Santorini Island, Greece
Not long after sunrise we sailed into the caldera outlined by the steep volcanic cliffs of the Island of Santorini. If we had been before the 1450 BC eruption, we would have seen a very different looking island. Where our ship now sails in hundreds of feet of water, there would have been the cone of the volcano. Perched over 900 feet above us, looking like snow on distant cliffs we could see the many small towns with their characteristic white houses in one of the most spectacular settings imaginable.
Our land explorations today began with a ride through the scenic volcanic landscape to the town of Oia (pronounced E – ya). Along the way we saw the unique, short, grapevines that are made to grow in a basket formation to protect the grapes from the windblown volcanic sands as well as pistachio trees and thyme bushes in bloom. In Oia we photographed the spectacular views from the cliffside shops and pathways, blue domed churches and lazy felines. We also saw some unique houses that have been built onto caves.
At lunch we tried some new foods of the region at a local family owned restaurant. From there we made our way to the well know town of Thira from which we could look straight down to our ship. One of the highlights here was the chance to see the artifacts that have been recovered from the ancient town of Akrotiri. This town was buried by deep the ash from the volcanic eruption of 1450 BC. Although the inhabitants left before the town was smothered, the intact remains of their homes and furnishings tells interesting stories of how this very sophisticated group of people lived. Some of the most exciting discoveries during the excavation were the frescos painted on the walls of the homes, whose colors were still preserved (by the lava) 3500 years later.
To get down to the bottom of the cliff and back to the ship, we got to choose our method of travel – air, foot or beast. The more adventurous of the group took the local donkey ride down the winding switchbacks. Those wishing for a little exercise walked the same switchbacks. While anyone wishing for a nice view, relaxation and a quick ride, took the gondola.
At the end of the day we washed away the dust and lingering thoughts of the heat of the day with a lovely swim at the island of Ios at Manganari Bay.
Not long after sunrise we sailed into the caldera outlined by the steep volcanic cliffs of the Island of Santorini. If we had been before the 1450 BC eruption, we would have seen a very different looking island. Where our ship now sails in hundreds of feet of water, there would have been the cone of the volcano. Perched over 900 feet above us, looking like snow on distant cliffs we could see the many small towns with their characteristic white houses in one of the most spectacular settings imaginable.
Our land explorations today began with a ride through the scenic volcanic landscape to the town of Oia (pronounced E – ya). Along the way we saw the unique, short, grapevines that are made to grow in a basket formation to protect the grapes from the windblown volcanic sands as well as pistachio trees and thyme bushes in bloom. In Oia we photographed the spectacular views from the cliffside shops and pathways, blue domed churches and lazy felines. We also saw some unique houses that have been built onto caves.
At lunch we tried some new foods of the region at a local family owned restaurant. From there we made our way to the well know town of Thira from which we could look straight down to our ship. One of the highlights here was the chance to see the artifacts that have been recovered from the ancient town of Akrotiri. This town was buried by deep the ash from the volcanic eruption of 1450 BC. Although the inhabitants left before the town was smothered, the intact remains of their homes and furnishings tells interesting stories of how this very sophisticated group of people lived. Some of the most exciting discoveries during the excavation were the frescos painted on the walls of the homes, whose colors were still preserved (by the lava) 3500 years later.
To get down to the bottom of the cliff and back to the ship, we got to choose our method of travel – air, foot or beast. The more adventurous of the group took the local donkey ride down the winding switchbacks. Those wishing for a little exercise walked the same switchbacks. While anyone wishing for a nice view, relaxation and a quick ride, took the gondola.
At the end of the day we washed away the dust and lingering thoughts of the heat of the day with a lovely swim at the island of Ios at Manganari Bay.
