Overview:
Fira as Seen From Oia
(Note the Ship at Anchor)
Santorini
is an island of dreams. It is said to be the location of
the lost Continent of Atlantis and it is easy to believe
that it might very well be. Santorini is actually what
is left of a volcano that collapsed into the
Mediterranean Sea eons ago. It is topped by whitewashed
villages and fabulous weather. While the currency of
Greece is the euro, most of the shops in Fira will
accept dollars (but watch the exchange rate). There are
ATMs located throughout Fira.
Cruise
Port Location and Information:
Anchored Off of
Santorini
Cruise
ships anchor off of Santorini and tender into a small
tender wharf located at the port of Skala. There are
some shops locaed right at the tender wharf for those
that want some last minute shopping.
The Santorini Tender
Wharf
Once at
the tender wharf one realizes that Fira (the village on
top of the caldera) is on top of the mountain.
Santorini Mules
There
are basically two ways to get up the mountain to Fira.
The first is to negotiate for a mule ride up the switch
backed trail into Fira.
The Upper Cable Car
Terminal
The
second way is to take the cable car up the mountain into
Fira. Also, if you want to walk up, you can follow the
mule trail up the mountain, but be aware that it is a
long hike. If you do decide to hike watch your step
because the trail is not cleaned regularly.
Exploring on Your Own:
Fira as Seen From an
Arriving Tender
Santorini
is easy explored on your own. In fact, this is the best
way to enjoy it. Much of the villages resides in
pedestrian walkways that simply cannot be seen any other
way but on foot.
Beautiful Santorini
Its narrow
winding pathways just beg you to explore them. Once in Fira there are several options that make themselves
available. The local public bus (just down the hill)
will take you just about anywhere that you want to go.
You can also rent a local taxi to take you on a tour of
the island and this is probably the best way to see all
of Santorini
Shopping Tips:
Santorini's "Street of
Gold"
Santorini is a shoppers paradise. It is said the the
streets are lined with gold and that isn't far from the
truth. It seems like every other shop is selling gold
jewelry and it is said that prices on gold here are
excellent. You will find numerous boutiques, shops and
street vendors selling everything imaginable.
A Shop in Oia
While
Fira's shopping opportunities are extensive, you can
travel to Oia and continue shopping in fabulous
boutiques and shops. Gold jewelry, cotton clothing,
beach wear, Santorini wines (make sure you like it
before you buy it, as it has a very unique taste)
souvenirs, local art (excellent and unique) ceramics and
wood
Port
Highlights:
Santorini's Beauty is
Simply Breathtaking
Just
exploring Santorini's beautiful structures, pathways and
over all beauty is reason enough to visit Santorini.
Narrow Passageways Lead
in Every Direction
One of
my favorite walks is to walk from the cable car terminal
along the trail to Thira. All that you have to do is
depart the terminal, turn right and then right again at
the walkway along the edge of the caldera.
One of Santorini's Hotels
Mixed
in with private residences are some of Santorini's
wonderful boutique hotels. Every time you pass by one
you think to yourself "I have got to come back and stay
there sometime".
Santorini Windmill
You
just keep asking yourself "Is this place for real?"
Exploring Santorini is a wonderful experience.
Bougainville on
Santorini
So I
will stop gushing. I think that you get the idea.
Santorini is really cool!
Kamari Beach, Santorini
Santorini also has some good beaches. Kamari Beach is
easy to get to by taking the local bus. The beach is
lined with restaurants, bars and cafes that will serve
you on their beach. The lounge chairs are necessary
because the sand contains many rocks making lying in the
sand a bit uncomfortable.
Off the
Beaten Path:
Beautiful Oia (eee-ah)
While
Fira offers much beauty, shopping and entertainment, a
visit to neighboring Oia is also a wonderful experience.
Fira as Seen From Oia
Oia can
be seen from Fira if you look to the right along the lip
of the caldera. When you are in Oia, you can also see an
excellent view of Fira clinging to the very lip of the
caldera in the distance. It is truly a beautiful sight.
Mules Still Work the
Narrow and Steep Walkways
One
sees mules carrying goods up and down the steep walkways
and it adds a unique flavor to any visit to Oia. Part of
Santorini's beauty is its laid back environment.
Exploring Oia
Oia is
not the focus for the throngs of tourists that one finds
in Fira and offers a much more relaxed opportunity to
explore its walkways, shops, boutiques and beauty.
Oia's Small Harbor
Oia is
beautiful even down to its small harbor. The colors of
Oia and its casual nature make it well worth a visit far
from the crowds of Fira.
Dining
and Drinking Suggestions:
Lunch Anyone?
Everywhere
on Santoini one finds tiny restaurants, bars and cafes.
It is not at all uncommon to find a cafe with only 4 or
5 tables where you can enjoy a lingering lunch.
Lunch With a View
Part of
the charm of Santorini is its focus on relaxation and
enjoyment. Every table in Santorini comes with an
incredible view.
One of Oia's
Restaurants Overlooking the Mediterranean
Since the
dining experience and environment is what dining in
Santorini is all about, there is no one restaurant that
is better than the others. All that you have to do is
find the location that you like the best and enjoy!
A Fira Sidewalk Cafe
You will
also see sidewalk cafes (especially in Fira) that offer
excellent ambiance and cuisine.
Must Do
List:
Yes, I
would give Santorini a "must do" rating. I can't imagine
that it isn't everyone's favorite Greek island. It is
simply beautiful at every turn.
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