Tag: greecetravelgr1
The Karavolades Steps, Fira
A long steep stair separates Fira from the old port of Santorini, Yialos. The 'Karavolades' way, the way to the Yialos, is a 587 steps journey only for those that are brave enough to take it.
Santorini Greece
If you are a fan of wine then Santorini is your place. Due to its unique climate and the aridity of the island, exceptional wine is produced. I'm not a big fan of wine myself but I enjoyed a glass of the Santorini brand wine, vinsanto. Vinsanto is a sweet dessert wine that is produced in Santorini for thousand years. Despite the fact that many interpret the name vinsanto as Vin Santo which means 'holy wine' it is not clear how Santorini's vinsanto took its name. For some, the name came from the crates with wine exported from Santorini to all over the world during Venice ruling. The crates were labeled as 'Santo' to indicate the origin from Santorini and as 'Vin' to denote the contents. Thus, the name vinsanto created.
Oía, Kikladhes, Greece
The second most important settlement in Santorini, Oia, is a lovely traditional village located at the North side of the island. Because of its location locals call it also Apano Meria, which means the upper side or the upper place. It has been declared as a traditional settlement to be preserved by the Greek National Tourism Office mostly because of the special way the houses have been built. Most of the houses are domed caves carved through the volcanic rocks of caldera cliff and provide ideal conditions both for summer and winter.
Firá, Kikladhes, Greece
More than 2000 mules and donkeys live in Santorini. Before 1960 donkeys were the main transportation means on the island and their main work was to move building materials from the port to the top of caldera. There has been a great debate about the working conditions of the donkeys where many animal welfare organisations try to boycott against their use. However, local owners and authorities claim to have upgrade the conditions adding extra shadow and watering points for the mules. I strongly believe that this traditional way of transportation needs to be supported. However, if you decided to use the donkeys to have a ride please don't do it if you are more that 80 kilos
Firá, Kikladhes, Greece
Santorini doesn't lost its beauty after the sunset. When the sun is gone, the lights from hotels, restaurants and houses brighten up the caldera cliff where Fira is built while the luxury yachts and cruise ships give to the caldera lagoon a glamorous glow
Kamári, Kikladhes, Greece
After the destructive earthquake of 1956 the people of a Mesa Gonia (a village completely flattened by the earthquake) founded the coastal village Kamari. Kamari took its name from a small arch that was part of a sanctuary dedicated to Poseidon. Kamari beach is the longest beach of Santorini and one of the most visited by tourists. However, because it is really big, you will never find it overcrowded. The water there is crystal clear, but the beach is not recommended for small children as there are slippery stones and you need to be careful.
Palea Kameni
In Palea Kameni Island, near the church of Agios Nikolaos, the sea turns from blue, into green and then into brown. The cause is the sulfur, a yellow substance, coming out of the hot springs. The water near the springs can reach 33 Celsius and people come with small boats from the main island to swim to the muddy beach. Sulfur is very beneficial for the skin as it can help with many skin conditions and allergies while you can find it in many cosmetics and soaps. If you visit the hot springs remember not to wear a white swimming suit as it will be probably ruined by the sulfur.
Santorini
It's 9th July of 1956 and the time is 05:11. An earthquake of 7.5 degrees in the Richter scale leaves Santorini in a devastating state. 12 minutes later an aftershock of 6.9 Richter terrorize the locals. 35% of the houses are collapsed and 45% suffer severe damages. A tsunami of 25 meters hits the nearby islands and breaks many boats in ports all over aegean sea including Crete. 53 fatalities and 100 injured added in the final sum of the disaster that nature brought upon Santorini to show its power over people. That was the largest earthquake in Europe in the 20th century.
