Originally, we had intended to sail from Astypalaia to Santorini, but with the winds being so contrary and strong at times in the Aegean Sea, we decided instead to visit Santorini from Crete. Santorini (Thira) was said to be the most spectacular of all the Greek islands, and hence one of our "must see" islands. Once this island had been circular, but around 1450 BC an immense volcanic eruption occurred causing its center to collapse, leaving instead a submerged caldera with high cliffs. Initially, we thought that we would have to take a 1� hour bus ride to Irakleio to catch the ferry, but instead we found that there was a twice weekly excursion Super Jet Catamaran leaving directly from Rethymno�s wharf, only a five minute walk from our boat. With this new information, we enjoyed a jam-packed full eight hour day of sightseeing on Santorini, departing Rethymno at 8 am and returning thirteen hours later.
On Santorini, we first visited Oia, the most northern village, especially known for its breathtaking views. As the streets were so narrow, mules were one of the main means of transport for carrying supplies to different vendors and restaurants. Later, we enjoyed walking along the crest of the caldera between the cliff-top villages of Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Fira (Santorini�s capital). In Fira, we visited the Museum of Prehistoric Thira which housed finds from the Minoan settlement in Santorini before the eruption in 1450 BC. Last, we enjoyed a boat trip around the caldera. From the water, the houses on top of the cliffs looked like snow. Below Fira could be seen its small port, Fira Skala, and the switchbacks leading down. |
