While we were staying on the gorgeous Greek island of Santorini we ventured onto the water twice to sail on the blue Aegean sea.
On our first day we walked down to the port via the very long stairway from Fira. From the top we could see several huge cruise ship anchored of shore while their passengers came ashore for the day.
It is a long way to the bottom.
We chose to walk down rather than take a donkey. I know how contrary those critters can be.
They might look placid but I don’t trust them after watching the donkey race in Torrita di Siena last year.
Finally we arrived at the bottom.
Fira looks impressive at the top of the caldera.
Our first stop was at the thermal pool that emerges from the volcanic island just off Santorini. The water in the inlet is much warmer that the surrounding 16 degree water.
I didn’t take the opportunity to dive in. I was happy to watch the others.
The leaching minerals colour the rocks at the edge of the sea.
The landscape is barren and rocky, a moonscape.
There are lots of beautiful boats on the water.
We went ashore to see more.
We climbed up to a crater.
Some people went further into the centre of the island.
It was hot and dusty, and not being all that interested in rocky craters I went back to the boat.
Then is was back to Fira, passing some interesting landscapes on the way.
The next day went went to Oia to board another boat for sailing, lunch and a sunset cruise.
The little port at Oia is charming.
This time we didn’t walk down the steps to the water.
The views from below are stunning.
Soon we were sailing past more amazing landscapes on bright blue water.
We visited the aptly named Red Beach.
Apart from coming by boat I think the only way to the beach might be the path in the cliff…eek!
While the red cliffs look impressive from a distance, I thought the beach looked pretty ordinary. I was not sorry we didn’t go ashore…better to see it from the boat.
We passed a tiny church built at the bottom of the cliffs and there were numerous shelters or storage dug into the sides.
I did swim in the sea. The water was cold, but once you dive in it is fine. The sea is clear, but there is not much to see underwater except for a couple of tiny fish, but I couldn’t come to the Greek Islands and not swim.
While I was happy to gaze out to sea all afternoon, it seems that some people came along for a different reason. Obviously there was something much more interesting on their phones.
Selfies are also a big part of any trip. It kept this girl busy for hours.
We returned to Oia as the sun began to set.
I think it would be fun to hire a boat and sail around the gorgeous Greek Islands for a few weeks…one day.
Love that little church down the cliff! Thank you for sharing!
By: Mulino Dominillo on August 6, 2017
at 5:08 am
It was a very pretty little church. We loved Santorini.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 6, 2017
at 9:52 pm
Debra, thanks for starting my Sunday with those lovely pictures! Those colors lift me up! I will come with you if you need a partner your next trip there!
By: Sondra on August 6, 2017
at 7:06 am
Greece is fabulous, we will definitely return.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 6, 2017
at 9:54 pm
The landscape and the geology are fascinating – i imagine it would breed a resourceful population. Beautiful photos, especially the sunset.
By: Jan on August 6, 2017
at 9:38 am
Where would we be without all the Greeks who came to Australia?
By: Debra Kolkka on August 6, 2017
at 9:54 pm
Gorgeous photos. The Oia sunset is breathtaking. Anything you recommend as a must due in santorini. We are planning our trip now!
By: melluann on August 6, 2017
at 11:27 pm
I would stay in Oia. We stayed in Fira, which is great, but I think Oia is prettier. Sunset in town should be fabulous too, we only had one night for Oia and chose the sunset cruise, but watching from town is said to be amazing.
Take at least one boat trip. The first one we did was just a couple of hours, the second lasted all afternoon. There are lots of great cruises to choose from.
Just wandering the narrow streets is fun, the shopping is quite good and there are some excellent places to eat. You will often pay a lot more for a view, but I guess it is worth it.
There is a local bus between villages that costs very little.
Have fun.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 6, 2017
at 11:43 pm
We did stay in Oia and it was absolute the right call for us. We didn’t get on a boat other than a ferry away from Santorini but I imagine it is a beautiful view from the boats too!
By: melluann on October 23, 2017
at 2:07 pm
Santorini is amazing. I’m pleased you enjoyed your stay.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 23, 2017
at 8:10 pm
[…] via Santorini sailing — Bagni di Lucca and Beyond […]
By: Santorini sailing – SEO on August 7, 2017
at 5:33 am
Wow look at that water. I love donkeys, they’re very sweet in my experience. I think I read that it takes 2 hours to take a decent selfie!
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on August 7, 2017
at 10:31 am
This girl spent the entire afternoon photographing herself.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 8, 2017
at 9:31 pm
Your boat trips looked great, what a fantastic place. Fab photos.
By: janetknight57 on August 7, 2017
at 1:25 pm
Santorini is gorgeous from any angle,
By: Debra Kolkka on August 8, 2017
at 9:31 pm
Incredible scenery !
By: Anonymous on August 7, 2017
at 10:43 pm
Santorini is stunning.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 8, 2017
at 9:31 pm
I agree, sailing around the Greek Islands sounds fab. Both of these boat trips look great…love the photos Deb.
By: Kerry & Jim on August 8, 2017
at 12:13 am
It would be great to hire a boat and sail around the islands.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 8, 2017
at 9:32 pm
Sailing is going to have to be part of my trip to Greece! You’ve sold me! 🙂
By: guineapigtraveler on August 8, 2017
at 8:25 pm
There are lots of different types of day cruises to do from the islands. It is a great way to spend the time.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 8, 2017
at 9:33 pm
These photographs are really persuading me to want to travel to Greece. Everything just looks so pristine
By: Maddi's Blog on August 11, 2017
at 1:17 am
Santorini is gorgeous! You will love it.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 11, 2017
at 4:31 am