Greece – Santorini

{ January 24, 2010 @ 11:59 pm } · { Travel, Travel Greece }
{ Tags: Cruise Mediterranean, Greek Island, Mediterranean, Santorini, Travel, Travel Greece, Travel Santorini }

Finally, we were on approach to the Lost City of Atlantis, Santorini. Ahhhh….Santorini. It was amazingly beautiful, with its colored rock formation and steep terrain. Unlike any other island, we were informed a half hour in advance of our approach, to go to the upper deck for a photo op. It didn’t disappoint!! Since the cruise ship was too big, we couldn’t dock at the port. Instead, we took transfer boats to shore. Once there, we had three options to get to the top — walk, take a gondola or take a donkey. Because it was a hot day, we decided not to walk and since we felt somewhat adventurous, we decided to take the donkey up to the top. It was definitely the right decision. We didn’t have to walk up the same path as the donkeys and negotiate the poop, yet it was somewhat of a thrill, especially when a herd of donkeys were coming down as we were trying to go up. I’m a bit surprised that our donkey didn’t turn back and head for the bottom with the others. Three quarters of the way up, our donkey refused to go any further. After walking most of the 500 steps to the top, they donkey was tired and hot and just wanted us to get off. I don’t blame them….

Once at the top, it was the most amazing view. We walked around the island and it was very pictureque, with the domed churches and rugged terrain. Every way you turned was another photo op, even down to the decor of the patios, with ceramic pots and even a rowboat. The ocean appeared silvery at times because of the lighting from the sun. Some of the people were uninhibited, walking around topless on the decks of their apartments. Santorini has it all…beauty, serenity, great weather, great restaurants….and a perfect view of the Mediterranean. It was an amazing place.

As the sun set in the Mediterranean and the moon rose above the island, we knew we’d be back. The next morning, we would awaken and be back at the port of Athens. However, we will always remember this amazing cruise to the Greek Islands of Mykonos, Patmos, Crete and Santorini and Kusadasi, Turkey.