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Italy &
Greece Vacation 2001 |
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These pages relate the personal vacation experiences of two South Africans, Debra and Matthew Perks, in Italy and Greece during September-October 2001. The site has the following pages - the Introduction Page (includes Rome), a Page on San Gimignano, Pisa and Florence, a Page on Venice (and the ferry trip to Patras), a Page on Piraeus and the ferry to Santorini, this Page on Santorini Island a Naxos Island Page and finally Athens. |
| 26 to 29 September 2001 - Santorini Island (Fira) |
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We met Georgios from "Pension George" at the harbour. The name of the Pension rang a bell from Internet research, and the rates were good. This turned into a good break - Georgios had his mini-bus and took us up the hair-raising road from the port to Pension George in Karterados about 1 km. from the capital Thira. The accommodation was excellent and friendly Helen gave some good advice on what to see and do on the Island. Pension George gets a big thumbs-up. |
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Although Karterados is slightly inland it has its own charm away from the buzz of Thira town. All the essentials are there - laundry, supermarket, restaurants, motorbike rental and a bus stop. The village atmosphere is great, with a genuine sense of living amongst local Greek people. |
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Santorini is rightfully famous for its sunsets and dramatic landscapes. |
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The volcanic nature of Santorini dominates the experience of the island - the scenery, the historical sites (Akrotiri - the 4000+ year-old town being excavated from under pumice), the coloured beaches, the volcanically-active Nea Kimena and the ocean-filled caldera itself. |
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We took the "See Santorini in a Day" excursion. This included a fascinating trip to the Akrotiri diggings, and a cruise around the caldera visiting Nea Kameni and Thirassia. Although the good ship "King Thira" wasted about an hour with a jammed anchor, the day was extremely interesting. |
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A highlight was experiencing the volcano itself on Nea Kameni - sulphur, steam and hot soil. The heat the day was exhausting but hugely rewarding - the walk on Nea Kameni, a swim to the hot springs at Palia Kameni and a hike up to Thirassia left us weary. |
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On the days without our moped we tried the Santorini bus service. In general it worked well, but on our visit to Perissa there was a "slight hitch" and about 2 busloads of people were crammed onto a single vehicle. Quite a trip. A moped is the answer, but the roads and traffic require care. |
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Ancient Thira lies high up on the mountain between Perissa and Kamari Villages. The day we visited the wind was roaring across the heights but this didn't detract from the views out to sea and down to the black beaches, and the fascination of walking through the ruins of the old town. |
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The red beach near to Akrotiri is is worth a visit for the swim as well as the view of the red cliffs and the beach below. All in all by the time we boarded the early morning Hellas Lines "Santorini Express" for Naxos we had had an amazing range of experiences on the island. This is more than a simply place for lazing in the sun. |
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Information on the pictures: |
