Jolene and i go to the world famous island of Santorini.. even though the summer crowds have long gone, we discover why travellers all over the world flock to this place again & again. It's amazing and breathtaking.
We take the Blue Star ferry from Piraeus port in Athens. the trip takes 7.5 hrs but we sleep & eat most of the way.
The ship makes a stop at Paros, one of the Cyclades islands.
Other islands along the way and the deep blue Aegean sea.
Our beautiful hotel sits atop the cliff in Santorini. We have a jacuzzi which overlooks the sea and Nea Kameni. Santorini was the result of a violent volcanic eruption hundreds of yrs ago, which left a crescent shaped Santorini and a deep blue caldera. Nea Kameni is the remnants of the active crater which we will visit the next day. Villages cling to the cliff face and the views are to die for.
I have to take a dip!
Our village of Imerovigli which arguably has the best view and just 15mins away by foot from the main town of Fira. I love waking up to all these white washed houses.
Sunset by our balcony.
Taking in the morning sun
The next day we make our way down the cliff to the port where we'll hop on a boat to see the crater.
Charming detours lead us to unexpected views. This happens everyday because there are so many winding paths and the houses are just packed side by side.
View of the jagged roads leading down to the port... we're off!
On Nea Kameni
After a half hour trek, we're dead beat! I'm wearing ballet flats and Jolene is wearing heels haha. We are really not smart. Still she manages a brave smile!
We have lunch at Thirassia, another small island just across the caldera from Santorini. The food is delicious! The fried calamari in greece is the best i've eaten. We reminisce on the great food we've binged on in HK but i think Jolene is completely addicted to greek gyros and the meat.
The port in Thirassia... it's really just a small platform where the boats dock, unloading tourists like us for lunch.
A lady prepares for winter; most of the shops are closed and only the locals are left. But greek men are charming and friendly... Dont be surprised if they take yr hand and kiss it for no reason. I swear greece is the only country in the world where u can get by on yr charm and a big smile. It's really been proven time and again.
We stop at Oia, another village on Santorini... The thing about this island is that u keep having to go up and down. From the port to the cliff top then down again then up again. We made our way up this winding gravity-defying path of stairs. 250 steps in total. Except that u need about 3 steps per step if u know what i mean.
But the views are always worth it.
I could get lost in these houses... we wandered around looking for those blue-domed Orthodox churches.
Voila! Postcard perfect.
The fog sets in.
Oia is filled with little alleys of houses and surprises
I have so many pics, including the imposing Skaros rock.. will post them up soon.. goodnight.
