Santorini July 2015

The island of Santorini in Greece is famous for its white stone houses spilling down the cliff, stunning sunsets from Oia town, and dramatic views from the caldera.  We opted to stay in Oia which is more peaceful than Fira but still quite busy during the day until the tourists from the cruise ships leave after sunset.

DSCF0584We stayed at the beautiful Hotel Katikies

DSCF0581The hotel is at the beginning of Oia town so getting to the main road is very convenient.

DSCF0582View from the room at Hotel Katikies.

DSCF0585One of the 3 pools at the hotel.

Oia is filled with shops and restaurants and takes about a half hour to wander from one end of town to the other.

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We decided to do the hike from Fira to Oia the day after we arrived before we became completely lazy.  We were told that it is easier in this direction plus if you do it in the morning, you have the sun behind you.  It takes about 3 hours and is fairly easy as long as you keep to the caldera rim.  We passed the villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli with white stone houses spilling down the cliff.  There are quite a few small chuches along the way and a wonderful view of the caldera until you reach Oia.

DSCF0747Beginning the hike in Fira where all the cruise ships dock

DSCF0749The town of Fira and its Gold Street

DSCF0672Passing by town after town of white washed stone houses

DSCF0668Church in Fira

DSCF0679Church in the village of Firostefani

DSCF0684View of Oia town in the distance

DSCF0704Almost back in Oia

After some food and dip in the pool, it is time to venture to the far end of Oia for the famous sunset.  Many restaurants have tables with sunset views but they make you show up quite early to wait for the sunset.  We did that one night and it was just too early to eat.

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Instead, it seems that the crowds like congregate at the ruins of the Venetian Castle for the famous Santorini sunset. I have to admit, despite the hoards of tourists, it is one of the nicer spots to watch the sunset with the windmills and white houses in the foreground.

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Another place on the island I liked was Amoudi Bay.  It is a small bay below Oia with a string of fish taverns. We went there by taxi but alternatively there is a path leading down to the bay but beware of the donkeys and the smell.  It is one of the best places to sit around and watch the world go by.  We went to the Dimitri’s at the end of the bay which also supposedly offers the best sunset views.  Past Dimitri’s, there is a path leading to the tiny hidden Amoudi bay beach.

DSCF0730Amoudi Bay with Oia above

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DSCF0734Dimitri’s at Amoudi Bay also has great sunset views.

 

Cappadocia July 2013

Cappadocia is a historical region in Central Anatolia of Turkey.  Ancient volcanic eruptions covered this region with thick ash which solidified into a soft rock.

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