(Image credit: Alamy)
Thank you for joining Paradise Vista Travel as we take a look at Santorini what many consider to be the crown jewel of Greece many beautiful islands.
Greece is rich with beautiful towns, amazing coastlines, some of the worlds most fascinating HISTORY and, in this fellow travelers opinion, some of the best FOOD in the world. Santorini gives you a chance to enjoy it all.
WHAT MAKES SANTORINI UNIQUE?
( FROM “VISIT GREECE” WEBSITE)
“Santorini, known since ancient times as Thira, is one of the most famous islands in the world. The fact that you can sit in front of the caldera, enjoy local dishes, a drink or a coffee while gazing at the remarkable beauty of an active volcano is priceless!
The island is actually a group of islands consisting of Thira, Thirassia, Aspronissi, Palea and Nea Kameni in the southernmost part of the Cyclades.”
SANTORINI CALDERA SEEN FROM ABOVE
GETTING THERE:
You can fly in, ferry in or come by one of the many Cruise Ship lines who stop at Santorini. We came by ship so lets look at that and some of the benefits and challenges to visiting by ship.
THE PORT
Larger ships like cruise lines cannot dock at Santorini so going ashore and getting back on board before the ship leaves port is an important consideration. Passengers have to take a tender boat over to the dock from the ship. cruise travelers will be familiar with this as many ports require tender access. Think about booking a suite onboard with some early off access to put you in the front of what can be long lines off the ship, at the port and getting back on board. The early access is worth the extra money to save time.
THE ACCESS
Once on Santorini at the port you have limited choices for getting up to the city Fira above. The most common are by Bus for larger tours – cable car -or by steps on foot or on a mule. The Cable Car is the way to go if you can get in the line early. Coming back down the lines can be VERY LONG and can make you “miss the boat”.
THE CABLE CAR PICTURES FROM VISIT GREECE/GREEKA SITE
SANTORINI STEPS AND MULE TRAIN
- Santorini has two Seaport: Athinios Port and Old Port Skala.
- Athinios Port that is for passenger ferries and cargo. …
- Santorini Cruise Port: Created by the volcano eruption in 1650 B.C., Santorini’s Cruise Port port of call is located at the bottom of the Caldera Cliffs in Fira, the capital of Santorini
THE CROWDS
We chose to walk the steps back down after taking the Cable Car up due to the 2 plus hour wait from the top. So called “Over-tourism” with so many large ships docking at once has been a problem with Santorini and other smaller, tender boat ports.
(A look at what it can be like at the top and trying to wait your turn for the Cable Car. We made it fine but this is something to consider in planning. Keep in mind your TIME LIMITATIONS)
PICKING A GREAT TOUR GUIDE
We went online and found a local TOUR GUIDE. She was born, raised and lives with her entire family on the island. We strongly suggest you consider this type of tour. It is was far less commercial, just our family by car, no crowds, and we had 5 hours to see what WE wanted and chose to see with a very warm and friendly guide who we found out to be one of the most popular guides among the yatching billionaires who dock in Santorini.
PLACES TO SEE
(From the “Visit Greece ” site on Santorini
“Fira is the picturesque capital of the island perched on the top edge of the Caldera, 260m above sea level, offering breathtaking views to the Aegean Sea and the island of Nea Kameni. Along the border of the caldera you’ll come across the renowned villages of Oia – the whole village looks like a work of art as the houses are carved into the lava rock – Imerovigli and Firostefani, which are the best spots for you to get your sunset views.
Other famous yet smaller villages, some cosmopolitan, some more traditional, some with vast vineyards to explore, others on a cliff-top affording amazing views over the Aegean are Akrotiri and Messa Vouno – with their famous archaeological sites – Pyrgos, Karterades, Emporio, Ammoudi, Finikia, Perissa, Perivolos, Megalochori, Kamari, Mesaria and Monolithos. Soaking up the villages’ distinctive topography, whitewashed houses and alleys vs lava-black terrain, is a rewarding experience that one might say is unique!
Santorini is considered to be the most sought after place for a romantic getaway in Greece, since there are not many places in the world where you can enjoy exquisitely clear waters while perched on the rim of a massive active volcano in the middle of the sea! The island has a growing reputation as a “wedding destination” for couples not only from Greece but from all over the world. A trip to Santorini with the other half is a dream for anyone who has seen at least one photo of the island’s famous Caldera and exchanging kisses beneath Santorini’s famous sunset is the ultimate romantic experience!”
Santorini Beaches
Santorini’s “Red Beach” is beautiful and unique, but as our local guide pointed out, the falling rock and warning signs should not be ignored.
THE LIST OF BEACHES INCLUDES
“Kamari Beach, Vlychada beach, Perivolos beach, Agios Georgios beach, Vourvoulos beach, Cape Columbo beach, White Beach, Monolithos beach, Armeni beach and many more.
The best Santorini beaches are cloistered away in sheltered coves and beneath the sheer cliffs. “
THE FOOD AND THE VIEW ARE THE BEST ANYWHERE
PHOTO FROM “STROGILI- A TASTE OF SANTORINI”
PICK YOUR SPOT AND ENJOY.
TRAVEL WARNINGS MATTER
Are there currently any specific travel warnings from local US Embassy?
U.S. Embassy & Consulate
in Greece
ALWAYS BE MINDFUL OF PICKPOCKETS IN HEAVY TOURIST REGIONS. THESE OFTEN WORK IN TEAMS AND DISTRACTED TOURIST MAKE EASY TARGETS.
SHOP FOR YOUR TRIP AND OTHER ITEMS- YOU WILL FIND
TRAVEL GEAR AND A VARIETY OF SUPPLIES AT
WVW-TV STORE.COM
Thank you for tuning in. I am your host Tom Littleton and we look forward to seeing you again on Worldview Tube / WVW TV
PARADISE VISTA TRAVEL 
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