Santorini, Greece

Well, it doesn’t get much better than this…………………

This was exactly what we needed after our time in Southeast Asia and the last few months.  Not complaining, just stating a fact that long-term travel is challenging at the best of times.  We took the one 7:25 a.m. daily boat from Athens to Santorini and arrived at the port of Fira (Thira), the capital, at 3:15 p.m.  A very comfortable boat and pleasant trip.

We couldn’t believe the view and how lovely the island was.  Of course we’d seen the postcards and all, but until you see it with your own eyes…….

Being winter it was very quiet and although not many restaurants and shops (and laundry mats – we needed one desperately) were opened in the main town of Fira, we much preferred that to being surrounded by tourists.  And of course the prices were much lower for accommodations.  Winter or low season is when renovations/maintenance of buildings and roads take place, and need to stop at the end of March for the start of the tourist season.  Apparently in high season one can hardly drive or walk easily due to the crowds.    The weather was unseasonably warm at anywhere from 16-20℃.  Perfect for walking, and walking we did.  Just to get from our room to the road was a 159-step climb, and down to breakfast was a 49-step descent/climb.

It’s such a great island to walk around in, especially through the labyrinth of back streets and lane ways.  Often you couldn’t tell if you were walking on a public path or through a private residence.  So many nooks and crannies to explore and to look out from.  The view was always different no matter where you were standing or sitting.

We spent 11 days relaxing and exploring.  It was the most relaxing part of our travels thus far.  One day we walked down the cliff pathway to the old port and unexpectedly the water taxi was about to go to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni which was right across from the larger island of Santorini, so we hopped on.  There were spectacular 360º views from the island.  The ride across also included the hot springs, but we hadn’t (thankfully) prepared for this so did not partake.  Those that did go in tried to put on a good face but we could see them shivering.

One of the days we rented a car and tooted around about half of the island, exploring a couple of traditional villages, Santo Wines Winery, driving up the switchback road to Ancient Thira.  We quite enjoyed looking at the ruins and the view as well.  There’s the view thing again.

On another day we took the local bus to the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri.  There were some very interesting ruins there from 1650-1500 BC.  The excavation began in 1967.  It’s quite incredible how something like that survives (no pics since I thought we had forgotten the camera in our room, even though I had it in my bag all along, oops!).

And our favourite day was the 2 1/2 hour walk/hike from our village of Firostefani to the village of Oia, at the northern end of the island.  It was a truly spectacular walk – a highlight of this trip for sure.  And our feet certainly got a workout.  Mine especially in my minimalist running shoes – I could feel every rock and stone under my feet.  They really got a massage and all the little bones and muscles worked like they’ve never worked before.  We took the bus back to Fira, had lunch and then still had to walk another 15 minutes to our village.

The people here have a rough exterior but are very kind and generous.  I don’t think there was a time in a restaurant where we didn’t received something for free, like a dessert and some Vinsanto (which we really liked).  All of the wine we drank on the island was from the island and Vinsanto is their sweet wine that reminded us of port.  The way they grow their vines is especially interesting due to the fact that it’s really windy on the island – that’s adaptation for you!  Have a look – https://www.google.com/search?q=vines+of+santorini&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiQh8T4gJrLAhVi_HIKHa8uCFEQsAQIIw&biw=1366&bih=639

We certainly will miss Santorini, and so glad we got to see it during low season.  We arrived in Rhodes on February 28th.  Talk soon from there.