Since we were not vaccinated, the Greek government required that we either have a negative COVID antigen test within 48 hours of our arrival or a positive COVID test within the last 180 days. We had both. We were also required to show the same documentation on any flight from Athens to the Greek islands.
We flew from DFW to JFK on Delta. Then on American from JFK to Athens. American Airlines staff barely looked at our documents. On our flight from Athens to Santorini no one checked our paperwork at all.
The hotel arranged our pick up at the airport for 25 euros. We arrived at the Ellinon Thea Botique hotel around 3:00 p.m. Just as promised we had a view of the Aegean Sea.
We met Nick and Mary from Nashville. They took our picture at the taverna called Volkan. We managed to get a picture of the Volkan beer bottle but forgot to get a photo of Mary and Nick; although we did get their phone numbers.
The hotel owner recommended Aktaion as the best restaurant for dinner. It specialized in traditional Greek food. While making our reservation for a table with a view of the see, another couple randomly told us that they ate there the evening before and it was delicious. Good. Corroborating evidence that we had made a good choice. It was.
The moussaka was the best I’d ever had. And the sunset view at our table was perfect.
Closed out our first day with a night view toward Oia—the northernmost point on the island. We’re planning to hike there in a couple of days.