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.

Amazing Santorini

After a morning swim at Plaka Beach on the island of Naxos in Greece, I boarded the ferry to the amazing island of Santorini. Having spent most of my time in Greece (except for two days in Athens) in small towns and less touristy destinations, I was not prepared for the overwhelming onslaught of tourists flocking to Santorini. I swear the ferry tipped port side as everyone on board gathered to see Santorini as it came into view for the first time.




Santorini's uniqueness is that it is shaped somewhat like a crescent with multicolored cliffs and villages on the ridges. The surreal landscape is relic of what was probably the biggest volcanic eruption in recorded history. There is still an active volcano, Nea Nameni, which is accessible only by boat


We were herded into buses at island's main port, Athinino, and climbed the cliffs to Fira where we could disperse to different areas of the island. I headed to the youth hostel in Oia with a bus full of tourist anxious to watch the sunset.

I must admit, I took part in this ritual. About an hour before sunset people are staking out the best viewing sites.


Santorini is famous for its spectacular sunsets. The village of Oia on the northern tip of the island is a hugely popular sunset viewing site because there is an uninterrupted view of the sun as it finally sinks below the horizon.






Spetacular or what?!?!

The moon rose as left my sunset perch.

The Island of Naxos

Naxos is the Greek Island next door to Paros and my next island of adventure. When you watch the sunset from Plaka Beach on Naxos, it sets behind the Island of Paros.


Near Naxos port of Hora is the Temple of Apollo. I am told that viewing the sunset through this portal is awesome.


Here is the view of Hora from the Temple of Apollo


and the Aegean Sea


Notice the castle in this photo of Hora. I went in search of this castle through the maze of streets in the historic section of Kastro. My British friends suggested that I find this incredible silversmith.........and I did!



In the process of exploration, I learned about the Naxos Eye; a special stone that can only been found on the island of Naxos and created by the combination of the Greek sea, sun and other climatic conditions. The Naxos Eye remains one of the trademarks of Naxos.

I was too busy exploring and never sat still (except to eat!) long enough to sketch or paint!

The Island of Antiparos

After spending time in Kastraki and visiting the clifftop monasteries of Meteora I decided to save Delphi for my next visit to Greece and head out to the islands.

I was intrigued by the mention in the Lonely Planet Greek Islands book of the great place to windsurf between the islands of Paros and Antiparos. I thought I had best check this out.

Traveling from Kastraki to Paros was a FULL DAY trip and did not reach the port of Parikia until nearly mid-night. When you get off the ferry people are gathered at the end of the docks with signs for rooms to rent. Running the gauntlet, I picked a woman and we negotiated terms. I was happy to have a place to rest!

The next morning on my way to the bus stop, I stopped at a bakery and bought a "spinach pie" which was still warm.......oh my gosh, was that delicious! Then, I found a gentleman at the dock who was selling fresh fruit; I bought some local grapes. While waiting for my bus, I was approached by a young man about a place to stay in Antiparos......word spreads quickly amongst the locals!

A bus ride and a short ferry between Paros and Antiparos, I left my backpack at this cute little place in Antiparos, and headed to the beach.

After swimming in the crystal clear turquoise blue waters, I pulled out the paints and sketchbook. What I learn was in the hot climate of Greece it is impossible to do a watercolor wash as the paint dries instantly! I painted quickly and then back into the water to cool off. What a life!


And you ask, did I go windsurfing? To be continued......