Last Day on Santorini

Since the ferry to Crete did not leave until evening, I had one more day to spent on the lovely island of Santorini.

I chose to take photos and sketch.

View from Firostefoni looking towards the volcano on Nea Kameni.


Looking North with the island of Thirasia in the background.



Looking South towards Fira, Santorini's capital.



The magnificent village of Oia.




I have a fascination with olive trees; their gracefulness, curly carved trunk, silvery thin leaves, and the profusion of olives. I created a sketch of one tree while waiting for the ferry to Crete.



Since returning home, I am on my second watercolor painting featuring olive trees.

Southern Part of Santorini

Having another extra day on Santorini, I traveled to the southern part where I visited Ancient Thira and Red Beach.

A strategic location on the hill top of Mesa Vouno mountain, you can walk through the ancient ruins of the city of Thira which dates back to 8th c. B.C. The site consists of Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine ruins including temples, houses, an agora (market), a theatre, and a gymnasium. There are splendid views from the mountain.

I took some photos and did a sketch while spending time experiencing the "vibes" of antiquity.










Next stop, a must see, the red cliffs at Red Beach. The water is crystal clear with smooth, hand-size pebbles.




After a dip in the Sea, I did a quick watercolor painting.


Back in time for one last sunset on Santorini from Firostefoni while eating an amazing dinner of fresh fish and veggies, olive spread on bread, and a glass of local wine.








Need I say, a stellar day?!?!?

Stuck on Santorini

I learned that in September, the Greeks cut back on the ferry schedules. I was planning to spend a few days on Santorini and then off to Crete, but I was stuck on Santorini for two more days until I could travel by ferry. Oh dear! (sarcasm)

I decided to take a boat trip to view the active volcano on the island of Nea Kameni. The day included a swim in the hot springs between the two islands (Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni)in the caldera of Santorini, and lunch on the island of Thirasia (which was separated from Santorini in the eruption).

Nea Kameni



Santorini in the background



Thirasia in the background


Here is where we swam in the hot springs near Palea Kameni.


Afterwards we stopped for lunch on the island of Thirasia where I climbed straight up to the top for the spectacular view and famous moussaka (another addiction of mine!) at Panorama Taverna.



This is the view looking at Santorini from Thirasia


I decided for my two extra days in Santorini to splurge and stay at a little villa in Firostefoni, a smaller town in the central part of the island. Here is a watercolor painting capturing the charm of the place.


After a full day, I was just in time to watch the sunset behind Nea Kameni from Firostefoni.