Balconies and Bars of Santorini by Michelle Ricciardi

Santorini, the Greek island that sprang from a volcanic explosion and is built on the top of the cliffs, is one of the most picturesque islands.

It has no natural harbor but the explosion left a gigantic caldera with waters no less than 600 feet deep. Visitors from cruise ships are brought to the bottom of the mountain by water taxi, that is when the water is not too rough for the taxis to make their way to the ships.

There is a cable car to transport visitors to the town. However, those more adventurous can climb the winding marble staircase or ride a mule to the top for five euro.

If you survive the mule race to the top without scratching yourself along the stone walls or passing out from the oder of manure, you'll finally come to see the wonder and awe of Santorini. Much like Mykonos with its white walls and stone walkways, this island also has a 360 degree view of the sea from every bar and restaurant along the cliff side.

One bar, Palia Kameni, has three levels built into the cliffside with balconies facing the water. The mint leaves they use in their mojitos are picked fresh from a mint tree that sits on the second floor iron balcony next to the bar.

They make their raspberry martinis with freshly squeezed raspberry juice and decorate it with ripe fruit that tastes like it came straight off of the vine. Even the vodka used in the martini tastes light, not the usual well-vodka that smells like nail polish remover and makes you want to hold your nose to swallow a gulp of your drink.

The server offers popcorn and an assortment of olives to each table. Combine all of this with the incredibly kind and attentive servers and a view to die for, and you'll be convinced as to why many celebrities and jet setters find Santorini worth the smelly, bumpy mule ride up those never-ending stairs.





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