Santorini is so often photographed through its blue domes, whitewashed buildings, and sunsets, but this image shows something quieter and more human. The man standing beside the donkey feels completely at home in the landscape, and together they represent a side of the island that existed long before Santorini became one of the world’s most photographed destinations.

Donkeys have long been part of life on Santorini, helping people navigate the island’s steep paths and dramatic terrain. Seeing the two of them together made me think about the everyday life that continues behind all those postcard-perfect views. There was something about the calmness of the moment—the man beside the animal, the worn stone walls, the volcanic rock—that felt authentic and timeless.

It also became more personal because riding a donkey back up from the Old Port ended up being one of my favorite memories from our trip. So when I look at this photo, I do not just see a man and a donkey. I remember the steep climb, the adventure of that day, and the feeling of experiencing a small piece of Santorini in a way that felt connected to the island itself.