Travel Journal
Italy & Greece 2025: Greetings from Santorini
Jul 24, 2025
by
Nicholas Catania, Principal, Blyth Academy Mississauga
Greetings from Santorini!
Today marked our arrival at the final destination of this incredible summer abroad. We boarded the ferry from Paros earlier this afternoon and arrived just before dinner, ready to soak in the magic of this iconic island.
Our week in Paros has been nothing short of bliss. Students embraced the laid-back island life, spending afternoons exploring the charming town of Aliki, lounging on sandy beaches, or enjoying the hotel pool. In the evenings, we ventured into small coastal towns for dinners, local shopping, and the chance to enjoy traditional island culture.
One of the week’s highlights was Wednesday’s sailing adventure, where we spent the day cruising around the Aegean Sea. We anchored at four stunning swimming spots, diving and snorkeling in turquoise waters. The energy was great with lots of laughter, daring flips and dives from the bow of the ship, and a delicious onboard lunch with refreshing drinks. I personally enjoyed swan diving into the gorgeous waters. It was a day that perfectly captured the spirit of summer.
This evening, upon arriving in Santorini, we checked into our hotel in Fira before heading into the town center for dinner. The night turned festive with dancing and the classic Greek plate smash - opa! Afterward, students signed out in groups to explore Fira on their own, treating themselves to gelato, quirky fish pedicures, and taking in the view of the town illuminated against the night sky.
Tomorrow brings a full day of classes followed by a visit to Oia for the world-famous Santorini sunset and dinner. On Saturday evening, we’ll enjoy a sunset cruise and final farewell dinner before making our way back to Athens on Sunday for our return to Canada on Monday.
The adventure is far from over, but as we begin this final leg of the journey, it’s clear that these memories will last a lifetime.
Yours in Santorini,
Nicholas