The third stop, and my favorite, of this breathtaking trip was Santorini, Greece. Santorini is one of the Cyclades islands of the Aegean Sea. A terrible volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC, forever shaping its rugged landscape. The whole complex of Santorini islands is still an active volcano and the only volcano in the world whose crater is in the sea. The whole island is actually a huge natural geological/volcanological museum where you can observe a wide range of geological structures and forms.
Firá is the picturesque capital of the island; perched high up on the edge of the Caldera (crater), it looks like a painting. Firá, together with Oia, Imerovígli and Firostefáni located high above on a cliff, make up the so-called “Caldera’s eyebrow”, the balcony of Santorini, which offers an amazing view of the volcano. To reach the top you can take a cable car, walk the winding, steep steps or take a donkey.
Another option, which we chose was a high-speed boat transfer to Oia. A 12 minute run takes you to the port at Oia and included is a ticket for the bus up the crater to the Oia city center, along with a second ticket for the bus transfer to Fira.
Santorini, is one of the most picturesque, idyllic villages with its white-washed houses and shops, blue domed churches and breathtaking views and spectacular sunsets.
