Rocabella and Caldera Cocktails
A Treat for the Eyes and Palate!

By Sandra Scott

Greece is known for its beautiful islands, but the island of Santorini is considered the most beautiful of all the Greek islands. Crescent-shaped Santorini was formed over three thousand years ago when the volcano erupted and the side blew out, allowing the sea to enter. It formed an incredible bay edged by a caldera that rises to 1,000 feet.

Gleaming white villages are perched on the ridge, and just outside the small village of Imerovigli is Rocabella, a resort that whispers “romance.” The sheer linens of the pergolas dance in the breeze, the view is breathtaking, and the scenery inspires delectable cocktails.

During the day, John and I walked the caldera path and visited the white cities, always eager to return to Rocabella in the late afternoon to enjoy the breath-taking beauty. We basked in the warm Mediterranean sun and gazed out over the bay to the white villages on the far ridges. Each evening I sipped my Rocabella cocktail, and John enjoyed his Caldera Cocktail while we watched the spectacular sunsets.]

The fire-red of my Rocabella Cocktail, a wonderful blend of Bacardi rum, grenadine, and lemonade garnished with an orange peel, recalled the inferno that must have been part of the volcanic activity that created the amazing view I was enjoying from the caldera.

John’s favorite, the Caldera Cocktail, created with Blue Curacao Bacardi rum, soda water, and lime juice, poured into a glass ringed with slices of kiwi was reminiscent of the caldera. The brown skin of the kiwi and the blue libation evoked the image of the caldera that ringed the blue water of the bay.

On our last day of our visit, Joanna, one of the Rocabella’s accommodating staff, said, “It is your last day, we would like to prepare a buffet of traditional Greek foods for you to try.” We were impressed by Rocabella’s hospitality and even more impressed with the buffet.

Joanna explained each artistically presented dish. “Try everything, please. There is octopus with eggplant puree, Greek-style cheesecake, tomato balls made with sun-dried Santorini tomatoes, octopus with risotto, fried feta cheese with honey, fava beans with pureed tomatoes, and leg of lamb with unsalted soft cheese and fresh tomatoes. For dessert you can try the kataifi with cream flavored with mastiha liqueur and garnished with olives. It is a sweet and salty taste.”

After our spectacular lunch we relaxed, savoring the view and sipping our favorite cocktails. We were lost in time and caught up in the beauty of Santorini. It was sad when Joanna announced, “Your taxi is here to take you to the port to catch the ferry to Crete.”

The view of Santorini from Rocabella with its excellent staff, and the luscious cocktails, will always be one of our most memorable experiences.

For more information check www.rocabella.gr

Sandra Scott is a frequent contributor to travel publications and to Copley News Service and has co-authored two books on local history. She lives in Mexico, NY.
Photos by Sandra and J. J. Scott.

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