SeaDreaming: Grecian Holiday – Part III – Santorini

After a restful night on seas as smooth as glass, we arrived of the island of Santorini at approximately 8:30 a.m. As we sailed into the caldera we enjoyed the first of many breakfasts topside. The captain craftily guided us into our anchorage. Santorini is a unique port. It is too deep to anchor and there is no pier so the ships tie up to buoys both fore and aft. This is handled by the local union who also runs all the tenders, thus SDII did not lower the tender today. Thira, the main town, sits atop the cliff approximately 885 feet above the tender port of Skala Thiron.

Scenes of Skala Thiron and Thira from the Harbor

The only other ship in town today was one of the Windstars, so town felt almost empty since high tourist season has not yet begun. FT and I were off the ship shortly after tying up. FT had her heart set on riding the donkeys up to the top of the cliff, that was until she got a whiff of them. She decided that instead we should take the cable car to the top. The cable car is quick and efficient and costs 4 Euro each way. This was our method of transportation today.

Thira is the capital of the island. It was founded in the late 18th century. Its claim to fame is its spectacular location. Perched on the edge of the cliff the views are incredible. As we wandered the town, we met an Australian ex-pat who is of Greek descent and married to a Greek. She took us to a couple of wonderful shops and we ended up purchasing some leather goods, and later a sterling silver cross and chain. Were the prices good? Who knows, but the bargaining was fun.

Views from and of Thira

As is my custom I managed to stop in the cathedral. This cathedral sits prominently towards the bottom of the town and can be seen from quite a distance from many points of Santorini. Rolling arches create a courtyard and there is also an impressive bell tower. The curves are the arches are mirrored in the design of the dome which sits atop the cathedral. There is a nice mosaic on the outside of the cathedral but close inspection reveals it only dates from 1975.The cathedral dates from the 19th century, and was rebuilt after the earthquake in 1956. It is easy to tell that it is quite modern.

Images of the Cathedral

We ended up going back to the ship for lunch and a brief rest before venturing back out and a trip to Oia (pronounced E a (short a)). This was quiet the adventure. We had planned on being at Oia for sunset since the views from there are purported to be some of the best in the Cyclades. Unfortunately this was not to be since our last tender back to the ship was at 8:30, the time of sunset because the dock workers will not work after the cable car stops running at dark. We did not miss the chance to go to Oia though. We walked to the main taxi stand and got a cab for the 25 minute ride. Let me say that these cab drives make the ones in New York look like they all deserve the safe driver of the week award.

The thing to say about Oia is simply location, location, location. The view is spectacular. The town is located on the northern tip of the island, and is perched on its own cliff above the small fishing village of Ammoudi and two small beaches. Oia is a village of white washed walls, and quaint walkways of marble, where around any corner you might stumble on a spectacular blue domed church. We spent a couple of hours exploring Oia and then had another harrowing cab ride back to town where we took the cable car back down so that we could tender back to the ship.

Views in and around Oia

Once back on board we rested and sat by the pool until cocktail hour. Tonight was the captain’s welcome reception. He related an interesting story that shows his humorous side. He will not walk down a set of steps in front of the first officer Mikeel because he is a fully qualified master and might give the captain a shove. This was one of our first, of what was to be many interactions with the captain, and I found him to be humorous, outgoing and a joy to be around, as well as a most qualified master. Again we dined al fresco on deck 4. The menu included:

Starters

Filet American – Steak Tartar with Shallots
Warm Goat Cheese on Toast
Sautéed Potato Gnocchi

Soups

Veloute of Forrest Mushroom
Chilled Gazpacho

Salads

Larp of Chaing Mai, Chicken Salad from North-East of Thailand
Marinated Roma Tomatoes with Red Onions

Chef’s Main Dishes

Grilled Lobster Tail
Roast Baby Lamb Loin
Sautéed Duck with Orange Flavored Honey

Desserts

Chocolate Crumble tart
Oreo Marble Cheese Cake
Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Frozen Yoghurt

After dinner we headed back to the cabin as both FT and myself had to work. After dinner Movie and Popcorn were offered in the main salon with the movie starring that famous Greek travel agent Nia Vardalos (who also likes Big Fat Greek Weddings) in My Life in Ruins. Our gift from Sea Dream tonight was a rose in a vase and one on the bed. We enjoyed another wonderfully smooth sail to our next port of call Naousa, Paros Island, a distance of 67 nautical miles.