Day 7: Afroditi Volcano and Sunset Cruise
This cruise was a highlight for us! I have included the description of the trip below.
Afroditi Sunset Cruise: This stunning cruise aboard a traditional Greek caïque sailboat will hug the western coastline of Santorini before following a sea route between the two volcanic islets in the centre of the caldera. On Nea Kameni, the larger of the two isles in the middle of the caldera, you will visit the volcano crater, the rim of which can be hiked. Then you will sail to the hot springs on Palia Kameni, the smaller of the two. The sulphuric water there is warmer than 30 degrees and said to be good for the skin. From the centre, we will head to Thirassia, the westernmost of the four islands where we anchor in a beautiful bay for a buffet dinner on board. This epic odyssey will be accompanied by greek food and music, dancing and plenty of local wine with the dinner. And the best is saved till last as the real show begins on the way back, when you will marvel at the stunning sunset over the caldera.
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Cruise Route: 1. Board Afrodite 2. Dock at island of Nea Kameni, a live volcano 3. Swimming at Palia Kameni where water is warmed by sulphur gas escaping through the sea bed 4. Buffet dinner at anchor in a calm bay
5. Sunset views near Oia |
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| Docked at the Volcano. Our ship, the Afroditi, is on the left |
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| The volcano is still active. You can see the green sulphur holes on the rim of the craters that are steaming |
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| The trail to the top leads around 2 large craters. The craters are formed when gases explode and spew out rock and ash, unlike the Hawaiian volcanoes that spew out lava. |
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| Steaming vent |
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| The Summit is in sight! |
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| At a lookout stop, people built little stone cairns ( like a Greek Inukshuk) |
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| We could see our hotel on the cliff (the white buildings ) above the Celebrity Reflection. |
We made it to the top. It is not a long walk, but it is hot walking on the black lava rock.
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| At the summit of the volcano with the town of Oia in the background |
Stunning views were seen on the way back down.... a much easier walk
Here is what we just climbed:
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| Nea Kameni (aka The Volcano), left is the small volcanic island of Palia Kameni (where we swam in the warm springs) and in the background is Thirasia (where we anchored for dinner) |
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| The Volcano as seen from Fira |
Next off for a refreshing swim. We jut jumped off the boat and made for the warm waters near the shore on the island of Palia Kameni.
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| People jumping off the boat beside us. |
After a very refreshing swim, we headed over to a secluded cove and dropped anchor. We were served a delicious buffet with greek salad, chicken, pork, rice, roasted potatoes, and watermelon for dessert. It really hit the spot and our setting couldn't be beat.
Time to weigh anchor and put up the sails. We sailed over to Oia to see the sunset.
Apparently Oia is one of the most famous places on earth to go and see sunsets, and here we are.
The view of the sunset did not disappoint!
Oia was seen in the light of the sunset behind us. The red cliffs seemed to light up with the setting sun shining on them.
From the ship we could see throngs of people lining the streets of Oia watching the sunset.
Wjat we also learned was that Oia is a very famous spot for destination weddings. Our guides informed us that no matter when you visit Oia, you will see at least one bride. I took some photos with the zoom lens - and yes, I found 3 brides! Can you see them in the photos below?
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| Where's Waldo's Bride? (hint: look bottom left and top right pink building) |
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| Another Bride - sitting in the middle of the photo |
Here is the bride we saw yesterday on our visit to the town of Oia.
When the sun set, we lowered the sails, put on the Greek Music and danced our way back to port.
Day 8: A Tour around the Island of Santorini
Megalochori, Santo Winery, Black Sand Beach, and Ancient Akrotiri
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| Great Views from the Highest Point on the Island |
Megalochori
We stopped at the quaint picturesque village of Megalochi. This is an authentic greek village with few tourists. It was nice to see where the locals lived.
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Some traditional Greek Doors - old and new.
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| We saw many cave houses built into the side of hills. Here is a photo of an unfurnished cave house. It looks like a basement with rounded walls. |
Santo Winery
We stopped for a tasting at Santo Winery. What a beautiful setting on the edge of the Caldera. The wines were very good, and this was a great way to top off our morning!
Perissa Black Sand Beach
Akrotiri Archaeological Site
Akrotiri is a Minoan Bronze Age settlement that was destroyed in a volcanic eruption about 1627 BC. It is buried in a deep layer of volcanic ash, which preserved the remains of fine frescoes and many objects and artworks. The settlement has been suggested as a possible site for the lost city of Atlantis.
The site is so well preserved that it is often referred to as the Pompeii of the Aegean. A protective roof spans and encloses the entire site. Much of the site is still waiting to be unearthed, almost intact. 40 buildings or about 1/3 of the site has been excavated.
The inhabitants cultivated olive trees and grain, and their advanced architecture—three-story frescoed houses faced with masonry (some with balconies) and public buildings of sophisticated construction—is evidence of an elaborate lifestyle (from 2000-3000 years BC). Bodies and jewellery have never been found, possibly because they might have had advance warning of the eruptions and fled in boats—beds have been found outside the houses, suggesting the island was shaken with earthquakes that made it unwise to sleep indoors.
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| Beds found piled up |
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| 4 thousand year old bath tub. The homes even had 2nd floor toilets with running water. |
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| A 3 story home was uncovered virtually intact. The wood trim had rotted away, but left an impression in the ash, so moulds could be made of all wooden areas. |
We had a great day touring the island, and then it was off to get on the ferry to Athens.
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| Sailing past our hotel at the top of the caldera |
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| Sailing past the red cliffs of Oia |
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| A final look at Santorini |
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| People settling in for the 8 hour ferry ride back to Athens |
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| A stop at the island of Paros. Trucks and people made their way off and on. |
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| Paros |
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| Sunset on the Island of Paros |
Day 9: Athens
We arrived back in Athens late and went back to the Titania Hotel. We had a lazy morning and a fabulous breakfast in the hotel. After we said our good-byes to all our new friends, we headed for the Athens airport.
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| Joe, Guide Karen, Norm, Mary |
Day 10: Fight Home
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