Santorini - the precious gem of the Aegean

Tuesday, 7th October 2014
Long before I stepped foot on Santorini, I've seen plenty of pictures of this beautiful island and its signature color of white and blue. Needless to say, I was extremely excited to finally arrive at Santorini.

We purchased an excursion (online, from home) that would take us to the beautiful picturesque town of Oia. The Jade anchored off shore and we would have to be tendered into the capital of Santorini, Fira.

Santorini is considered to be the most sought after place for a romantic getaway in Greece.

Oia is one of the most beautiful villages of the island, carved out of the cliffs and clinging to the edge. The architecture is amazing and is highlighted by the stark white of the buildings and the contrasting colorful doors and window shutters. It has often been compared to the eagle's nest!

                                                                   

Oia seems to be a living picture of a natural beauty and it is worth to see at least once in your life. A view of Oia is showing the density of churches within the town. The houses are built one on top another, the courtyard of the house above being the roof of the house below.

The iconic view

                                                       Aegean Sea - Beautiful beyond words

The three of us met last year on a trip to Spain, and co-incidentally met at Oia exactly a year after. What are the odds, hey?

Not surprising at all, Oia draws enormous crowd and I guess over-crowding is the price it pays for its good looks.

                                                          A large church in an Oia Square.

This fried cheese is called 'saganaki', many others like it but I find it a tad too salty for my liking.

Returned back to Fira after a good few hours in Oia.

When at Santorini, one simply has to try their local souvlaki pita.

Fira is the capital of Santorini and a vision of dramatic cliffs and pristine whitewashed buildings.

All we did was walk around, did some window shopping at Gold Street then took the cable car from Fira to where the tender boats were docked.

So glad to have explored few hours of  Oia & Fira and hoping to visit them again in future and stay a few days to explore the whole island.  We had a good tour guide who gave us so much insight into the history and culture of the island and a good overview tour of the island which included Santos Winery & Oia. We didn't see much of Fira as we need to tender back to the cruise by 9pm.

                                Very tight security check & scan when returning back to the ship.

Found this on the bed.. :)

                             
                                      Thanks to Cesar from Philippines, our cabin steward.

Returned to Stardust for the show after heavy dinner at Garden Cafe.

Goodnight Santorini.... here we come tomorrow, Mykonos!