The Greek Isles: Santorini

This is absolutely the post that I have been waiting for! Santorini is this epic, magical, so typically Greek touristy island that it’s almost a cliche.

Our ship, the Norwegian Getaway, docked in the bay early in the morning on the very edge of the cliffs facing the island and up above was the town of Fira. It’s quite a sight to behold. The steep cliffs jutting out of the deep ocean surrounded by other volcanic islands. There is very little greenery to be seen from our perch on the upper deck.

Slowly the tender boats began leaving the ship and ferrying our fellow passengers to land. When we managed to get our turn the ride was slightly bumpy but short and once on the boardwalk we joined the cues of people to get our next tickets to Oia. For 30 euro we got a roundtrip ferry to Oia followed by a bus along the coast back up to Fira.

Oia is the town that everyone sees in the postcards and instagram posts with the blue domes and white washed buildings. It is sat on the top of the slopes and melts down the hill toward the ferry jetty.

We hopped onto the fast ferry and found seats on the upper open deck. It is absolutely the best way to take in the views of Santorini island. We passed coves and crystal blue bays dropping into deep navy water.

View of Oia

As we arrived at the Oia jetty and exposed to the wind the sea got a little more choppy, but that didn’t deter our captain from docking.

Once on shore we transferred to a bus that trekked us up the steep hill to the town above. It is possible to make the walk up, but there is so much to see in only one day that you wouldn’t want to waste the time.

We found the tiny alleyways charming and followed the crowds towards the main walkway. The crowds were phenomenal as a ships worth of people descended on Oia.

The locals value the income created by the cruise industry, but it also has detrimental effect on local cost of living. It is always a two edged sword that needs to be balanced.

We tried to move away from the main walkway and found some smaller paths between the homes and guest houses on the cliff.

It seemed strange to me that everyone dressed in a blue and white to compliment the surroundings so I broke the mould and wore my brightest pink dress. I was delighted to find my name on the wall outdid a home in the typical Greek tiles.

The buildings are stacked one on top of the other all the way down the cliff to the water below. The only way up and down is on foot and for the guests staying in these properties, the porters do all of the heavy lifting of luggage down to their rooms and back up on departure.

We passed the famous Blue domes and were not going to stand in a cue to take a photo so we found an alternative view from a little cafe.

We passed two churches. The smaller is typical Orthodox Church just alongside the main pathway as you walk up the hill. The second is the larger The Virgin Mary of the Akathist Hymn Church, also Greek Orthodox. Both were typically white washed with blue details.

Next we pottered through the many tourist-trap stores selling very overpriced wares. I loved the colour and attention to detail that was brought into every craft. There is a vibrance to the place that is addictive. I can completely understand why everyone wants to visit Santorini.

We took in the views and lounged on a wall while we enjoyed an iced tea.

Later we made our way back towards the meeting place for the bus and then enjoyed the coastal drive along the back of the island towards Fira.

Once in Fira we did some shopping and made sure to visit the Metropolitan Church of the Presentation of the Lord.

It is surrounded by white arches and topped by a white dome, but inside is dark and gilded in gold. The dome was impressive and one could feel that atmosphere shift as we entered the magnificent building.

Walking through Firo

Soon we were faced with decision of either standing in the cue to catch the cable car down to the harbour below OR make the windy walk down the zigzagging path with the donkeys.

Cable Car vs Donkey vs walk

After looking at the static cue of passengers we quickly opted for the walk down. A top tip is to make sure the you wear good grippy walking shoes in Santorini as many of the cobbled paths are worn to a shiny state of slipperiness.

Many of the donkeys were either resting in the shade or making the trek up the hill carrying passengers. We couldn’t face riding the donkeys when our own feet were good enough. The donkeys seemed well cared for, but it was a hot Summers day.

The walk down

We made walk down in about 35 minutes and then found our return tender boat waiting for us. After many, many steps we were thankful to sit and enjoy the views as we were carried back to our ship waiting in the bay.

That evening the ship left late as we all gathered on the decks to watch the sunset and bath the cliffs of Santorini in golden light. It really is spectacular.

We finished the day at dinner in the main dining room eating more than what was possible. This definitely is one of the benefits of cruising. The endless food, being transported from port to port overnight and waking up in a fresh city or island each morning ready to explore.

The lack of logistics just makes it so appealing. I can understand that many folk wouldn’t want to be cooped up on a ship with so many other people, but when you view it as your transport to a new place each day, with food and no packing or unpacking then it starts to make sense.

Watch this space for our four day stay on the Island of Spetses, a little known island frequented by the Greek locals and only a ferry ride from Athens.

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