Arrived in Santorini and our hotel picked us up from the airport which was helpful. Our villa is on the cliff (or Caldera. The word Caldera is from the Spanish word Cauldron which literally means depression created by volcanic eruption which extends for at least a distance of one mile. Santorini had a major volcanic explosion 3,500 years ago. What I found interesting is that it is often linked to the Atlantis myth), and as it was dark when we arrived we were unsure of what view would welcome us the next morning. Had a great dinner on the deck. Sitting there eating our beautifully cooked meal on the balcony, with arguably the best view in the world, a gentle, w arm breeze blowing, we marvelled at how serene and perfect life could be. We were not disappointed with our view when we woke. Stepped out to the deck and we had a 180 degree view of the caldera and the surrounding Aegean Sea and other cliff top buildings.
As usual when you reach moments of perfection, you come crashing back to reality. And one phone call put everything back into perspective. Return flight to Melbourne finally booked; we were on the island for another 2 nights. Thought we might as well take in the boat excursion to the volcano. It was a very warm morning and headed off for the expected one hour walk to the harbour to catch the boat. Not such a daunting task. One, because of the view along the cliff tops...magic, and two because it was essentially downhill (as we had gone the other way upwards a couple of times and it was tough going in the heat). Got to the steps and we had a choice...1200 cobble stone steps straight down, zigzagged and at random sizes and spaces and FULL OF DONKEY POO or the very civilised cable. Most opted for the cable car. We felt like the challenge (on the condition we caught the cable car up). Although we dodged the poo, the walk down was actually quite strenuous. But, as we could see our boat, and it was gorgeous, it was quite exciting. (In one of the photos looking back at Santorini from the boat you can see the zigzagged path down the cliff). About a 20 minute trip across the water and we reached the volcano. The Santorini Volcano is one of the most significant volcanoes in the world history because it is considered responsible for the destruction of the Minoan Crete (which having taught Minoan History I found interesting) and it is still an active volcano (last erupting in 1950). It looked like we were stepping on to another planet. It was solid black rocks, completely barren and was so hot it looked uninviting and dead. We had an hour to reach the top. 1.2km up the path (literally), which was all gravel like. I must admit, this was very hard going and I had to rest a few times as it was so hot. Thank god at the last minute we bought a litre of water as it was gone pretty fast. Am pleased to report, that of the boat full that went (about 80 of us), Big Rick and I were in the first small group that made it to the top. And, it was definitely worth the struggle. The crater was huge and you could see steam, sulphur?? Coming from fissures/gaps in the crater and near the path. Tried to capture it in a few photos. It also smelled quite sulphurous. (hope that’s the right word) . The walk around the rim of the crater was magnificent with 360 degree views back towards Santorini and other islands. Back on board the boat we headed to the Hot Springs. With jealous envy we watched as the younger folk donned their bathers and jumped into the clear water and swam to the hot springs. (We didn’t bring bathers...otherwise we would have joined the young folk). With a small amount of wicked delight we grinned when they hit the water and let out a number of expletives about how freezing it was. Wish I had recorded some faces...priceless. Made do with sunning ourselves on deck...not so bad after all...pretty relaxing. Afternoon spent eating, shopping. As you can see by the photos, Santorini is a beautiful relaxing place...
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