The volcanic miracle of Santorini

While your cruise ship will be approaching Fira and it's port, Athinios, you may think that ''finally, a dream came true!'' The white houses of the island look like they are sculptured into the impressive rock that stands in front of your eyes, and the Aegean Sea creates a magnificent contrast of blue and white. Santorini is indeed perhaps one of the most beautiful places on planet. Besides, it has been voted several times as such by travel websites and magazines. 

''The port of Fira''

The cruise ship will leave you at the bottom of Santorini's rock. From there you can either use the traditional option of jumping on a donkey that will carry you up to the top. There are also more modern means of transportation: taking the teleferic, the local bus or a taxi to the town of Fira.

Shore excursions: Most cruise ship excursions include Oia and Fira. They will both give you a good taste of that unique island. Visits to local wineries, where one can learn some of the secrets of the vinsanto* variety,  are also offered. An excursion to Oia -the must be place for the romantic ones to enjoy one of the most famous sunsets- is highly recommended by ''Cruisinggreece''. Apart from the panoramic views to Thirassia and Nea Kameni, the two nearby islands, Oia offers a variety of ''artistic'' promenades that pass by jewelry, craft and painting shops of high quality (as well as high prices). Your cruise itinerary will not allow you to enjoy Oia's sunset, since you will need to be back on board by afternoon. Don't worry though, since  this might become a good reason for you to visit  Santorini again in the future!

Some cruise companies suggest  tours to Akrotiri, a Bronze Age archaelogical site situated 15 km on the south of Fira. On your way, you will pass by Caldera from where you can enjoy a magnificent view. The excursion to Akrotiri is another fine choice, especially for those who love antiquities.

What someone coming with a cruise ship should avoid, if a first-timer in Santorini, is a beach excursion. No one needs to spend time on a beach when there are so many things to see in one day. Besides, beaches are not the strong point of the island. in terms of swimming. Their uniqueness makes them worthy rather as sights than places to swim. Aghios Georgios is a beach with volcanic black pebbles while the Red Beach has black and red volcanic pebbles and hot water. 

Shore alone:  Independent boat tours that will take you to Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni  and Thirassia also depart from the port of Athinios. At the port you will also find a few cafes and shops for some last minute shopping. 

''Sunset at Oia''

Every part of Santorini reveals treasures of natural beauty, architecture, traditional and modern art and craft, ancient remains and volcanic beaches. Actually, the whole island was the result of a volcanic eruption in 1613 B.C. If you have been to Santorini before and have already visited its main villages, Fira and Oia, then you might choose to visit Emerovigli, another picturesque village of Santorini. Similar to Fira and Oia, in terms of architecture and colors, it offers a much more relaxing atmosphere since it's not as packed with tourists.

A highly recommended alternative is also the boat trip to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni (the still active volcanic centre of the area), just opposite Santorini. Local boats that depart from Fira offer organized guided tours that give you the opportunity to walk on the volcanic rock, smell some real lava and maybe carry a piece of volcanic rock back home! There is also a stop for a swim in the warm volcanic waters. The sea iron will leave its marks on your towel when you hop on back to the boat -a proof of the water's thereupetic power!

''View of Nea Kameni from Santorini''

The local bus company has itineraries from Fira to most parts of the island. However, be sure to check the timetable in order to be back on time. Taxis (+30-228602555) can take you anywhere on the island and private companies arrange tours for small groups of people.

* See Glossary in alphabetical order