Not a town but a small archipelago of 5 islands in the southern Agean Sea. The first thing you notice is all the white houses sitting on top of the towering cliffs (compare to yesterday where they were all along the harbour). Santorini was formed by an enormous volcanic eruption and was uninhabited for years. Then resettled about 1000 BC and grown from there. Still 2 active volcanoes and last eruption was in 1956 which devasted the main town of Fira.
Fira is well known for its donkey rides & cable car up/down the steep hillside. We avoided the donkeys on the advice of 2 different guides and were very pleased we did after later talking to other shipmates!! Much more appealing from a distance.
The houses in Santorini are notable for their white walls and contrasting blue doors railings, window sills etc. Also the blue domes on the churches. All quite stunning in the brilliant sun. We went out to the village of Oia- reputedly the most traditional and beautiful and were not disappointed. Views and colours amazing and vivid. Loved wandering, climbing up & down the stairs and alleys – one house roof is another’s deck as they climb over each other. Some are built into the cliff and these are the safest structures in an earthquake!
Also went to the Santo winery – most well known for Vin Santo dessert wine. Grapes grow on the ground in circular vines to protect them from the winds (understood!). There is virtually no rain but the high humidity is all they need.
Again very hot so the pool was a welcome respite on return to ship. Santorini has quite a reputation for wind it seems – definitely felt it back on ship – Captain couldn’t wait to leave as had a “bad day” trying to keep ship anchored in the wind – said it was 47 knots and climbing into evening so a rocky sail out! Mark was sceptical that the wind was 47 lol!
Venice – Croatia – Athens Photos
