Santorini is a "once in a lifetime experience " whether it is a 3 day or 3 week vacation.Most people are very friendly and work very hard for their much needed tourist dollars.If you are arriving by ferry plan a daylight arrival and be camera ready.Sailing into Santorini is an incredible experience.it will literally take your breath way.The geological rock formation correspond well with Plato's description of Atlantis with red,white and black layers of rock.Small fishing vessels dot the sea.Turnaround time is very fast on these Hellenic ferries.Upon arrival taxi -cabs are waiting to bring you to your destination.There are several buildings on the pier that cater to the tourists' needs for accomadations.
Once settled it is time to explore.Money can be exchanged in many places in downtown Fira or a hotel.It is best to have a combination of travelers checks and euros.it is important to have a good pair of walking shoes and comfortable clothing.Taking along bottled water is essential.Bring your camera and extra film.There are many places in downtown Fira to have film developed.it is a wise idea to purchase a phone card at a kiosk in Fira .They are very inexpensive for phoning back home.
In Fira there are several supermarkets to buy snacks or little necessities.From two to six everything shuts down for a customary siesta.Everything opens up around eight in the morning closes down in the afternoon and life resumes until late in the evening.Dinner usually starts at 10p.m.If you a hungry and want a small but tasty snack,get a souvalki in pita.it is wise to rest during the hottest hours of the day.The traditional nap is beneficial because of the extreme heat during the day.Always stock up on water.
It's a very pleasant past-time to sit in a downtown cafe and watch the world go by.Once you purchase something you can sit there as long as you want.There is a newspaper stand where you can purchase U.S.A. Today or the International Times.Greek coffee is very strong and if you want American coffee you must request it.it is best to use the restrooms in the tavernas and cafes.The alternative is a public restroom where you must purchase the toilet paper and the facilities are medieval.
All stores carry The Santorini Times:an essential small chronicle with imporatant information listing up-coming events and a guide to all the various Doctors.This guide is in English and also has Greek customs as well as recipes for local dishes.Many jewelry stories carry The Santorini Times.
There are many sights to see in Santorini.Downtown Fira is lined with booking agencies for all kinds of excursions.A popular day trip is on 3 masted schooner that sails to various places in the caldera.The boats visits the volcano and to a place of hot springs where you can jump off the boat and swim in tepid waters.You also visit a taverna and have a delightful Greek meal.At the end ,the boat deposits it's passengers in Oia where you have a choice of riding up to the mainland on a donkey or walk up hundreds of steps to the village.
Santorini is a hiking and walking paradise.A popular jaunt is walking the caldera path.It starts in Fira and passes through quaint little villages like Fira -Stefani and Imero-Vigli.The whole walk can take up to four hours.There are beautiful sidepaths down to the water.It is important to seek out land-marks so as to avoid geting lost.It is best to start this walk early in the morning.There are little taverna along the way to rest and have a glass of wine and small meal.The walk ends in Oia.
Oia is a beautiful village best known for it's exquisite sunsets.Ths streets are paved with old marble.Here in this delightful village many tourists come and rent a tradional mountain home called an aposcapho.it is a simple dwelling built into the mountainside with all the neccessary but rustic accomadations.It can be a bit daunting to find your house in the dark on very steep mountain paths but the spectacular view is worth it.Many locals come to Oia for the excellent cuisine .Tavera Katarina is at the end of the island and has an unbelievable view.A typical repast would be fresh fish such as lithrini,tomato kefethas,tzaziki and Greek salad accompanied by a local wine.This is an extremely romantic place that will be cherished in your memories.
Back in Fira a first time tourist can visit the archaeological museum and then make bus reservations to see Akotiri,an ancient setllment of the people of this island.it is something that should not be missed.Again ,wear good walking shoes and wear comfortable clothing.Apply sunscreen and bring a bottle of water.After visiting the main archeaolgiacal sites you will want to visit the black sand beaches of Kamari and Perissa.The bus system runs regularly to all the beaches.Rent an umbrella and relax or go for a swim.When buying a bus ticket you must board the bus and hang onto the ticket until is officially handled by the ticket person otherwise you will incur a big fine.Wonderful dining is found in tavernas along these beaches Try the fresh caught fish or octopus.
There are other small villages to explore such as Pyrgos.At the bus center in Fira tickets can be purchased and there is a schedule posted for the whole island.Pyrgos is quieter than Fira.There is a cathedral situated on the top of a small mountain.There are many other beautiful Greek churches on the way upo the mountain.One can stop and have a bite to eat .Souvlaki and wine are a good bet.This little trek can be a bit windy especially at nite so one must dress appropriately.Pyrgos means tower in Greek.bring your camera and lots of film.
