This sequence of photos was taken as we were approaching Santorini. Notice the step cliffs in the last photo. Santorini is the remains of an ancient volcano which exploded in a big bang a long time ago, leaving a caldera in the middle.

 

We stayed at the Sunrise Hotel in the town of Kamari. The beach was just across the street from the hotel. Photo 1 shows one of Kamari's typical streets. Photos 2 and 3 show the main tourist street that runs parallel to the beach. Photo 4 shows the cliffs at the end of the beach. Photo 5 was taken near the cliffs, looking back along the beach.

 

From our hotel (Photo 1) we could see in the distance the location of Archaia Thira, the site of a 3000 year old Greek temple settlement. Photos 2, 3 show the switch backs formed by the narrow road that is used by hikers and cars to reach the summit. Photo 4 gives a close up of the cobblestone road.

 

When we reached the summit, we had great views of Kamari (where we were staying) and also of Perissa which is located on the far side of the hill.

 

Remains at Archaia Thira. Photo 4 shows the outlines of individual stores.

 

Remains at Archaia Thira. Photo shows a theatre.

 

We took a sunset dinner cruise on a powered sail boat. This gave us good views of the caldera and close up views of black chunks of lava from a recent volcano. The cruise was timed to be at a prime picture taking spot just as the sun set. The people in photo 3 were leaning into the wind, which was very strong during much of the trip.

 

During our last day on Santorini we rented a small car so we could tour the island. We chose a car because the shops on this island would only rent scooters to Americans if you had a motorcycle license. Photo 1 shows a vineyard. The remaining photos show cliffs formed from volcanic ash. In the last photo you can see a "boat house" that was hollowed out of the relatively soft volcanic ash.

 

Photo 1 is of the village of Oia. Photos 2 and 3 are looking down on the caldera and its gorgeous blue water. In the last photo Dick is wearing a black sands bathing suit.