One Day in Santorini, Greece
It’s really difficult to convey with words, and even pictures, just how beautiful the Greek island of Santorini is. For years I looked at the pictures of Santorini and knew that I wanted to visit. And while my recent visit there was brief as we visited for just a day as part of a Mediterranean cruise, I must say that now that I have experienced the magic of Santorini I desperately want to return.
So what is it that gives Santorini this almost mystical attraction? For me, it is a combination of the sheer beauty of the island along with its violent and destructive past. You see, Santorini is the site of one of the most powerful and destructive volcanic eruptions in recorded history. Known as the Minoan Eruption, this cataclysmic event took place about 3600 years ago and created a huge tsunami that swept across the Mediterranean. When the dust had settled, the island had collapsed into the sea and formed a huge caldera surrounded by the remnants of the volcanic island. What remains today is a circular archipelago that forms the southernmost part of the Cyclades Islands of Greece. When you look at a satellite photo of Santorini you get a very clear image of exactly what took place here.
Satellite Image
As you sail into the caldera of Santorini, you immediately get a sense of how violent and large an eruption must have taken place here. The caldera, with a depth of 400 meters is capable of accommodating the largest cruise ships and sailing in and out of the caldera is an amazing experience. From this perspective, Santorini looks like a 300 meter high wall of colorful rock and lava with the distinctive towns dressed in white and blue perched along the edge of the crater. Your first thought just might be how on earth are we going to get up there?
Did you know that many historians and archaeologists believe that Santorini was once the location of the fabled city of Atlantis?
As you tender into Santorini, the ships must anchor in the caldera; you quickly realize that you have options for getting up to the top of the crater. You can walk, ride a mule, or you can get whisked to the top in the new funicular. As the mules share the same path with the visitors walking up and down the hill we opted for the funicular. Why get mule dung on those spiffy new shoes? Personally, it seems like a cruel fate for the mules to have to spend their days totting tourists who just came from the breakfast buffet up this very steep and very high cliff. For a few euros take the funicular or walk.
Once at the top you will very quickly realize why Santorini is considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in the world. The views from the edge of the crater out over the caldera are simply stunning. From this vantage point you can see the cruise ships anchored below and you have a clear view of Nea Kameni, the island in the center of the caldera, which has formed by repeated eruptions over the last 300 years.
If you are visiting Santorini for just a day as part of a cruise port of call you will be hard pressed to see the entire island in a single day. If you are lucky enough to have a few days on the island there is plenty to keep you busy. The main communities on Santorini include Fira, Oia, Perissa, Karmari, and Imerovigli. Most visitors congregate in Fira and Oia. Fira is where the funicular drops off passengers so it’s pretty convenient to spend time here walking its streets and alley’s. Fira is perched on the edge of the crater and as such offers amazing views.
Beautiful Oia
Oia is a very popular destination on Santorini and for good reason. This may be the most picturesque community in the Mediterranean. Built right into the edge of the crater and located at the far northwest tip of the island, Oia offers unparalleled views no matter which direction you look. The white washed buildings mixed with the bright blue domes and the occasional pastel pinks make for a picture postcard view.
Most visitors flock to Oia for the great views and the gorgeous sunsets. If you have time there is also an interesting Naval Maritime Museum here that is located in a 19th century restored mansion. While Santorini today relies strictly on tourism, at one point during the late 19th and early 20th century the merchant trade in the Mediterranean fueled the economy here.
If there is one piece of advice I can give you on Oia it is do not hurry your way through this stunningly beautiful community. It is a wonderful place to wander aimlessly up and down its narrow alley’s, all the while catching a glimpse of that beautiful view.
While here be sure to find your way to the remnants of the castle that is located at the very tip of Oia, the views from this vantage point are breathtaking to say the least. You may also want to take the walk down the 300 steps to the famous Ammoudi Bay with its small beach and port. This is a great place to swim in the clear blue Mediterranean waters followed by a taste of the local baklava at one of the restaurants here. If we were to stay for an extended period on Santorini I would most certainly stay here in Oia.
Wineries
Santorini is also known for its red wines and there are a number of wineries around the island. The Boutari winery seems to get most of the attention but there are a number of others that would make for a great wine tour of the island. If you have a rental car consider spending some time wine hopping around the island. Here are a few of the local wineries on Santorini.
- Boutari Winery – Internationally famous and one of Greece’s top wineries, established in 1879.
- Canava Rousss – The oldest winery on Santorini, established in 1836.
- Halaris Winery – Located in Perissa, they offer guided tours of the vineyards and winery.
- Canava Argyros – Established in 1903 this five acre vineyard serves the local market here.
- Heliopoulos Vineyards – Located near the village of Megalohori this winery is fairly new.
- Sigalas Winery - Founded in 1991 the Sigalas Winery is located in the north of Santorini near Oia.
- Volcan Wines – Has a wine museum that is underground in a 300 meter long cave.
- Gavalas Winery - This 18 acre vineyard produces a number of rare local vines.
- Antoniou Winery – Located near the edge of the crate with fantastic views and a wonderful terrace.
- Santo Winery – Founded in 1992 they also have a beautiful terrace that overlooks the caldera.
Archaeological Ruins
With a rich history that dates back to 3000 BC there are a few archaeological sites on the island that have been excavated. In the 1960’s Akrotiri was uncovered to reveal the remains of a complex and advanced Minoan culture. Buried under meters of volcanic ash in the Minoan Eruption, it appears that a thriving community once stood here. Often compared to Italy’s Pompeii, Akrotiri offers visitors a fascinating look into the daily life and history of this region. Akrotiri is located on the far southwest tip of Santorini about a twenty minute drive from Fira.
The Minoan civilization arose on the Greek island of Crete and is widely considered to be the earliest European culture dating back to the 27th century BC.
The other archaeological site on Santorini worth visiting is Ancient Thira. Located on the southeast coast of the island these ruins date from the Hellenistic period but also contain some Byzantine and Roman ruins. The site contains temples, Roman baths, two agoras and the remains of a theater.
Nea Kameni
For something a little different and adventurous take a boat ride out to Nea Kameni, the island in the center of the caldera. You can explore the thermal springs here and hike around the active volcano. Or, head even further out to the island of Therasia, which was also formed during the eruption and has a population of just 270 people. If you want to know what Santorini was like before tourists discovered it head to Therasia for a little peace and quiet. Therasia has a very nice beach and is a great place to bring a bicycle to tour the island.
Beaches
I’m not sure there are too many places in the world where you can visit a black, red, and white sand beach, all in the same day. Santorini certainly does have the strangest collection of beaches and if you’re looking to relax and unwind in the clear, turquoise waters of the Mediterranean then pick your favorite color sand and head to the beach. While there are countless beaches across Santorini the most popular are the Red Beach, which is located near the ruins of Akrotiri, the black beaches of Kamari, Perissa and Perivolos, and the trendy Ammoudi Beach below Oia.
Museums
Archaeological Museum of Thira, Fira
- Contains a fine collection of sculptures, frescoes, vases and other archaeological finds from across Santorini.
Museum of Prehistoric Thira, Fira
- This museum houses some of the excavations from Akrotiri including pottery, marble figures, tools, weapons and a variety of other household items.
Naval Maritime Museum, Oia
- Housed in a 19th century Captain’s Mansion this museum contains models of ancient ships, a collection of maritime equipment, and some rare, old photographs from the early 20th century.
No matter how you decide to spend your time on Santorini you will be doing it in one of the worlds most unique and beautiful settings. The multitude of colors in the landscape combined with the distinctive white washed buildings and the incredible views will have you dreaming of returning. I know I can’t wait to return. Enjoy your visit to Santorini, certainly one of the world’s most beautiful islands.
Questions & Answers
We are a group of seven seniors. Is it a good idea to hire a van with a driver to bring us to the popular spots on the Santorini Island?
If you don’t feel comfortable renting a van and driving yourself, then hiring a driver is absolutely a good idea. We have started doing this a little more over the last few years, and it has worked out great on every occasion. It will, of course, be more expensive than driving yourself, but if you are splitting the cost, then it can be very reasonable. You will love Santorini; it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.
© 2014 Bill De Giulio
Comments
AUTHORFrom Cortina and the Dolomites to Santorini, okay, now I am officially jealous. Santorini has to be one of the most scenic and beautiful islands in the world. Just the story of how it came to be is fascinating. You will love it. Where else are you going on this adventure?
Thanks for your article. We will be in Santorini March 16&17, 2017. Looking forward to seeing it.
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Thank you Cedric. It sure is. Certainly one of the most believable places I have ever been. Can't ain't to return someday.
The place is unbelievable, isn't it? An almost submerged volcano. All those cliff houses. Just looking at the pictures of it is breathtaking.
Happy New Year to you as well!
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Hi Lana. Thank you. This becomes the problem with "beautiful places", everyone wants to visit :). I do agree that Santorini, and Oia in particular is a bit touristy but there's no denying it's a stunning place. Someday we will return but in the meantime there is a whole world to explore. A Happy New Year to you!
It is a beautiful place, and you've done it justice. It's amazing how much you can cover in just one day! I've spent a week in Perissa last year, and although I loved the experience, I thought Santorini (especially Oia) was a bit too touristy for my taste. Next time I'll go to a less famous island!
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Hi Snowsprite. Yes, there is plenty to do to occupy many days. We wanted to visit some of the wineries but just didn't have time. Perhaps on our next visit.
bdegiulio I agree I think it is well worth an extended stay there is a surprising amount to see on such a small island.
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Hi Snowsprite. Thank you, Santorini certainly is amazing. You were there on a special day. We hope to return someday for an extended stay. Thanks again, have a great day.
Thank you it reminded me how just how fantastic this little island is. Santorini is an amazing place. I was lucky to visit on the day the torch went through but not so lucky as to actually see it.
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Thank you Osam. It certainly is a beautiful place. For years I dreamed of visiting and now I can't wait to go back. Have a wonderful day.
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Thank you sujaya.
Bill truly amazing photos I myself am half Greek so this was a great reading thanks for posting!
beautiful pictures
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Thank you Sarah. We loved Santorini, just a beautiful place.
Very nice article and wonderful photos. thanks
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Hi Daniel. I completely agree, Santorini is certainly one of the most beautiful islands in the world and we can't wait to return someday soon. Thanks for stopping by, have a great day.
The white - blue - pink colors of the buildings reflect the sea and help cool the extreme temperatures in the summer. Lovely "fairytale" architecture, Santorini is really one of the most beautiful islands in the world.
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Thank you JM. Glad you enjoyed the tour of Santorini. It's definitely worth the effort to get there. Hope you get there soon. Have a great day.
This is really an interesting read. Visiting Santorini is at the top of my travel wish list. Hope to see this place soon. :)
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Hi thealpaca. Santorini is an amazing place. Full of color and some of the best views anywhere. Can't wait to return someday.
Red beach looks amazing
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Hi REALfoodie. Thank you. You will love Santorini, certainly one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Keep it on your list, you won't regret it. Thanks for stopping by, have a great weekend.
Great hub. Stunning photos! Never been to Greece (but plan on going), and Santorini will definitely be on the list.
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Hi Melissa. Thank you for stopping by. Santorini was my favorite of the Greek Islands we stopped at. So much so that we will definitely go back someday and spend a few days there. It's ironic that this island was the site of one of the most violent volcanic eruptions ever and yet today is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Keep it one your list. Have a great day.
These are gorgeous photos. Greece is on my list of places to visit.
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Thank you Akriti. Glad you enjoyed the tour of Santorini. It's a beautiful place. Hopefully you get there soon. Have a wonderful day.
I was really looking forward to read an interesting post on Greece since i plan to visit there soon and i found your hub.Thank you so much for sharing :)
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Thank you Besarien. Santorini is beautiful and so unique with the towns built literally into the side of the cliff. It was much different from the other Greek islands we visited and in my opinion the most scenic. Hopefully you get there soon. We are certainly looking forward to returning and spending more than just one day there. Thanks for the vote, have a great weekend.
It sounds like you saw a lot in your one day! I have never visited the Greek Islands. It is on my list. I love the other places I have visited in the Mediterranean. It sounds like Santorini is a the place to start exploring Greece! I hope you get the chance to return soon. Great hub with wonderful photos! Voted up!
You're very welcome.
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Hi Kristen. Thank you. I must say that Santorini is one of the most beautiful places that I have every visited. We are looking forward to returning some day when we can spend more than one day there. Glad you enjoyed the tour. Thanks so much for stopping by and the vote up.
Bill, what a beautiful hub on Santorini Greece. You're such a world traveler with these hubs. Great photos and descriptions for this travelogue. Voted up for beautiful!
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Hi Alun. Thank you. We also look forward to returning someday when we can spend a few days. I would like to explore the island and see some of the archaeological sites. For sheer beauty however Santorini is hard to beat. Thanks for stopping by Alun, have a nice weekend.
Bill, I absolutely agree with your opening paragraphs about Santorini. Like you I have visited the island as part of a cruise, and in my case for rather less than a full day. But I can totally agree about its beauty - both the attractive and dramatic landscape and also the appeal of the pretty little white washed villages with the occasional blue domes. But for anyone interested in geology or in ancient history, as you say, Santorini offers so much of interest (I do subscribe to the view that the volcanic eruption here probably contributed to the Atlantis myth).
What I didn't appreciate was the number of beaches here and the range of sights to be seen. I have always intended returning one day for another brief visit, but now I am thinking that several days on the island may be required.
Very attractively laid out article Bill with your own photos and videos.
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Hi Jodah. Thank you. The Greek Islands were on my radar for many years and I feel very fortunate that we were able to visit. Santorini was everything I dreamed it would be. In my opinion it has to be one of the most beautiful islands in the world. I am so glad you stopped by as now I can explore your library of hubs. It's always great to meet new members here. Thanks so much.
What a wonderful hub Bill. Santorini looks amazingly beautiful. I have always wanted to visit the Greek Islands but unfortunately will probably never have that opportunity. Your travel hubs however offer me a glimpse of what it would be like. This is the first of your hubs I have read but I keep seeing your name pop up in comments of other hubbers I follow so thought I would check you out. I am impressed by the quality of your hubs. Voted up here.
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Hi Celebrates. Thank you. Santorini is stunning. You are indeed seeing the airport runway on the satellite view of the island and you really get a sense of the shape of the volcano here also.
Santorini looks like a beautiful place, I would love to visit there and see it all. Your photographs are excellent. Kind of cool to see the airport runway on that satellite image, I guess that is what that is, and the volcano.
The island is really beautiful and Santorini in Greece is the best http://hubpages.com/@santorinigreece
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Hi Anika. It is stunning and I can't wait to return someday. Keep it on your list, you will not regret it. Let me know when you get there :)
Have been hearing about and watching some amazing pics of Santorini recently. Seems absolutely stunning and worth a visit.
Next on my list for sure. Thanks for all the info.
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Hi Lee. Thank you. Santorini has got to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. We would go back in a heartbeat. Thanks for stopping by and welcome to Hubpages.
Love this hub :) I've been to Greece my self and done a hub on how beautiful the places is! It's simply untouched beauty which is millions of years old! The weather is beautiful in summer and even good in winter thanks again
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Hi Giovanna. It sure is. Got to be one of the most beautiful places we've been to. Would love to go back and spend a few more days there. Thanks for stopping by and the share.
I was on Santorini many years ago. I'll never forget the donkey ride! It was an amazing experience -a wonderful place, and even then very busy with tourists. It's a very very beautiful island. Great hub. Very interesting. I have shared it.
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Hi Ethan. Thank you. Santorini is beyond beautiful. Definitely add it to your "list". We can't wait to return.
That must've been a beautiful please, I will make sure to add that to my own list of destinations to visit. I feel the sudden urge to pack my bags and fly over their! Great hub!
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Hi Joyfulcrown. Thank you for stopping by, glad you enjoyed Santorini. It really is beautiful and I would love to return someday. Welcome to HubPages.
I feel like I have just visited Santorini. What a beautiful place.
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Look forward to it. We'll get back to Athens some day so it will be great Read about everything we missed.
Going to Greece was something I've wanted to do since I was about 12. Now that I've been I'm determined to get back! Athens is totally different from the islands but still totally awesome. I plan on doing a hub about it soon.
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Hi Kappygirl. Thank you. Santorini was beautiful. We really, really want to return to Greece. We only spent one day in Athens so we have plenty of unfinished business there. I did notice your Hub on Hydra and will get to it soon, looks wonderful. I'll have to add Hydra to my list of places to visit when we get back to Greece.
Hi there--well, you just commented on my Oahu hub so I decided to look at some of your hubs. This one immediately grabbed my attention because my first hub that I just posted last week was One day on Hydra Island, Greece! Wow, Santorini looks amazing! I had no idea the port was like that. I would love to go back to any part of Greece. We were in Athens for a week and took a day trip to Hydra. Nice article. You provided a lot of good information.
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Hi stuff4kids. Thank you, glad you enjoyed the tour of Santorini. This really is one beautiful island. It's amazing how they have built the communities right into the side of the cliffs. Hopefully you get the opportunity to experience this magical island someday. Thanks again and have a great weekend.
Glorious photos and a fascinating hub about a beautiful place. I can practically feel the heat-haze rising up from the page!
If I ever get the opportunity to travel again - or retire! - this beautiful island will surely be on my list.
:)
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Hi Suzie. I dream of returning to Santorini. Certainly one of the most beautiful islands in the world. That village of Oia was something special. Great to see you back in the swing of things.
h the memories of this stunning island. Your photos do it justice and sights come to life. For a small place it certainly has so much to see and experience along with it's history. Thanks Bill for transporting me back to my trip which was also a day trip! Up ++++ all the way!
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Hi Lenzy, so nice to see you. Santorini really is one of those special places. I would go back in a heartbeat. I hope your having a nice holiday weekend and this finds you well.
Stopped by and re-read this one today. You do such a great job of sharing the flavor of a place. I can't think of anyplace that you wrote about that I wouldn't want to visit after reading your Hub.
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Hi Angela. I think Santorini is one of the most beautiful and unique places in the world. Sailing into and out of that caldera really was breathtaking. I can see myself returning to Santorini someday when I can spend more time there. There really is quite a lot to see there for such a small island. Thanks for stopping by.
I was there last year for one day, but I didn't get to see the different color beaches. Santorini is truly captivating. I remember when our ship was leaving the docks that night everyone came out on deck to get a last glimpse of the island. It was as breathtaking by night as it was by day.
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Hi Lisa. Thank you. Santorini could be the most stunning place I've ever visited. If you do make it to Greece again include Santorini. We also visited Rhodes but only for a day and would love to return there also. I will definitely return to Santorini someday, hopefully soon, it really is amazing. Thanks for stopping by, have a great weekend.
Wow... Gorgeous! I was in Rhodes once (LONG ago), but didn't really get to explore much as we were only there a couple of days. I've always wanted to go back to Greece though and I'm putting this at the top of my list! Great pics and info ––thanks!
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You're welcome Lany. I'm sure you'll have the perfect vacation.
It sounds like what i am looking for - we are in Belgium first, then Paris, then we can catch a cruise in Rome or Venice. I shall look into it - thank you for your reply.
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Hi Lany. We took a Celebrity cruise on the Silhouette. It started in Rome and stopped in Naples, Malta, Mykonos, Ephesus, Rhodes, Santorini, Athens, Crete, and finished up in Venice. It was 12 nights and it was wonderful. The Greek Islands that we visited were stunning. We selected this particular cruise because of the many interesting ports. The cruise had just two days at sea, which for me was good as I would prefer to be busy visiting new places.
Thanks so much for stopping by. If you have any other questions feel free to ask or send me an e-mail. This was our first. Mediterranean cruise and it really was just perfect.
My husband and i are planning a cruise to Greece - do you have a cruise liner preference for me? and where did your cruise start?
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Thanks Lenzy. Appreciate the visit and comments. Oia is one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited, would love to return some day. Have a great Sunday.
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Hi carter. Thank you. It's a beautiful place but that climb to get there is something. They do have the new funicular now which helps, a lot. Thanks for the vote, pin, etc. Have a great weekend.
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Hi Pam, thank you. Glad you enjoyed Santorini. It really is one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited. So for the late reply, I was down in your neck of the country last week. Have a great weekend.
Thanks for the great info and photos of Santorini. It looks like a great place to visit. Wandering the back streets of Oia sounds like a fun way to spend a day. Lenzy
Beautiful images captured here Bill, can't help but want to go there..think I'd have to be super fit to attempt this one though..voted up +++ & pinned
Cheers
What a gorgeous set of pictures! I would love to visit this area. It sounds like such a wonderful place to visit, so beautiful. Thanks for writing such a beautiful, interesting hub.
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Hi Flourish. Yeah, I felt bad for the poor animals having to lug tourists up that steep hill. They really should do away with that option. Glad you enjoyed Santorini. Thanks for the vote, pin,etc...
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Hi Victoria. Thank you. Hopefully you get a chance to discover the world outside of the USA someday soon. It's an amazing place. Thanks for stopping by.
Beautifully written with terrific photos that make me want to go. I'm so glad you gave the poor mules a break; I've read that they don't have good treatment. Voted up +++ and pinning.
Amazing article and amazing pictures. I have never traveled out of the country, but I hope to one day!
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Thanks Glimmer. Yes I remember well you telling me about the cruise with your aunt. I must say taking a cruise in the Mediterranean is very different from taking a Caribbean cruise. There are so many wonderful ports between Italy, Greece, Turkey, etc. I think we will return to Santorini some day. I want to stay in a place on the edge of the crater and wake up to that view every morning.
I do have more places to write about, it's been going slowly but I'll eventually get to them all. Thanks for the vote, share, etc. Have a great week
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Hi Linda, Thank you. I think Santorini was definitely my favorite stop in Greece. I have other places yet to write about and Athens was also amazing but Santorini is just beyond beautiful. I can certainly see myself returning to Santorini in the future.
Thanks so much for stopping by and the share, have a great week.
Well Bill, this is right up my alley. I think I have mentioned my cruise with my Aunt years ago and this was one of the stops. It looks just the same and was so incredibly beautiful. I would love to go again. We had a day just like yours too. Ah the memories. Can't wait to see the other stops on your cruise. We went to a bunch of islands and few places in Turkey. Voted almost all of them and shared around.
The pictures in this hub are fabulous, Bill! Every time I read one of your articles about Greece or Italy I start thinking about how I could get there myself. The combination of wonderful scenery and fascinating archaeology and culture is very, very enticing. Thank you for creating another wonderful travel hub, which I'll share.
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Hi Joelle, Glad this brought back some great memories. Santorini certainly is a beautiful place. Fira is a bit touristy with al lthe shops but there's no denying it's one beautiful island.
Thanks for stopping by, a great weekend to you also.
What a beautiful island! My husband and I visited Santorini in 2007.... just an afternoon because we were with a cruise but it's a place I want to return and take more time to visit. We didn't visit Ancient Thira or the red beach for example.
We bought a package of pistachios because they are produced localy and I must say they were delicious :-)
I never seen so many jewelry so close of each other in my life. You would think they just live from that on that island!
Another great hub that brings back memories of a fantastic trip!
Enjoy your weekend!
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Hi Koren. You hit the nail on the head. Magical! Glad you got to experience it. Thanks for stopping by.
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HI Milan. Thank you. Santorini is just beautiful, a wonderful place for a holiday.
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Hi Linda, it is a wonderful place. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great weekend.
I visited in 2012. Great depiction of a most magical place!
wonderul places
It sounds and looks wonderful.
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Hi Bill. I think words and pictures just can't do justice to Santorini. I've been to some beautiful places in my travels but this place was something special. Thank you and a great weekend to you also.
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Thanks Thief12. It is beautiful beyond belief. I want to go back, and soon. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend.
Without a doubt it is beautiful there; your commentary just made it that much more enticing. Well done as always, Bill. Have a great weekend.
Beautiful. Wish I could go there.
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