SEE SANTORINI: But beware of a few things beforehand.

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Table of Contents:
ANCIENT SITES.
SEE THE TOWNS & VILLAGES.
THE ISLAND.

Santorini is on just about everyone’s wanna-see list as far as Greek Islands go. And for good reason. They go for the dramatic caldera and the whitewashed houses clinging desperately to it. It is a Kodak moment.

See Santorini is the poster child of the Greek islands. — In what seems like every brochure for the Greek Islands, you see Santorini.

The arrival by plane can be pretty incredible depending on the approach. The arrival by sea is pretty spectacular. First, you can see the island from a distance.

The cliffs aren't that high. — You can start to see the whitewashed buildings.

By the time you enter the caldera, you can see Fira and Oia. Or the other way around if approaching from the north. It is even more impressive. But you are still at least a mile from Fira.

Those cliffs are a little larger. See Santorini from all angles. — Now you start to see the different colors. Of course, there are blue domes.

It’s not until you are sitting under Fira, looking up that you realize pictures just do not do it justice.

How did those cliffs get so big? — You can see the island’s bright white necklace dangling from above.

You could leave now and be richer for the experience. But don’t, this island has more to offer.

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Ancient Sites.

Akrotiri is one of my favorite sites in Greece. The Acropolis of Athens is great, and I love just about every site in Greece. But the Acropolis ONLY goes back to 495 B.C. The ruins at Akrotiri date to somewhere during the 1600s B.C. and this was already during the late Minoan period.

I have seen walls built in the last 20 years that look worse than this. — Walls more than 3500 years old.

Like the dowager Aunt or Grandmother, respect needs to be given just for this accomplishment. For the detail and artifacts still present, I cannot fully grasp how old they are.

As you will see, Santorini cuisine has not changed too much in 3000 years. — Vase for carrying and storing olive oil and wine.

Ancient Thira is also fun to explore. Although “only” dating from the 9th-century B.C., the climb is worth it. Ancient walls, doorways, columns, and the remains of a theater await you.

The outline is very easy to follow. — An ancient theater from the 2nd-century.

The ancient Greeks did not need a step machine. — The site sits on several different levels at the top of a steep hill.

They certainly had rooms with a view. — The site sits on several different levels at the top of a steep hill.

Courtyards and bits of mosaic can still be seen.

There is quite a bit of walking and climbing to see the site. Start out in the morning before the sun is too high, and you can do it.

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The Villages

Certainly, everyone has heard of the main town Fira, and probably the artist colony of Oia. But there are other villages as well. With colorful passageways and tavernas, boutiques and artists tucked in any one of the many nooks. See Santorini through its villages.

Almost everyone ends up in Fira at some point. — Fira, clinging to the hillside.

You can find sketches, water colors and oil paintings of Oia. — Not only is Oia home to many artists, but it is also their favorite subject.

Fira and Oia’s lofty location on the cliffside doesn’t hurt, but there are other villages worth seeing. They have different views.

You can find blue and white churches everywhere. Of the 360 churches on the island, many have this paint scheme. — The Old Capital of Pyrgos has many charming passageways.

See Santorini through its villages. — A charming passageway in Emporio’s old section.

It's a beautiful maze. See Santorini with plenty of time to get lost. — Archways lead to more passageways in the village of Megalochori.

This is possibly the best venetian architecture still visible. — Venetian ruins mix with Cycladic architecture in the village of Akrotiri.

Each village has something different to offer. Although they all have winding twisting pedestrian streets, each one gives off its own vibe. Get away from the caldera and see Santori’s other villages.

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