This is very unusual destination. One of two volcanic calderas where shops can sail into former volcano cone. The second one where I have been twice is Deception Island in the Antarctic.
on Santorini settlements are not located on the level of the water, but up – on the rim of the former crater. It is a serious half an hour plus climbing to get from the landing pier to the village. Recently they built alternative – the cable car will take you to Thira for 10 euro each way.
Bit today is is strong wind and our tenders do not operate in the morning, waiting for the improvement of the weather…But even the view from the ship anchoring in the caldera is fantastic! They started transfer to the land just after 9 am. Costa used big local tenders for transport. I decided to go ashore. Sea was bumpy!
We landed in the little “old port” at 11 am. I decided to climb by wide path the wall shown on tje picture above. Mules were also offered for 10 euro. They are nightmare of the climber (like on descent to Grand Canyon years ago) blocking the path, pushing you to the wall… And what a bed smell on the whole trail! But the views are really great!
After 45 minutes of climbing I reached the white village on the cliff. I did it! When Inwas here in the past I was much younger. Nothing changed in the village – chain of shops, cafes, towers of little churches. And crowd of tourists of course. But the views are worth the effort!
Santotini is very unique place. Locals are preserving the style and the color of the houses. It stands like the icon of Greek tourism
My walk back down to old port took me much more effort, but I was back on time for the last tender. The wind was still blowing – just in case take your windbreaker! 🙂
