovigli, on the precipice of   The concept of mindfulness is central to the Empiria
              the cliff. The island’s dozens of churches, chapels and   Group's  philosophy, and encompasses every expression
              monasteries span centuries – and range from the 19th   of hospitality at our properties. At hand are inspirational
              century St. John the Baptist Cathedral with its unique   ways to reconnect with nature and its purity; boost your
              color palette to the well-known Panagia Theoskepasti,   wellbeing; ground yourself to the present. Inner balance
              which is perched on the edge of a cliff. Climbing the   is easier to achieve when you have your needs taken
              steps from there leads you to the ruins of a 13th-century   care of but, on top of that, serene spaces, nourishing
              Byzantine fortress that is just as atmospheric and has   healthy food, yoga and meditation classes, spectacular
              amazing views of the Caldera.                   hiking trails and more will help you to connect to the
                                                              present, even taking this gratifying new outlook back
                                                              home when you depart. Part of this approach are the
                                                              wonderful sessions offered by yoga teachers, who –
                                                              against the breathtaking backdrop of Santorini – instruct
              Santorini’s     volcano                         individuals of all skill levels on pranayama techniques,
                                                              asanas and meditation.
              has sculpted an
                                                              Connect with this blessed land
              unforgettable                                   On par with the mission to pamper every guest in
                                                              meaningful ways are the organic ingredients used across
              landscape in a unique                           the Empiria Group's restaurants and bars, introducing
                                                              your palate to the purest fare of the Greek land. Be it
              island.                                         at the 400-year-old wine cellar of Alati Restaurant or
                                                              at stunning Lure by Olivier Campanha that offers views


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