July 2021

Helen is the owner of Sunset View Villa on the Greek island of Santorini. She also provides concierge services for guests, like hiring chefs or arranging for yacht charters and services for the many weddings performed on the island during the summer.

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Q. What makes Santorini worth visiting?
A. Santorini is a Greek island but was taken over by the Venetians many centuries ago. The island's name is Thera but when the Italians took over the island they dedicated it to Saint Irene (Santa Irini) thus the name Santorini. Santorini is mostly vineyards, so visiting the wineries and wine tasting are a must here. 

In addition, Santorini is known for beach bars, museums, and the archeological site in Akrotiri shows buildings and artifacts from 2,000 bc and 4,000 bc. For shopping, Fira, the capital, is famous for spectacular jewelry shops and clothing boutiques with very original style clothing, a lot of one-offs. Oia is mainly known for the art galleries and a local man who paints stunning church icons.
 
The restaurants and tavernas on the island are superb with well-known culinary chefs. There are many fish tavernas either on the sea or look out to the sea and sell true traditional dishes which are very tasty. The fine-dining restaurants are amazing. The chefs make use of the local produce of Santorini to design wonderful dishes. Famous Santorini produce is the cherry tomatoes, the capers, fava beans which makes fava dip, and of course, the wine. The most famous wine of the island is called Vinsanto - It was originally made for the use of holy communion in the Vatican, so...Vino-de-Santorini = Vinsanto.

Walking around the different villages of Santorini and getting lost in the little Grecian streets is lovely. Visiting the volcano in the center of the caldera is great for hikes. And sailing around the island by catamaran is beautiful.

Q. What makes Santorini better than before?
A. Officially the summer tourist season opens May1st and then by mid-month, Greece began allowing vaccinated travelers from the US and from the EU. The lockdowns only just lifted for Greeks themselves so it's an exciting time to be here; lots to do and see, and not so many crowds of tourists. Most everything on the island is open: bars, restaurants, beach clubs, shops and museums. Only the nightclubs are closed.
 
Q. Tell us about Sunset View Villa. How did it start?
A. Santorini is one of the biggest destinations for weddings in the world.  One of my other businesses is working with wedding planners on Concierge Services. When we first bought the villa, it was just a cave. The kitchen was originally a bakery. The terrace upstairs didn’t exist, it was only the roof. It took 6 years to create the villa as you see it now. The villa manager looks after the villa and our guests.  He can arrange all their excursions and anything they might need, including private chef and daily maid service. My favorite thing to do at the villa is sit in the hot tub, sip wine, and watching the sunset.

Q. What are the entry requirements for Greece and Santorini?

A. Greece is open to the world. Fully vaccinated individuals who are residents of the U.S., EU, and certain other countries may enter Greece without a PCR test if they present a vaccination certificate. All visitors from air, land or sea may be subject to random tests upon arrival before they can move to their final destination. All visitors must abide by all COVID-19 health protocols in place by the Greek Government without exception. Ferry operators and airlines require travelers to complete a health status questionnaire, submit to a temperature check, and wear a mask.

As travel resumes, we are revisiting some of the best images from years past.  Please #planethoppers your Instagram photos so we may follow all your future journeys!