We were moored in the caldera, below Fira. The cliffs rise about 900 feet. The eruption must have been huge, since most of the island collapsed. The tsunami, the wave that followed the eruption, must have affected the whole Mediterranean region, especially the lower-lying lands. This catastrophe is the beginning of many tales and stories.
Tender boats took us to the only small harbor on the island, and we went by bus to Akrotiri. This village is much like Pompeii, covered with ash -- but unlike Pompeii, people were able to leave and take all their belongings with them when the volcano erupted. Excavations started in 1967 and are still going on. During our visit our local guides gave us a good insight to this Minoan city in the Aegean sea, hidden for about 3,500 years!
In Santorini today, things are very different and maybe a good example of the latest "civilization" around the Mediterranean Sea. Santorini is now a major tourist resort and the number of shops, restaurants, cafes... is uncountable. The Caledonian Star looks small aside all the huge cruise liners, but still we are always able to go to places these big ones never will be able to reach.
By 6 o'clock it was time to set sail. While leaving Santorini most went up on deck to catch a last impression of this fabulous place. Someone asked, "Can you find another island in the Mediterranean Sea like this one?" Yes, you can, but each has its own charm and tomorrow we will be at Skiros.
