Greece trip, Jun 2007 - Santorini (Σαντορίνη)

Santorini is also known as Thira in Greece. The name 'Santorini' has a Italian feel to it. Indeed, Santorini actually means 'Saint Irene' in Italian, and the name was believed to be given by the Venetians in the 13th Century.

Santorini has the combination of natural beauty and exciting social scenes to make it one of the most popular islands in Greece.

To get there from Athens, you can travel by air or by ferry. The plane tickets are expensive though, so we went for the ferry.

SP in front of the boat.

The place is like a maze. There are stairs and paths everywhere!

The Greek islands are known for its white-washed buildings. Here is SP 'hanging on the wall'.

The white-washed buildings make an excellent constrast to the blue skies and sea.

I love the bells of the churches.

SP and I in front of a small church.

ATV has become our default mode of transportation! It is great fun, except it does get cold in the evening :)

Not all buildings are white.

There are also some lovely windmills on the North side of the island. However, they are for decorative purposes only.

If you are rich, I would recommend you to stay in the hotels right on the cliff side. Look at that view! It will be great to lay on that day bed with a good book on one hand, and a glass of wine on the other!

To get to the old port (in Fira), you can take one of the cable cars or take a ride on a donkey. I think the donkeys are much more fun.

The view is breathtaking. We took so many photos at this spot.

We also went wine tasting at Santo wine. Santorini is known for its sweet wine: Vin Santo.

It is a beautiful spot for wine-tasting!

The island is also a paradise for the budding photograhers. Here are some artistic shots:

It has been said that the sunsets in Santorini are the best in the world. I will let you be the judge:



For panoramic shots, click on the following photos: