santorini-mapIslands

Santorini was once a round single volcano island - maybe lost Atlantis?

DSCN0311

When the volcano blew in 1600 BC water rushed in a formed the "Caldera".

DSCN0333

The remaining island was covered with up to 50 m (165 ft) of white ash.

DSCN0332

Other places are covered with lava rock.

DSCN0330

The water is crystal clear.

DSCN0331

DSCN0395

The volcano is still active but has not erupted since 1950.

DSCN0319

The island to the west was the original volcano that reappeared around 100 AD

DSCN0400

The Caldera is lined with cliffs with harbors only for small boats.

DSCN0398

Many cruise ships come but must park out in the Caldera and ...

DSCN0387

...small tenders pick up the passengers.

DSCN0327

From the little harbor up to the city is 225 m (730 ft)

DSCN0401

There are steps up.

DSCN0404

One alternative is to ride the donkeys.

DSCN0409

In Fira there is also the cable cars.

DSCN0389

Although we enjoyed visiting Fira...

DSCN0425

…our favorite place was Oia (Fira is on the cliff at the extreme right)

DSCN0438

Oia has two small harbors, one is only for private boats.

DSCN0439

Ammoudi Harbor can be reached by car,bus,boat,donkey or steps.

DSCN0427

Some of the old cave houses have not been renovated into hotels but most have.

DSCN0431

Oia is known for the white walls and blue domed churches...

DSCN0677

…and narrow streets and steps.

DSCN0434

Oia

DSCN0707

Oia

DSCN0672

Oia

DSCN0685

The remains of the Venetian Fortress.

DSCN0693

Oia

DSCN0713

Oia

DSCN0698

Oia

DSCN0700

Oia

DSCN0714

Oia

DSCN0715

Oia

DSCN0722

Oia

DSCN0437

Oia is best known for the sunset.

DSCN0442

Oia and the sunset is...

DSCN0443

listed as one of the "1000 Places to See Before You Die"

DSCN0462

Sunset from Oia

DSCN0730

You can really enjoy the sunset if you can get those tourist out of the way.

DSCN0735

Sunset over Oia

DSCN0736

Sunset over Oia

DSCN0741

Sunset over the Caldera from Oia.