“Behind the present serenity of the Cyclades lies a turbulent past. They have been repeatedly ravaged by man and destroyed by nature. Drought, war, pirate raids, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions are calamities these islands have suffered during their several-thousand-year history. Santorini is
undoubtedly the most exotic, the most spectacular, the most beautiful, and the most tragic of the Aegean isles.”
Antonis Kontaratos
You won’t find more dramatic sailing in the Mediterranean than sailing to Santorini. Find yourself at the bow of the ship and enjoy the scenery, especially when the ship or boat sails between the volcano and the caldera.
The legend says that thousands of years ago, this volcano erupted, wiping out Minoan civilization and creating the trademark of the island: its black and red beaches. Stories about the lost city of Atlantida, volcano eruptions, and whitewashed villages on the top of the caldera are the main ingredients for the island’s spiritual atmosphere. If you are lucky enough to have an overnight, sit in one of the cafes hugging on the cliff and enjoy the most spectacular sunset.
Fira is the capital of the island but also a tourist trap that you should avoid.
When in Santorini, ships are anchoring at the old port of Fira. To reach Fira from the pier, you have three options: to take the stairs (elevation is 980 feet), donkey, or cable car. Please save the donkey, and if you are not ready for a morning workout, keep a cable car. Pier has no facilities, no free Wifi
Language: Greek and English
Currency: EUR
Don’t Miss
- Oia to Fira hike
If you refuse to be stacked with 15,000 tourists and elbow for a seat in a café, you should consider a hike from Fira to Oia or vice versa. Take a walk in the early morning or close to sunset and enjoy the magnificent view, picturesque villages, and exclusive hotels. Talk to locals and try delicious cherry tomatoes.
Even if your ship docks in Fira, consider starting this 9 km (5.6 miles) hike from Oia, preferably in the morning. There are a few reasons why:
– In the morning, you can take better photos while the Sun is not high and enjoy your coffee in peace (tours are in Oia around noon).
– The strenuous part of the hike is once you leave Oia, so it will be easier to do it in the cool part of the day.
At Fira bus station, take the local bus to Oia.
Necessary equipment: walking shoes, water, and a hat. There is a slight chance of getting lost, as the caldera rim keeps you on the right track. - Nea Kameni –Therassia
Local boats can take you from the port to Nea Kameni (volcano), where you can get very close to the volcanic crater.
This uphill hike is challenging, especially during the summer(July/August). So, I wouldn’t recommend this adventure to those who would like something other than upping the gym.
After the hike, the boat will take you to Palia Kameni and Thermal Springs. The captain will drop the anchor, and you can enjoy the warm water and sulfur smell. - Sailing and snorkeling
Sailing is FUN!
If you decide to sail around Caldera rims with comfort and style, taste Greek food, and snorkel, a few island companies offer half- and full-day sailing tours.
I suggest sailing by the shores in a traditional kaiki for a new romance closer to sunset. - Wineries
No visit to Santorini is complete without wine tasting.
From indigenous Santorini Assyrtiko to seductive reds, Santorini wines are a real work of art based on rich volcanic soil. - Archeological site Akrotiri
One of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean was uncovered in the second half of the 19th century.
Although the first habitation dates from the Late Neolithic, this settlement gradually developed into one of the main ports in the Aegean during the Bronze Age. In 1627 BC, Akrotiri was buried under tons of volcanic ash(200 years before Pompeii).
Artwork, drainage systems, sophisticated buildings, furniture, and vessels remain preserved today.
