SANTORINI, GREECE (pronounce SAN-DOR-INI)


Santorini is an Island in the southern Aegean Sea in the Cyclades group of Islands located 200 km (120 miles) from the Greek mainland.  It was known as Thera in ancient times and now is known as Thira.  Santorini is 73 square kilomters in area which is approximately 28 square miles. 






There are essentially two seasons in Santorini-November to March is the cold, rainy season and April to October is the warm, dry season which resembles a desert-like climate (that's us folks).  Daily low temperatures in May are between 15-20 degrees C and highs are between 20-25 degrees C.




Santorini was formed by volcanic remains in an eruption in 1650 BC which is what created the 1000 foot cliffs that provide views that are a photographer's dream. If you are a geology buff, you can look up caldera which is basically a collapse in the centre leaving the high cliffs surrounding the area of collapse.  Since I equate most things with food (and I know I am not the only one in our group), I think of it as a failed soufflé that has collapsed in the centre.  The centre is the Aegean sea and the edges are the famous cliffs.






Because of its' small size and the fact that we are the only cruise ship in port that day, which is a huge bonus, I think that it is worth doing our own tours as opposed to taking a ship based excursion.  We would be able to create our own timelines and would save money, as the ship based excursions tend to be more costly. 


When I give prices, the rough conversion to Canadian dollars at this point in time is about 1 1/2 times.  So if something is 5 Euros it is roughly $7.50 Canadian dollars.






We could start out together and if anyone wanted to go in a smaller group to see something, it would be possible.  We are in port from 9 am to 5 pm that day so will have an entire day to explore.


There are not a lot of 'touristy' attractions but the draw to Santorini are the magnificent views from the top of the volcanic cliffs looking out to the Aegean Sea. The Greek architecture boasts white stucco buildings and they are known for the deep blue 'caps' on buildings.  Contrast the white with the blue of the sea and it is breathtaking.






So here's the scoop......Santorini cannot accommodate large cruise ships at a pier, so we will dock below the cliffs in the caldera below the capital city of Fira or a couple of miles from the old port.  I would think that since there are no other ships in that day we will drop anchor close to the port.  From there we will be tendered to the island.  Those booked on cruise line excursions will have priority on the first tenders so we do not need to rush off the ship right at 9 am.


To get from the bottom of the cliffs into the town of Fira there are three options......go up on a mule (donkey), walk up the stairs on the same path as the mules take (approx. 600 stairs) or take the cable car. 


The mules are 8 Euros and the cable car is 5 Euros.  The walk up the stairs is priceless (and breathless).  There is some controversy amongst animal activists about how the mules are treated, but posts on CruiseCritic report no visible abuse of the animals.  This will be an individual choice, but I am on for the mule ride. 


Once on the top of the cliffs, we are in Fira.  There is a bus square here and public transit is clean and comfortable, although it can be a mob scene when multiple ships are docked....shouldn't be an issue for us.  The bus costs 1.4 Euros (just over $2 Canadian dollars) to get from Fira to Oia (pronounced i-a or eye-a).  People do walk from Fira to Oia.  While it is beautiful there can be some difficult areas as far as terrain goes.  Other options are ATV's or scooters that can be rented in Fira but the buses and taxis can be dangerous to drive amongst.  Go for it if you want.....I won't be doing this. http://www.markos-bikes.gr/index_en.html  As well, you can rent a car for 20 Euros and up for the day and 7 Euros for insurance.  An International Driving Permit is recommended if we look at this option as the car rental companies may not rent to those who do not have one.  These permits are available from CAA for a nominal fee. http://www.caasco.com/Travel/Travel-Information/International-Drivers-Permit.aspx


Perched atop the cliffs and overlooking the caldero, Oia has spectacular views.  I think most of us have seen pictures of Oia but now we will see it up close and personal.  For those trivia buffs, several scenes in the movie Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants were filmed in Oia. 


From Oia we could head back towards Fira, stopping in the town of Firostefani where there is a famous church.....and that is what is referred to as in all the travel literature,,,,'the famous church in Firostefani'.....what can I say.


In Firostefani there is a restaurant which comes highly recommended by people who have eaten there.  It is called Mama Thira's and features authentic Greek cuisine.  I am in for that.
http://www.mamathira.com/ 


After our culinary experience, there are a couple of options.  For those who want to walk off their meal, the walk back to Fira from Firostefani is a mere 4 km.  Otherwise, we could grab a taxi or bus.


Once back in Fira people could shop, explore the streets, head to a local winery or return to the bottom of the cliffs to board the tender to the ship.


I tried to post pics on here but they wouldn't upload so I have posted links for you to look at.


http://santorinidave.com/santorini-photos-and-travel-info


To get you in the mood I will suggest a few movies:


Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0403508/
Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants 2 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1018785/


These movies had scenes filmed in Oia and they are what peaked Lauren's interest in the Greek Islands.


And my favourite....Mama Mia http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0795421/  I know all the words to the soundtrack and you just may hear me singing these ABBA tunes in my amazing singing voice.....well, you may hear me and be looking for earplugs, but that will be for you to decide.