Thera? I thought we were going to Santorini. We are, but its real name is/was Thera. I have to admit I did not know that either! Santorini is probably the most famous Greek island, noted for its huge caldera and idyllic white-washed buildings with blue roofs! I admit it is magical, especially when the tourists are NOT there. Yes, I know we are also tourists.
But before we arrived at Santorini the ship made a stop in a small sheltered bay on the island of Ios for a two hour swim stop for those who were interested. About 10 people chose to do so (we did not). Unfortunately about 6-8 people had come down with intestinal issues overnight which probably affected the number of people who participated in the swim. The ship’s staff quickly implemented isolation rules for those affected and alerted the rest of us to use caution and wash hands religiously.
Today’s schedule.
Each day there was spanakopita (spinach & cheese) and a sweet cheese phillo available at breakfast.
Dawn at Ios.
The map of Ios where the ship stopped for a swim break.
The swimming cove on the island of IOS.
Elizabeth is an avid swimmer and eager to hit the beach. The ship’s staff provided masks and fins for those who wanted them.
Off to the beach area for a morning swim.the swimmers reported the water was still warm enough to enjoy. The water is crystal clear!
The rest of us tested out the sun deck lounge chairs.
Obviously Yvonne liked hers!
Lunch buffet today.
There are always three different salads served as part of the luncheon buffet.
Working our way to Santorini by 11:30am.
After the swimming session we continued our way to Santorini. Our destination was to first visit the Bronze Age ruins of Akrotiri located on the southern part of the island. This settlement dates back to ca. 5000-4000 BCE. It was destroyed (like Pompeii) by the volcanic eruption that hit Thera around the 16th century BCE. It has been actively studied since 1967. It was linked to the era of the Minoan civilization, one of the earliest Greek civilization eras, as a result of the artifacts found at the site. Akrotiri prospered for over 500 years with paved streets, an extensive drainage system and even three story buildings. It was an important trade center with other Greek cultures; it was especially noted for its knowledge of copper products and technology and pottery.
There is a small port mid island (see pin) where we land.
Luckily Road Scholar arranged for a large tender to bring us from the ship to shore, eliminating the need for multiple trips on a zodiac. From there we rode buses to the different sites we would be visiting.
One of the large ferries that visit the island.
Parkway up the twisting road leading to the top of the cliff. With no guard rails it seemed a bit scary!
Not a lush climate here. Santorini gets an average of 10.6 inches of rain each year.
Note the small amount of greenery . These are grape vines, which grow close to the ground to maximize their ability to absorb the little moisture there is. Surprisingly they have adapted and Santorini wines are fairly decent.
A timeline of various ancient Greek civilizations. We are visiting sites of all three ancient civilizations.
The site of the ancient city of Akrotiri.
Description of part of the Akrotiri complex. As many as 20,000 people may have lived here.
It takes a bit of imagination to visualize what these structures really looked like.
Pictures from the era of initial exploration of the site.
Discussion of some of the artwork found in the homes.
We are walking on the upper level of a three story building.
They were known for their skills with pottery.
The House of the ladies.
The house of the Ladies.
What a three story building might have looked like.
The remains of a three story building.
Descriptions of artwork found the the complex.
Explanation of the beds.
Looking down at the remains of beds.
From there we went to the major attraction on Santorini, the village of Oia (pronounced “e ah”) where, after a brief orientation walk, we had several hours to wander on our own through the meandering narrow streets admiring what Oia is known for.
The countryside is quite barren with little vegetation or trees.
There were many made rock walls everywhere. Someone obviously worked hard making them.
The main square in Oia.
Note the narrow walkway on this major thoroughfare. Imagine what it would be like if there were several mega cruise ships in port!
My guess is you would be sued if you painted your abode any other color!
These pictures intrigued me but they were very large (and probably expensive)!
It’s my blog so I get to have my picture in it!
Boutique hotels and homes dot the cliffside.
What’s this? A gelato store.
We obviously needed to try it.
We joke we always seem to see a wedding when on a trip. The string continues!
Santorini has been discovered as evidenced by the prices on this typical restaurant lunch menu.
Looking south of Oia. The clouds caught my eye.
This is what you do when spending time in Santorini.
I believe this is a dining area on the roof of a private home. Not much privacy but drop dead views.
A door in Santorini.
We were bussed back to the landing late in the day and taken back to our ship for dinner and to begin our journey to our next stop, the island of Crete.
6:30 pm and it is getting dark as we return to the port and our tender ride back to the ship.
Towns and ships light up the night time sky. The submerged crater has a depth of of 1300 feet.
Tonight’s dinner menu.
White, rose or red? Each offered with lunch and dinner.
