Santorini

General Information
In 1450 BC, this volcanic island erupted forming Santorini's spectacular crescent shape. Santorini now consists of three main islands, Thira, Thirasia and Aspronisi. Originally named Thira by the Dorian's, the island's name was later changed to Santorini, after St. Irene, during the 13th century Venetian settlement.
Santorini is one of the many popular islands that comprise the Cyclades; the chain of islands surrounding the once sacred island of Delos. Delos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece and is considered the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. This chain of islands is best know for its beaches and whitewashed cliff-top villages with stunning views. Santorini is the southernmost island of the chain and is considered to be one of the most beautiful of all the Greek islands.
Most cruise ships anchor off of Skala, 890 feet below the small town of Fira, the island's capital. The town can be reached by cable car, donkey or climbing the more than 600 steps. The cable car is recommended for going up. You really do not want to smell of donkey for the rest of your day and walking the 600 steps will tire you out before you reach the interesting places. If you walk up or down, watch out for the donkey droppings as they use the same steps.
If you want to venture out to other places and you are not a part of a shore excursion, you will have to either take a taxi or the local bus. We took a local bus to Oia and it was a very interesting trip but well worth it. You catch the bus in the square and for one Euro each way, you can get a taste and smell of the local environment. The bus has a conductor that collects your Euro and the buses we were on, were packed with people standing in the aisles.
The restaurants in both Oia and Fira are good with fantastic views. We ate at the restaurant across the street from the entrance to the cable car. The beer was cold and the meatballs over rice was great.
Please go here for a slide show of Santorini. This does not begin to show the real beauty.

Vacation Reviews