Dana Villas Fira

... time to chat with the locals they told us how lucky we were to be visiting at this time of the year, how much nicer it is when it is quiet. As one shopkeeper told us 'Now you can see the real Santorini’

We had one last stroll around the laneways overlooking the caldera, one last meal at the excellent Pelican cafe and one last ice cream from our favourite sweet shop and one last soak in the Jacuzzi.

Ah Santorini, thank you for sharing your beauty with us.

... our private balcony overlooking the caldera and watched the morning unfold as I ate a sumptuous breakfast – fresh juice, toasted sandwich, Greek yoghurt with honey, coffee, toast and cake.

Next Jess had organised a trip to the volcanic island on the caldera, followed by a swim in the hot springs. The cruise involves taking a beautiful wooden sailing ship from the old port at the bottom of the cliff. We decided that the best idea would be to walk down so ...

... interesting to note that after the rain that had fallen in the past couple of days there was a huge amount of rock and volcanic sand strewn across the roads.

As sunset approached we found ourselves back at Oia. The rain and clouds put paid to any ideas of a magnificent sunset, but we saw the bay of Ammoudiou and Jess had a close encounter with a donkey. We decided to keep the car for another day.

A power cut in the morning meant we hurried out the door. Our ...

There are simple ways of getting to Oia (or Ia as it is also know and how you pronounce it), such as bus, taxi or hire car. But who needs simple? I had read as part of my research about the wonderful walk between Fira and Oia and I thought we'd give it a try. Loading up the backpack with some supplies (but forgetting water of all things) we set off through the town of Fira which seamlessly turns into Firostafani. Along the way there are so many photo opportunities to get pretty pictures of ...

... to win our, well, basically, our money. We'd already booked our hotel online and were trying to find the guy who was supposed to be there to pick us up, but couldn't see anyone holding a sign with our name on it. After most of the passengers had been whisked away by buses, taxis or private transport, the rowdy bunch of dusty older men turned their attentions to us again. But, when it was made clear that we already had accommodations they became very friendly and helpful. A ...

... art gallery, Mati .

















And this is Atlantis Hotel. Which reminds me Santorini is actually one of the possible location of the legendary Atlantis .












After a tiring walk around Thira, we retired to our room's balcony, and write some post ...