Go to Santorini
page 1 - Fira
After spending my first day in
Santorini meandering through Fira and the western rim of the caldera, I then
ventured off to explore other parts of the island on my second day. I started
by catching the bus to the black-sanded Kamari beach on the eastern side of the
island. The chilli temperature of the water was no reason to stay long but the
commute was a good way to see the center of the island.
I then returned
to Fira to walk down the donkey path to the Fira Skala port. From here I caught
an 18th century replica schooner to the still active Nea Kameni crater. The
steam coming from the sulphur rocks in the eye of the crater are a grim
reminder of the phenomenal explosion detonation that actually formed the
island. Real estate agents must vehemently discourage any potential buyers of
one of Santorini's multi-million dollar houses on taking a Nea Kameni tour so
they don't seriously start to rethink their investment. The nearby Palia Kameni
hot springs were a bit of a disappointment but the trip to the crater center -
the nucleus of Santorini's history, and the schooner boat ride make this a must
do trip.
 |
The last stop on my agenda was the
picturesque town of Oia - on the northwest tip of Santorini. Although it shares
the same-whitewashed architecture urban planning design as Fira, Oia has a
unique charm to it. Fira is Santorini's central hub and the place to stay.
However, Oia is certainly worth a visit. A quieter and smaller place than Fira,
Oia's cathedrals, zigzagging alleys, and windmills make it an essential part of
the Santorini experience... and then there's that spectacular
sunset.
Left: A landsat image taken of Santorini. Fira, Oia,
Nea Kameni, and Kamari Beach all marked. Taken from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caldera
Right: Oia is built alongside
the caldera cliffs
Below: the blue domed church tops of Oia are one
of Greece's landmarks. |
|
 |
