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.