Planning ahead and renting a vehicle if you have a license helps a lot when exploring Santorini as public transit is few and taxi-ing can add up quickly. Unfortunately, none of us had our international license, but if we did, paying 30 Euros/day for a Nissan (one rental company for example) and dividing it by four is not bad at all.

How did we get around then? Fortunately we had arranged for a shuttle service from our accomodation in Oia to our second destination in Fira (usually about 20 euros for four people). When we went to the two beaches the first day, we took the shuttle bus which was 1.8 euro one way, but it was around a 30 minute frequency depending on where you are going so once again, renting a car or ATV or motorbike does have its perks. We first shuttled to Acroptiri Beach, one of the red beaches along the coast. When you get off the bus, you still have to walk 10-15 minutes to the beach, but the view and the trek there is beautiful as the rocks are red and as you walk down to the beach, the view is worth capturing. I really liked all the random doors along the base of the cliff too, not sure what the purpose is, but it did make picture taking a joy.
Acroptiri (Red) Beach
Next we headed to Perissia Beach, a black sand beach. Funny story, we were getting impatient waiting for the bus and were planning to hitch hike when a island van driver happen to come by (praise the Lord) and we were able to bargain a price to the next beach along with other passengers. Perissia was more touristy as they had these tiki umbrellas and beach chairs set up all along the beach. Restaurants also lined the shore and we were recommended by our driver to eat at Apollon. It didn't disappoint as you can get a huge dish of assorted meats (grilled fish, chicken, pork, lamb, beef patty), Greek salad, rice, and fries all for 24.9 euros for two. Yes you read that right! My three friends and I also got free drinks at the end. Great service and food here, so come to enjoy the sunset and then a remarkable dining experience after.
Perissia (Black) Beach
Prices to eat in Fira and along the coast in general are so much more cheaper than Oia. Thus, I recommend having one fancy meal in Oia for the experience and all, but if you are to shop or eat more often, Fira is drastically more worth it.  Don't buy anything in Oia unless you absolutely love it, Fira prices are so much better and you won't feel like you are being ripped off.

On our second day, we had booked a boat tour to check out the Nea Kemeni volcano and hot spring area. It's18 euros for the three hours, but the entrance to the volcano is another 2 euros and you also have to factor in how you are going to the port- either walking down the steps, taking cable car or riding a donkey, where the latter two is 5 euros one way. Though the cost accounted higher, the tour didn't justify it at all. I enjoyed the hike up the volcano (around 1 km) and the gorgeous island view of Santorini from a distance,  but the tour lacked information before hand and was not very interesting overall. When we got to the hot spring, we only had about half an hour to spend there and we weren't told that you had to swim 60-70m (my friend said it felt further than that) to the hot spring from the boat, thus, many people just stayed on the boat and for those who are beginner swimmers like me, we wouldn't have been able to make it to the other end so we couldn't go as the boat doesn't park closer for those non swimmers to check out.
Distance to Hot Spring
Though there were rough patches to this tour, my highlight was coming back to the port and being able to ride a donkey back up the hill to Fira. I had been forewarn that they stink and it would be a bumpy/crazy ride, and boy was it, but I also had so much fun! It felt like I was on a roller coaster and it was very amusing seeing these donkeys try to out walk each other or charge forward towards the walls to try and get some shade (poor donkeys:( ), scary at times, but a good experience none the less while trying to admire the view at gradually greater heights. So glad I tried it out for myself as initially I was for sure not going to do it!

The day kept getting better as we went to Salt & Pepper for a late lunch. My friend who came to Santorini last year highly recommended this little couple owned restaurant and said it was a must. Initially turned off by the blunt and straight forward replies of the owner, our perspective changed as our food arrived and we had time to sit and converse with the owner as we ended up being the last customers to leave. Not only was the food over the top delicious, we came to understand why the owners do what they do and how the difference of cultures and lack of understanding of them leads to misunderstandings and perceived rudeness in service at times. Thy & I shared the tomato balls (ahmazzjing!!) and the chicken in wine sauce was so delightful and tantalizing with flavour. Every dish is order to be made and the mentality of fresh, slow, and food made with passion topped off our Greek experience. Not only did Salt & Pepper create a lot of buzz with travellers, they are also a trip advisor winner for 4 consecutive years. Don't miss out and hunt down this hidden gem no matter what! Just make sure to book a reservation or go earlier on in your trip as you may get turned away when they are a full house or near closing hours. Despite their popularity, prices are still very reasonable, I can go on and on about them-we even nicknamed Irene, the wife of the chef, our Greek mommy!
Tomato Balls
Chicken with White Wine

Our lovely ice cream treat afterwards on the house

Irene & Us
What a great Greek experience! The only part I wish I could've done was eat a fresh fig, but unfortunately they weren't in season yet, so next time!