n-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*25wQBAFMKNHuljVwQ-1Q-g.jpeg"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="569d"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*q9ZEERKiApn5zahv9jqflA.jpeg"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="9a1c"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*Xjtq8__MSQXuRAf2P_18IQ.jpeg"><figcaption>Credit: <a href="undefined">B.R. Shenoy</a></figcaption></figure><h2 id="d421">Blue-domed churches</h2><p id="53f8">Blue-domed churches can be discovered not only in the renowned Oia Town sector but also in Mesaria, albeit in smaller numbers.</p><p id="8e8b" type="7">When one envisions Santorini, the iconic image of these enchanting blue rooftops immediately springs to mind, as if the entire island is adorned with them. However, it’s essential to note that while these captivating features are prominently showcased in Oia Town, they also grace the landscape of Mesaria, albeit to a lesser degree.</p><figure id="3309"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*RWWd77Wa1fOPf9d4Y4nylw.jpeg"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="6616"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*NhDt-zeytOQdATL7pc4czg.jpeg"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="1c46"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*VMDSjWBL0LEDykDwMbhC8A.jpeg"><figcaption>Credit: <a href="undefined">B.R. Shenoy</a></figcaption></figure><figure id="8c02"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*aJ31kQqeQ6kgSjuzZqvdmw.jpeg"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="f8fe"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*L3GkT7jIHhDm_9U0VlfFfA.jpeg"><figcaption>Credit: <a href="undefined">B.R. Shenoy</a></figcaption></figure><h2 id="3701">Facts about Santorini</h2><ol><li><i>Santorini is one of Greece’s <b>200</b>+ major islands (over <b>6000</b> if you include the smaller ones).</i></li><li><i>Santorini is the largest and southernmost island of the Cyclades, a <b>56</b>-island archipelago southeast of Athens and mainland Greece.</i></li><li><i>Santorini is a small group of volcanic islands totaling <b>90.69</b> km2 , roughly one-tenth the size of Luxembourg.</i></li><li><i>Santorini is the seawater-filled caldera of a volcanic eruption.</i></li><li><i>Santorini’s capital city is Fira, and the entire island group is known as Thira or Thera.</i></li><li><i>Thira Municipality includes all of Santorini’s islands and is led by an elected mayor.</i></li><li><i>Santorini has a permanent population of <b>15,500</b> people.</i></li><li><i>Santorini receives over <b>2</b> million tourists annually, not including cruise ship passengers.</i></li><li><i>Tourism accounts for <b>90%</b> of Santorini’s economy.</i></li><li><i>Santorini has an arid Mediterranean climate, with almost no rain in the spring and summer.</i></li><li><i>Several publications have named Santorini one of the world’s best islands to visit, including Tripadvisor, Travel and Leisure, and US News.</i></li><li><i>Every year, <b>1000–1500</b> weddings are held in Santorini.</i></li><li><i>The COVID-<b>19</b> pandemic cut tourism in Santorini in half. Locals used the time to repair and build infrastructure, such as new roads and an airport terminal.</i></li><li><i>Santorini fully recovered and <a href="https://greekcitytimes.com/2022/11/17/greece-2022-santorini-broke/">broke its previous tourist arrival record</a> in late <b>2022</b>.</i></li></ol><figure id="d91a"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*v4sSS4WlyxNOI6FwL-BxyA.jpeg"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="791b"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*oOquSVIPyshZeeINSodVVg.jpeg"><figcaption>Credit: <a href="undefined">B.R. Shenoy</a></figcaption></figure><figure id="0f1c"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*RBrkZv6KwfVjpWENQOqs5w.jpeg"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="3cc3"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.c
Options
om/v2/resize:fit:800/1*PwM0wLYKllNSRpy27YNo8g.jpeg"><figcaption>Credit: <a href="undefined">B.R. Shenoy</a></figcaption></figure><h2 id="82ee">Closing Thoughts</h2><p id="7fae">Overall, we found that staying in Mesaria was a fantastic choice for us. We truly believe that this village is worth visiting whenever you have the opportunity to visit Greece.</p><p id="e7dc"><b><i>Have you ever visited any of the Greek Islands? Please share your thoughts in the comments.</i></b></p>
<figure id="b2c5">
<div>
<div>
<img class="ratio" src="http://placehold.it/16x9">
<iframe class="" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fembed%2F_JYpLeP36Q4%3Ffeature%3Doembed&display_name=YouTube&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D_JYpLeP36Q4&image=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F_JYpLeP36Q4%2Fhqdefault.jpg&key=a19fcc184b9711e1b4764040d3dc5c07&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=youtube" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" width="854">
</div>
</div>
</figure></iframe></div></div></figure><p id="0924"><b>I would like to shout out these wonderful posts by <a href="undefined">Janin Lyndovsky</a>, <a href="undefined">Eleni Stephanides</a>, and <a href="undefined">Joyce Nielsen</a>.</b></p><div id="3b50" class="link-block">
<a href="https://readmedium.com/the-majestic-mountains-my-first-love-c75166cbbbf7">
<div>
<div>
<h2>The Majestic Mountains — My First Love</h2>
<div><h3>Since I can remember, I have always admired mountains; in the mountains, I always feel at home</h3></div>
<div><p>medium.com</p></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*LYdm1_y1Y78suVgUy-LMaw.jpeg)"></div>
</div>
</div>
</a>
</div><div id="8956" class="link-block">
<a href="https://readmedium.com/step-foot-back-in-time-inside-these-five-u-s-places-1f84beda0152">
<div>
<div>
<h2>Step Foot Back in Time Inside These Five U.S. Places</h2>
<div><h3>Downtowns feel intact and well-maintained, but also weirdly empty.</h3></div>
<div><p>medium.com</p></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*1BReVllTYdUhZyHRkLOeVw.jpeg)"></div>
</div>
</div>
</a>
</div><div id="212a" class="link-block">
<a href="https://readmedium.com/a-remarkable-passage-to-an-enchanting-water-bound-alaska-11a953afc9db">
<div>
<div>
<h2>A Remarkable passage to an Enchanting Water-bound Alaska</h2>
<div><h3>Alaskan odyssey 2007: chapter 1</h3></div>
<div><p>medium.com</p></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*BEBJVCt_MYS4DI8N0x-XCg.png)"></div>
</div>
</div>
</a>
</div><p id="7a74"><b>Thank you to the editor of Reciprocal, <a href="undefined">Sahil Patel</a>, for his inspiration.</b></p><p id="a339"><b>Related by B.R. Shenoy:</b></p><div id="7852" class="link-block">
<a href="https://readmedium.com/flowers-of-greece-5131e4ac1f5a">
<div>
<div>
<h2>Blooming Greece: A Floral Journey through Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens</h2>
<div><h3>A photo essay</h3></div>
<div><p>medium.com</p></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*Bpu1QxD57_GuaT6rmLoPqQ.jpeg)"></div>
</div>
</div>
</a>
</div></article></body>
TRAVEL/PHOTOGRAPHY/INSPIRATION
Mesaria, Santorini: Discovering Tranquility in the Heart of the Cyclades
“Greece is more than a country. It is an experience.” -Unknown
During our family trip to the mesmerizing Greek island of Santorini, we made a wise decision to stay in the serene neighborhood of Mesaria, away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds.
Mesaria’s enchanting blend of traditional Cycladic architecture and tranquil ambiance proved to be the perfect choice for our getaway.
Please enjoy these photographs capturing the beauty of Mesaria on the enchanting island of Santorini.
Mesaria is a charming village located in the heart of the Greek island of Santorini. Known for its traditional Cycladic architecture and peaceful atmosphere, Mesaria offers visitors a glimpse into authentic island life.
Nestled between the bustling towns of Fira and Kamari, it provides a quieter alternative for travelers seeking a more relaxed and laid-back experience. Mesaria features narrow cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed houses, beautiful churches, and picturesque courtyards.
Visitors can explore the village on foot, soaking in the tranquil ambiance and discovering hidden gems along the way.
With its central location, Mesaria serves as an excellent base for exploring the rest of Santorini, as it offers easy access to the island’s famous attractions, stunning beaches, and breathtaking views of the caldera.
Blue-domed churches can be discovered not only in the renowned Oia Town sector but also in Mesaria, albeit in smaller numbers.
When one envisions Santorini, the iconic image of these enchanting blue rooftops immediately springs to mind, as if the entire island is adorned with them. However, it’s essential to note that while these captivating features are prominently showcased in Oia Town, they also grace the landscape of Mesaria, albeit to a lesser degree.
Santorini is one of Greece’s 200+ major islands (over 6000 if you include the smaller ones).
Santorini is the largest and southernmost island of the Cyclades, a 56-island archipelago southeast of Athens and mainland Greece.
Santorini is a small group of volcanic islands totaling 90.69 km2 , roughly one-tenth the size of Luxembourg.
Santorini is the seawater-filled caldera of a volcanic eruption.
Santorini’s capital city is Fira, and the entire island group is known as Thira or Thera.
Thira Municipality includes all of Santorini’s islands and is led by an elected mayor.
Santorini has a permanent population of 15,500 people.
Santorini receives over 2 million tourists annually, not including cruise ship passengers.
Tourism accounts for 90% of Santorini’s economy.
Santorini has an arid Mediterranean climate, with almost no rain in the spring and summer.
Several publications have named Santorini one of the world’s best islands to visit, including Tripadvisor, Travel and Leisure, and US News.
Every year, 1000–1500 weddings are held in Santorini.
The COVID-19 pandemic cut tourism in Santorini in half. Locals used the time to repair and build infrastructure, such as new roads and an airport terminal.
Overall, we found that staying in Mesaria was a fantastic choice for us. We truly believe that this village is worth visiting whenever you have the opportunity to visit Greece.
Have you ever visited any of the Greek Islands? Please share your thoughts in the comments.