Vacation Reviews
Vacation Reviews
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.
Copyright 2008 - WIDI, Inc.
Copyright 2008 - WIDI, Inc.
