Santorini, Greece – Saturday, October 10 – tendered 10am – 7pm
National language: Greek Currency accepted: Euro
Greek Islands & Cyprus Cruise itinerary
Our Cruise Landings/stopovers
Each place our cruise ship will be stopping will have a separate posting on this blog, including each Greek island; Bodrum, Turkey; and Cyprus. This posting is specifically for the stopover on the island of Santorini
Introducing the island of Santorini, Greece
The island of Santorini, officially Thira, is one of the Cyclades Islands about 120 miles southeast of mainland of Greece and is the largest island of a small, circular archipelago formed by the Santorini Caldera. The island was the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history, about 3,600 years ago at the height of the Minoan civilization (from Crete).
The main town of Fira (where we will arrive by cable car), lies on the island’s caldera edge full of hotels, great restaurants, and narrow streets full of shops. The views can’t be beat. The nearby town of Ola, perched on the northern tip of the island, is famous for its pretty blue and white houses, winding, narrow streets, and sunsets.
A brief history of Santorini
Before the Eruption – The dawn of Santorini
Before 1600 BCE – The Minoan Eruption
9th Century BCE – 1st Century BCE – Dorian and Hellenistic Periods
1st Centure BCE – 13th Century CE – Roman and Byzantine Periods
1207-1579 CE – Venetian Rule
1579-1830 CE – Ottoman Rule and the Greek War of Independence
The Earthquake of 1956
Late 20th Century – Present/Modern Era
For in-depth information about each of the historic periods listed above, visit the following link – http://www.santorini-view.com/history-of-santorini/#roman
Highlights/Top attractions
The main town of Fira
– Archaeological Museum – The fascinating story of Thira’s past from Archaic to Roman to Hellenistic times including finds from Akrotiri and Ancient Thira – https://www.santorini-view.com/museums/archaeological-museum-thira/
– Museum of prehistoric Fira – houses great finds from Akrotiri including fossilized olive tree leaves, dating back to 60,000 BC – http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/1/eh155.jsp?obj_id=3325
The town of Oia
– Maritime Museum – housed in an old mansion with displays of Santorini’s maritime history
– Ammoudi – A tiny port 300 steps below Oia. Excellent Greek tavernas are there next to colorful fishing boats and great views of colorful cliffs
Ancient Akrotiri
Ancient Minoan, well-preserved city that was buried by volcanic ash in the eruption of 1613 BC – http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh351.jsp?obj_id=2410 There are lots of options for visiting this amazing site through the website http://www.GetYourGuide.com
Ancient Thira
This ancient city which was founded 8th century BC, is located on the top of a hill on the southeastern Cape of Santorini, and close to Kamari Beach (see below) – https://cyclades.culture.gov.gr/location/archaiologikos-choros-archaias-thiras/
Suggested Activities
Volcano and hot springs boat tour to Kameni Islets – offers awesome views of Santorini. Two volcanic islets formed in 1450 BC from lava and ash. Many tour companies in Thira offer this tour. Depart from Fira Skala, below Fira. 3 hours – $35 – https://www.getyourguide.com/en-au/greece-l169010/santorini-volcano-and-hot-springs-boat-tour-t1388936/?q=nea+kameni+boat+tours%2C+Santorini
Half hour walk along the caldera edge from Thira to the village of Imerovigli, a traditional village of stone houses and chapels, and the highest point of the caldera edge. You’ll pass beautiful hotels and restaurants, and have great photo opportunities.
Beaches
– Perivolos Beach – Known for its crystal-clear sea and long pebble-and-sand shoreline, Perivolosis one of the best beaches for swimming and water sports – scuba diving, parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking.
– Kamari Beach – family beach recommended by Trip Advisor – there may be some water sports there. Near Ancient Thira. Buses go from Kamari to Ancient Thira frequently. YouTube Video of this beach – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EH3Y-xJ6lNM&t=1555s
Additional activities suggested by our participants
Hike from the city of Fira to the picturesque town of Oia along a walking path that follows the ridge of Santorini (6 miles in 2-4 hours)
Pyrgos – The former capital of Santorini and the best-preserved medieval settlement on the island. Here you can visit Phrgos Kasteli, the best preserved of the five Venetian castles that once dotted the island.
Transportation
Tourists generally get around Santorini using the public bus network, rental cars or ATV’s, and walking within the pedestrian-only cliff side towns. We will arrive via a cable car to Fira.
Water taxis (& ferries) – https://www.getyourguide.com/en-au/santorini-l753/water-taxis-ferry-tickets-tc270/
A Santorini sea shuttle or water taxi service typically runs from the Old Fira Port directly to Ammoudi Bay (below Oia)or between southern beaches like Kamari, Perissa, and Akrotiri. Tickets for specific caldera or Oia speedboat shuttles generally cost around €30 per person and often bundle connecting land shuttle buses
Helpful link
Rick Steves on YouTube: 3 Greek Islands – Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZOuDhwzsq0
For the other stopovers on our cruise visit separate postings, which are listed in the column to the right
