Like most people, I have seen so many pictures of the homes and beaches in Santorini I could not wait to see it for myself. Santorini is absolutely beautiful!! It used to be a round island but in 1450BC the volcano erupted and pushed most of the island into the ocean causing the island to take the shape of a crescent. Some say that Santorini could be the lost city of Atlantis.
Once docked (in the ocean- and ferried to the shore) we had to either take a cable car up to the town or donkeys up a windy cobble stone path (on donkeys if we would have liked) to Fira (the capital). Fira is beautiful!! It has the typical white homes, narrow streets, and is located on the edge of a cliff (made by the volcanic eruption).
Fira:
Fira:
We walked quickly through Fira once arriving to the top- via cable car- to a 4-wheeler shop because we wanted to make our way to the north and south ends of the island with the time we had.
Getting the 4-wheeler
And we are off.....
We first headed north- taking the scenic route allowing us to see a closer view of the ocean from the west coast to our destination- Oia. Oia is the town all of the pictures from Santorini stem from and we know, first hand, why- it is breath takingly beautiful.
On the way to Oia:
Windmills....
We began at the bottom of the hill and walked through the streets until we found a place to have breakfast. We stopped at this little place with stunning views!! To date- this was by far the best food I have had in a LONG time!!
After eating, we walked all around Oia.
The view from breakfast
Cant feed your animals... dont worry- they will eat!
The water is SO clear!!
Once we were done seeing Oia, we made our way to the next stop our our 'must do' list- Red Beach. Red Beach is located on the very opposite side of the island- on the south end.
A few months ago- my friends came to Santorini and raved about how fantastic this beach was and after more research we HAD to see it for ourselves and spend time there. We made our way there only to find out that the road and walking path to get there was closed due to loose rocks making it unsafe to travel to it. I was SO bummed!! We tried going around every possible way we could- taking all the dirt roads around the area but with no luck could not get to it. The only way to get to it this trip would have been to rent a jet ski or charter a boat to get there but we just did not have that kind of time. We decided to move on and find another beach and make 'that' our reason to come back.
A few months ago- my friends came to Santorini and raved about how fantastic this beach was and after more research we HAD to see it for ourselves and spend time there. We made our way there only to find out that the road and walking path to get there was closed due to loose rocks making it unsafe to travel to it. I was SO bummed!! We tried going around every possible way we could- taking all the dirt roads around the area but with no luck could not get to it. The only way to get to it this trip would have been to rent a jet ski or charter a boat to get there but we just did not have that kind of time. We decided to move on and find another beach and make 'that' our reason to come back.
We then drove to another beach on the south-west tip of the island where we planted ourselves for a few hours. I still cannot get over how clear the water is. Getting in water that is so clear you cannot really tell how deep you are is a little discomforting at first.
Right around that red rock is Red Beach
Fruit stand:
We can see Red Sand- from the beach we ended up hanging out on.... and if we had more time would have hiked to it from there. Next time!!
The beach we stopped at:
After a few hours- we were ready to eat again... and stopped in Akrotin at Maria's for lunch. Steve said it must be a good place with a name like that (mom... he is telling you something).
We then began making our way back to Fira so we can shop a little.
Fira:
We then made our way back to the cable car lift and saw people walking down the path.... so we decided to try it out (without the help of a donkey). Not even half way into it- we were questioning our decision but made the best of it!! Not only was it so steep and long- the rocks had been traveled on so much they were slippery making us wonder if our next step would be the one to make us fall... right into the donkey poop. Walking and slipping our way down was great fun- but something we will remember NOT to do again.
Steve- trying to walk through the donkeys.
We were half way down at this point... but still have SO much more to go!!
After my 'almost' fall for the 4th time.
Oh- Santorini... this will NOT be the last time I see you!!
We took a few pictures when we got back to the boat since it was our last night:
Dinner staff:
At the lounge/bar- and typical spanish style- see a camera and jump in. No- we have no clue who these people are (other than the staff)
We were half way down at this point... but still have SO much more to go!!
After my 'almost' fall for the 4th time.
Oh- Santorini... this will NOT be the last time I see you!!
We took a few pictures when we got back to the boat since it was our last night:
Dinner staff:
At the lounge/bar- and typical spanish style- see a camera and jump in. No- we have no clue who these people are (other than the staff)
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