3 Things you HAVE to do in Santorini

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I completely planned this trip on a whim...I hate to tell people this, but I hadn't even heard of Santorini before I booked our flights. It seems like life gives you the most amazing experiences whenever you least expect it.

After spending two days in Athens, we hopped on a RyanAir flight and spent several breathtaking days on the Greek Island. I could list countless things to do and see, but I really wanted to share what I loved the most on the island.

Scuba Dive in Amoudi Bay

We really had no plans when we landed in Santorini and we knew we wanted to do something adventurous.

On the drive to our hotel (which was AH-MAZING), we noticed Atlantis Scuba Center, a small little cottage sitting on the side of the road. I personally figured we wouldn't be able to dive, seeing as we have absolutely NO previous training or experience. But, we just signed a few forms (basically, if you die, that's on you) and geared up to go.

We had the sweetest dive guide who showed us how to work our masks and tanks and how to signal if we were okay or if we were basically drowning. He even held my hand and drug me through the water while I got the hang of things. I got to touch some pretty amazing sea creatures *science nerd here* and even did some cliff jumping with Steve. *Side note, this is the same cliff featured in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants...pretty freaking awesome.*

I never in my life imagined myself scuba diving so far from the surface of the water. In the Aegean Sea. In Santorini.

Just us...hanging out at the bottom of the bay.

Check out Atlantis Dive Center here: http://atlantisoia.com/

Ride an ATV from Oia to Thira (Or Vice Versa)

We are adrenaline junkies, so we obviously couldn't just sit in our hotel with a whole island left to explore. There are plenty of ATV rental shops around the island and I can't recall the name of the one we used, but there is no shortage of them and it is a cheap and exciting way to explore the island.

Walking the streets of Thira on Greek Independence Day

Greek coffee break.

Watch the Sunset Over the Caldera

After days of adrenaline-packed activities, we decided to have a nice quiet dinner and watch the sunset over Oia. Many people believe that this is the most beautiful sunset in the world. It definitely took my breath away. While in Oia, you can choose from dozens of seaside restaurants with the most delicious, authentic Greek food and wine. Afterwards, take a stroll down the street, find a spot by a church, and watch the sunset. Apparently, it's a big deal, as you can hear people clapping all throughout the town as the sun sets.

Have you been to this dream island? If so, what were your favorite things to do?