A Slice of Paradise on Earth: My New Life on Santorini
When I decided two years ago to leave my life in Germany behind and buy a house on Santorini, I never dreamed how much this decision would enrich my life. Today, as I sit on my terrace, gazing out over the glittering Aegean Sea and feeling the warm sea breeze on my skin, I know: I have found my personal paradise.
Santorini is not just an island – it’s a place where dreams come true. The world-famous white houses with their blue domes, clinging to the cliffs, are now my neighbors. Every morning I wake up to a view that people travel halfway around the world to see. The caldera, this breathtaking view of the sea and the surrounding islands, is my daily companion.
The weather here is a dream for anyone who loves the sun. From April to October, there’s almost constant brilliant sunshine. The temperatures are perfect – warm enough to enjoy the sea, but not so oppressively hot that you long for shade. Even in winter, temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees Celsius, which feels like spring to me, coming from cold Germany.
One of the greatest joys of my new life is the ability to go swimming every day. Santorini’s beaches are diverse and breathtakingly beautiful. Whether it’s the Red Beach with its volcanic sand, the White Beach with its pebbles, or the black sand beaches of Perissa and Kamari – each day offers the opportunity for a new bathing experience. The crystal-clear water of the Aegean is so inviting that I often take my first plunge into the sea before breakfast.
The quality of life here on Santorini is indescribably high. The fresh sea air, the Mediterranean cuisine full of olive oil, fresh fish, and sun-ripened vegetables, and of course the world-famous Santorini wine all contribute to making me feel healthier and more vibrant than ever before. The Greeks live the “siga siga” – slowly, slowly – and this deceleration has caught up with me too. Stress seems to be a foreign word here.
Living on a Greek island has taught me to enjoy the moment and appreciate the little things. The perfect espresso in a small café in Oia while watching the sunset. A walk through the narrow alleys of Fira, where the scent of freshly baked bread and oregano hangs in the air. A spontaneous conversation with my neighbor Nikos, who once again invites me for dinner and insists I try his homemade ouzo.
The hospitality of the Greeks, their “filoxenia,” has impressed me from the start. Although I was a stranger, I was welcomed with open arms. My neighbors have taken me into their community, shown me the best tavernas, and initiated me into the secrets of Greek cuisine. I don’t feel like a foreigner here, but like a part of this wonderful community.
Of course, there are challenges too. Greek bureaucracy can sometimes be frustrating, and during high season the island is overrun with tourists. But even that has its charm – it reminds me how lucky I am to be able to live here all year round, while others can only experience this beauty for a few days.
The decision to live on Santorini has enriched my life in every way. I’ve learned to live more slowly, appreciate nature more, and build genuine relationships with the people around me. Every evening, as I watch the famous sunsets from my terrace, I’m grateful for this gift of life.
Santorini is more than just an island – it’s a way of life, a way of being. It’s a place where time seems to stand still, and yet every moment is lived intensely. For me, it’s paradise on earth, and I’m overjoyed to be able to call it my home.