Spectacular Santorini

Time to pack the bags and bid farewell to yet another 'favourite place'. We really enjoyed our stay on Naxos, and of all the places we've had to leave, this one was the hardest for Shirley (we're chalking that up to the lamb chops!). But, we may be back again, one day. 

And now it's time for Santorini - a love it or hate it destination for some. Many people liken it to Venice in terms of crowds and commercialism, but there is no denying that it is one of the most spectacular destinations on the planet for travelers. And approaching it from the ferry is an unforgettable experience.

And as you reach the island, this is the first town you see - Oia, perched precariously on the edge of the caldera. The island of Santorini (called Thera by the Greeks), is actually the remnant of a massive volcanic eruption.

The main tourist town of Fira sprawls across the rim of the crater - and contains some primo real estate. The whole town is filled with hotels advertising 'caldera views', and these command some high prices, too - about 200 to 300 euros a night. Out of our range for this trip, unfortunately, but the views are free for all to enjoy.

Chaos reigns supreme when everyone unloads from the boat - people are frantically trying to catch a public bus, stay in their respective groups, or not lose their children. We are only at the beginning of the tourist season, and it's still relatively quiet - I can only imagine what it's like in August.

Disembarking the ferry is hard enough, but getting up to the towns from the harbour is also no small feat. Although the island is not too large, walking is not an option. We were fortunate enough to have a pick-up included in our hotel room. But the road snakes up through about 20 hairpin turns on the way up.

After checking in, we spent the rest of the afternoon just wandering the caldera and soaking up the views. We're only staying two nights - not too much to do on Santorini, especially for kids. And given the relatively high cost of everything on this island, there is not much incentive to stick around. But I would agree with all of those who say it is a 'must-see'. I don't think there is any place like this on earth.

There's a winding path that heads down to the Old Port - it's not used for ferry arrivals, but the cruise ships still use it for the daytrippers. These poor donkeys here have the unenviable task of lugging some of those cruise passengers (and I have to say there are a few who are rather large) up the cobblestone walkway.

We spent our second day on Santorini still looking for ways to work off that Naxos diet - so we tried the 10K hike from Fira to Oia. This is a famously scenic route, but it is a fairly long (2 to 3 hour) hike, and I think the Greeks kind of shake their heads in amazement that anyone would consider such an endeavour. 

Why can't I have a place like this? Sometimes I think we should just renovate various sections of our house in North Vancouver to include our favourite architecture from this trip. 

I'm not sure that it would do much for the resale value to have a Greek veranda with a Chinese pagoda and a Sarawak longhouse hallway.

I mean, how awesome is this hike? Even the kids can appreciate this view. Admittedly, there were a few spots along the trail where one wrong step could send you tumbling down the cliffs to the sea below, but no incidents for us. 

We made the trip in a little more than two hours - kids definitely deserved an ice cream. It's only May but the heat was noticeable by midday - I can only imagine what it's like in August.

But, I think I'll have a nap first.

 

If you make your children hike in the hot sun for over two hours, you need to set aside some kid time when it's all over.

Annie and Owen miraculously found a playground in Oia - it was not meant for kids as big as they are, but I don't think they've met a swingset they can't fit into.

Annie, Owen, Mama and Daddy. Looks like someone is a Minotaur today! When in Greece....

They say the sunsets in Santorini are magical. They're not wrong. Just after eight o'clock visitors begin to emerge from all of the streets and alleys around Fira and converge along the walls overlooking the caldera to take in the view.

Finding an available spot to snap a photo is the only tricky part. I can only imagine what it's like in August!