Day 3 - Athens to Santorini

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Woke up pretty much on time and headed for the port. Arriving early, we had capuccinos at a cafe across from the port and decided to buy lunch there too. A couple of "pies" (greek sandwiches) at 1.70 and 1.90 each. We'd been told food was expensive on the ferry, but it turned out we could have bought the same sort of food onboard for just a bit more, and they would have been still warm. Oh well, live and learn. We boarded the ferry, along with several hundred other travelers, and cast off. The trip was not that bad, but having to do it over again, we would have found warmer, less windy seats. The boat was so crowded there were people sitting and sleeping in the passageways and stairs! Along the way, we stopped briefly at Paros and Naxos. Pretty, but not like Santorini. As the ship rounded the northen point of Santorini (Oia), the view of the steep side was amazing! All those whitewashed buildiings, many with blue trim and/or roofs, perched atop the cliff and dangling down the side.... cool! We backed into the new port at the southern end and disembarked. We had little trouble finding "Poppy" from our hotel, Villa Manos, waiting with "her" Villa Manos sign, so we climbed aboard the van, with about 6 young ladies and a guy and away we went. The 1,000 meter climb up to the top on a series of switchbacks was a bit ... unsettling. After a trip across to the village of Karterados (about 1 km from Fira), we pulled up to the hotel. Wow, what a great looking place! Beautiful, immaculate building, nice landscaping, and a sweet looking pool. Poppy and the driver were both quite friendly and helpful. By this point we were wondering what sort of room we'd get in this Eden at 25 Euros a night. Smallish, but brand new, with a lovely bathroom, a refrigerator, and a nice double bed... in the loft, with a wardrobe, chest of drawers, and a TV. Remember, 25 Euros a night... what a bargain! After unpacking, we walked into Fira to reconnoiter and eat dinner. We were impressed even before we reachedthe edge of the caldera. Quaint shops (and a lot of fancy jewelry shops), friendly people speaking english and then the view.... awesome! After wandering a bit, we decided to eat dnner at Nikh's (Niki's) Restaurant, perchd on the edge of the cliff overlooking the ocean. Manoli had a Santorini Salad and I had a lamb dish, and we both shared some fried tomato balls. Everything was good and the tomato balls were great! With drinks, 40 Euros. After dinner, we wandered a bit more, then bought some baklava and hoofed it back to the hotel. Tomorrow we're going to rent a 4-wheeler (ATV) for 15 Euros for the day and see how much of the island we can cover.

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Photos

From the Ferry
View from the ferry to Santorini

First view of Santorini
Fira, Santorini from the ferry as we approach.

Villa Manos
Villa Manos in Katerados, near Fira, Santorni

Our room
Our room at Villa Manos.

Caldera View
View of Fira and the caldera, and my lovely wife of course.

Comments

[barbara]

going to Santorni with my sister and mother for mother's 80th b-day. Want to go to Santorni but looking for a clean reasonable hotel that has a view and not too many steps in the heart of Fira. Can you tell me more about yours or recommend any others. Thanks

[Zpet]

Accommodations on Santorini
Our hotel was great, but not actually in Fira and not overlooking the caldera (cliff). I can't personally recommend any other hotels in Fira, but I can tell you that you're unlikely to find many with a great view and not too many steps. There are more ups and downs than flat! Maybe a place near the northern edge where they haven't built down the cliff much yet. Good luck and enjoy, we did.

[Zpet]

Not Old
Yep, it was fun and not tiring at all...although the tummies were a bit heavy for a while. Still young and enjoyin life!