SANTORINI (Day 2)

It was still dark out as we made our way down to the harbor and onto the ferry, the Blue Star Paros. Our destination... Santorini. The trip would take about 7 1/2 hours, including stops at Paros and its neighboring island of Naxos. After being loaded with supplies and passengers, the giant vessel pulled out in the early morning light. It was far too smoky from endless cigarettes to sit inside, so we bundled up best we could outside. It was quite chilly out! We left the choppy water of the bay and set out for smoother sailing on open waters.

Santorini (also known as Thira) is part of the Cyclades Islands. The name Santorini came about in the 13th century in reference to Saint Irene, one of three virgin sisters (Agape, Chionia and Irene meaning Love, Purity and Peace) who were martyred in 304 AD.

Paros

Naxos

We got great views of Santorini as we sailed down the length of the island.

Charming white villages such as Oia (left) and Fira (right, also called Thira, like the island) lined the steep cliffs that encircle an enormous caldera (crater), which was formed around 1450 BC when a volcano blew out the island's center. Some believe the eruption was responsible for the extinction of the Minoan civilization on Crete, while others speculate it gave rise to the stories of the lost continent of Atlantis.

The volcano crater

We arrived at the port of Athinios in the afternoon and took a bus up to Fira where we checked into a charming little hotel.

We spent the remainder of the day wandering about the gorgeous city with its many scenic views, white-washed buildings and lovely churches.

Fira, a city on the cliff... overlooking the caldera with the large center island of Nea Kammeni

Pack mules carry up supplies from the dock far below at the base of the cliff. Wandering the maze of streets behind the Rosaria Dominican Convent (built 1825).

St. John the Baptist Catholic Cathedral:

The Catholic Cathedral Church of Saint John The Baptist

An Orthodox church

Dinner was at a small taverna, complete with local, homemade white wine.

Pouring the wine. An amazing spread of dishes... fava beans, deep fried tomatoes, bread and tzatziki.

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