Santorini Island Things to Do Tips by cckbp7

For only 20 euro/person, you can tour the incredible volcano located in the center of the caldera. Around 10 a.m. a ship will pick you up from Amoudi or Armeni Bay. The ships are quite modern and look like pirate ships. There is also a tour guide who will point out interesting facts about the island along the way. Once you dock at the volcano, you can stay with the group or go exploring on your own. I would recommend staying with the group as the tour guide is extremely informative and entertaining. She showed us the several different eruption spots and allowed us to place our hands in a hole where steam shoots out. Supposedly, you can burry an egg and it will be cooked in 20 min. After 45 min on the volcano surface, you get back on the ship and head to the hot springs. My favorite part of the trip. See my Hot Springs tip. You end the trip at Thirasia, which is a less touristy island than Santorini. Most people are too worn out to climb the stairs to the cliff town, and eat at one of the seaside resturants. We were informed that Captain John's is the best. We thought that we had sat down there, but we were actually seated at Captain Nick's next store. Captain Nick's served us lobster skeewers for only 6 euros. A great deal. I strongly recommend taking this tour, you will be glad you did.

Leave a Comment

The second stop on our volcano tour was at the hot sulfur springs along the edge of the volcano. The water became too shallow for the boat to dock, so you have to jump of the side of the boat and swim the rest of the way. Its a real shock at how cold the water is when you jump in, but it gradually warms as you near the springs. Don't worry if you can't swim well; the distance from the ship to the springs isn't too far. The salt water helps you float and there are large rocks that you can take a break at if you need one.

There is a layer of redish-brown mud at the bottom of the springs. Supposedly, the iron it contains is good for your skin. It was really funny watching everyone rubbing the mud all over their bodies. My skin felt smooth for the first 10 min or so, but I just felt dirty after that. Also be careful if you are wearing a light colored swimming suit as the mud can stain. I found this out the hard way. I think this might have been my favorite part of the entire tour, which was only 20 euro a person for the whole day.

Leave a Comment

Leave a Comment

Address: Thirasia
Directions: Part of the sunken volcano rim

There are two black sand beaches on Santorini. Kamari & Perissa. Not knowing much about either, we picked Kamari since we thought it had a cooler name. It is also closer to Fira. Be sure to wear your shoes or sandals since the black sand really heats up in the Aegean sun.

Leave a Comment

Directions: Take the bus

When we were in Santorini in June of '06, the Akrotiri archeological site was closed due to the roof caving in the previous summer. Beth & I were really looking forward to exploring the ruins of this ancient civilization. As a substitute, we decided to visit the Museum of Ancient History in Fira. There were more staff there than patrons. It was only us and an older gentleman. I guess everyone wanted to be out enjoying the sun.

The museum was extremely educational; it was nice to be alone with all of the ancient art. I was amazed to see just how advanced the Bronze Age civilization at Akrotiri truely was. I would recommend checking this museum out if you are in Santorini for more than a couple days. It houses a great collection of ancient art like boar tusk helmuts, frescos, and pottery. It can also be a great 1/2 hour break from the sun.

Admission is 3 euros/person.

Leave a Comment

The famous red beach is located on the southern tip of the island outside the village of Akrotiri and the archeological site. From where the bus drops you off, you have to walk about a half mile down the coastline to get there. Right before you get to the beach, you must climb a steep rocky hill. Once you reach the top of the hill, you realize that the hike was all worth it. The view of the beach, the sea, and the red, white, and black rock cliffs is incredible. The beach itself is small and peaceful. They put woodchips along the beach so that it is easier to walk on, but they just ends up dirtying the water as the tide washes most of it into the sea. Not the nicest beach I have ever been to, but how can you pass up the chance to lay on a red sand beach.

I believe there is also a small boat that will take you from the beach to the bus, if you don't want to walk.

Leave a Comment

The wine that comes from Santorini has a very distinct taste which is quite good. This is due to their method of growing grapes. The vines are woven into a sort of basket to protect the grapes from the strong Aegean winds. The volcanic soil aids the process by absorbing the moisture from the air. The process may be unorthodox, but makes for some great tasting wine.

Leave a Comment