Santorini
We greeted Santorini Island (ancient Thera) in the early morning as the Sea Cloud glided over the northern submerged edge of the vast volcano caldera that makes up this truly unique island group. The speculation is that the massive eruption in 1630 B.C. that blew the original island apart is one of the earths’ more dramatic events in recordable history, in which the effects were felt the entire world over. Krakatoa, an A.D. 1750 volcanic blast that changed the weather pattern for over a year around the globe, with a blast that was heard up to 200 miles away, was one-sixth the size of the Santorini explosion.
A local launch delivered us quayside in the port of Athinios to a waiting coach. From there we began the steep ascent by switchback road up the volcano’s side to the white-washed village of Oia, perched on the cliff edge overlooking the Aegean Sea. We walked its labyrinth of paths and steps as our guides informed us that the original inhabitants of this island were loathe to be noticed by passing pirates and therefore camouflaged their homes to blend into the hillside; the Romans sent offenders to this island as exiles – a sharp contrast to today’s bright beacon of white and blue to passing sailors seeking a welcoming port.
En route to lunch we traveled past many fields of Santorini’ s unique vineyards with grape vines twisted around their base and kept low to withstand the winds of this region. At lunch we tasted the wine and foods that are unique to this fertile island.
We visited the Prehistory Museum and were fascinated by the many relics that have survived since 1730 B.C., which were discovered recently in an island village that was inundated by ash when the island volcano was again active, a fate similar to Pompeii.
The village of Fira was our final chance to tour and take in the view atop the hillside cliffs before making our way to the water’s edge by foot, hoof or cable. And indeed, some did choose to switchback down the cliff aboard a donkey.
Anchored off the newest lava rock island, the Sea Cloud awaited its guests and made preparations for those who wished to swim in the refreshing Aegean Sea.
