The plan was to queue up at 6:30 a.m. to get tickets for the first tenders. This is the first time we ever had to tender on a cruise and were not quite sure of the logistics. However, I woke still feeling not great, so we took another couple of hours sleep. Then after an Aleve, a shower and breakfast we were ready to head to Santorini. The ship was in port for twelve hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) so we felt comfortable using the time to do our own exploration vs. a planned excursion.
Santorini is part of the Cyclades group of islands and sits on a caldera from a long ago volcanic eruption. The towns sit perched atop steep cliffs (a result of the volcanic activity). From the port you can either walk
Take a donkey
Or ride the cable car
We chose to walk! We passed the donkey ‘vendors’ along the way chanting “donkey up?” The path was a long, switchback road with an easy grade. As you neared the top they began numbering the steps so you knew how far you’d climbed!
Fira was alive with tourists (we were one of three cruise ships in port today) but lovely none the less. Clean, bright white buildings with blue trim, and happy locals dependent on the tourism greeted us. We wandered the streets poking in shops and churches and admiring the view from atop the cliffs. We inquired about the local bus to Oia, the other town that caps the ridge with the iconic blue domed buildings. We were directed to the local bus station that also was jammed with tourists.
The bus to Oia arrived. Departure was delayed while the driver jumped off for a smoke and his assistant loaded us on like cattle. When all of the seats were taken, the last 20 or so of us stood in the aisle for the 15 minute ride to Oia! Tickets were purchased on the bus, so the assistant maneuvered herself down the aisle collecting money and dispensing tickets.
We arrived in Oia to more crowds but quickly moved on to quieter streets and locations. The weather was perfect – – – clear skies and temperatures in the mid 70’s and a lovely breeze. Still, all of the climbing and bus jockeying called for a cold Greek beer 🍺!! We found a lovely tavern with a rooftop terrace and enjoyed the time off of our feet and the cold refreshment.
Refreshed and revived we went in search of some photo ops before returning to the return bus location. Except for the classic Greek architecture, the landscape was much like Southern California. Bougainvillea and Oleander dotted the otherwise parched, late season land. You wonder how much rain they get.
We lined up for the return bus and were early enough in line to be rewarded with a seat for the return trip! Once back in Fira we headed down the same path to the port and waited for the tender. The fresh air and the exercise were just what I needed to put me back on my feet.
Another lovely dinner in our dining room, a stroll around the upper decks and a few pieces in the jigsaw puzzle before heading back to the stateroom. We sailed at 7 p.m. and will arrive in Chania, Crete in the morning.
¡Ciao America! 