We spent our last 3 nights on the island of Santorini, called Thira in Greek. Our hotel was in the capital city, Fira. Nick had dreamed of going to Santorini and this was his most adamant request during planning and it was a great choice. It’s absolutely beautiful!

We came in by ferry boat and the port is way too small for all the people and cars going in and out,so was an adventure finding a transport up the huge cliffside (about 10 switchbacks all the way up) to our hotel. I think we got charged too much and was extra crabby and loud about it, Nick has learned well how to help me calm down, lol. It was a rough start but totally worth it after we realized where we’d end up.

Our hotel was gorgeous!! The view isa caldera view because a long, long time ago that is where the crater of the volcano was, hence the huge cliffs up to the now islands. The volcano created all the islands around here.

Our first full day we rented a car to try to see the whole island. It was a cute, convertible Smart car that had no get up and go. Lol! We first went to a black rock beach, water was perfect and the rocks were HOT! Nick couldn’t walk on it, ha!! The water here is so blue and completely clear, it’s a little chilly but felt really nice after laying in the sun.

After the beach we drove to the highest town on the island, Pyrgos (see previous post), checked out the more “hippie” black beach then showered and got ready for the sunset and dinner in Oia. Oia is the most photographed town. It’s a bit bigger than Fira, I think, and definitely much, much more fancy and expensive. You have probably seen pictures from Oia, with the blue domed churches and hotels and pools lined up and down the side of the cliffs.

Day 3, we hung around Fira, ate more gyros, and did a sunset cruise where we saw: black, red and white sand beaches, imposing black rock cliffs, the lighthouse, hot springs (which were cold) and of course, the sunset over the sea. We really enjoy being on the water. The trip was wonderful!