The Tropical Bar Has Cocktails & A View Of The Volcano
By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger
One of the most spectacular aspects of being on Santorini is taking in the sunsets.
They are a daily ritual, and for many, are quite a spiritual experience (PubClub.com included, by the way). They are so spectacular, activity on the island all but comes to a stop as the sun sinks into the water in the distance, and daytime slowly gives way to the night.
There are several places to watch the sunset in Santorini, and they are all great. But while many first-time visitors are advised to go to Oia (pronounced “e-ya”), PubClub presents what we feel is a better alternative: Fira.
Specifically, The Tropical Bar in Fira.
Why The Tropical Bar Is Better For Sunsets Than Oia
First of all, sit at the Tropical Bar to see the sunset and argue to anyone that it would be any better on Oia. It’s not.
Plus, The Tropical Bar is a gathering place for people in the know. It’s a small bar right on the caldera with tables inside and a small patio outside (those are the most coveted positions) and as the sun begins its dramatic descent, you are served drinks by the lively manager, whom PubClub calls “Santa Barbara.” (She’s originally from that Southern California city.)
There’s an entire menu of concoctions she’s created, the strongest of which is the Tutty Frutty, tho PubClub prefers the margarita and frankly, where the heck else can you get a good margarita in Greece!?
The bar is usually full of fun people so there’s a lively atmosphere in which to share the moment.
It’s so much fun that before you know it, you’ve been there so long you are joined by the nighttime crowd as The Tropical Bar transforms into a cool, hip little club/lounge.
It’s all these reasons that when it comes to sunsets in Santorini, The Tropical Bar is #1 with PubClub.com.
Santorini Sunsets At Oia & Amoudi
Oia is a the far tip of Santorini, and that’s why most people recommend it for the sunset. You can stand out on the edge or have a drink or food at one of the quiet tavernas.
Oia is where the romantic people spend their time on Santorini, so you don’t get that festive atmosphere that exists in Fira.
If you insist on going to Oia, if just once to check it out and make notes for comparison’s sake, then first go to the little harbor below it.
That’s Amoudi, and it’s one of the most beautiful places on Santorini. PubClub.com first arrived at dusk at it was like walking into a painting.
The water is so crystal clear you can swim in it – yes, even in the harbor – and several people prefer lounging on the rocks to the beaches during the day. The small tavernas serve seafood caught fresh from the small private boats, often throwing catches right off the boat and onto the grill.
Sunset From The Top Of ‘The Breast’
Another sunset option is to climb to the top of a big cliff between Fira and Oia.
For lack of a better term, PubClub.com calls this “the Tit” because that’s what is resembles (at least to PubClub). There’s a walkway (and a small church along the way) that leads to a stunning high-up view of the caldera.
A lot of energetic and youthful backpacker types like to hike up there for sunset. The only problem with this is that getting to the top requires hoisting oneself up, and a slip-up could send you careening down the steep side like a cartoon character. It also requires a bit of skill and concentration to get back down off the top and back to the path, and to do this in fading light after the sunset is best left to the more adventurous traveler.
We’ve never heard of anyone actually falling off the cliff, so apparently people are careful in their descent. But then again, now there’s YouTube and some people are prone to risky and silly things just to make a video of themselves. That’s not a recommended activity here.
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