Page 35 - EMPIRIA 2023

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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