Smaragdi Hotel Santorini Island Perissa

Our relaxed schedule meant that we had one last day to enjoy what Fira could offer. We visited the museum that houses the finds from Akrotiri – lots of pottery and some interesting wall paintings. A small gold animal figurine was particularly impressive. The museum is modern and well displayed, but as we were the only visitors there we didn't really enjoy the personal security supervision that followed us from exhibit to exhibit like a distrustful overseer.

As we ...

... the fellow said ‘OK – here is hot springs’ and he waved his had vaguely towards the shore’. ‘But how do we get to them?’ ‘You swim’. Yes, through the icy sea water to the shore. This was not part of the plan. The girls got into their swimming costume and Heath stripped off to his boxers and there followed much angst from all parties about whether to brave the conditions.

Of course, as the responsible father I ...

... was getting squashed! Just near there is the Red Beach. This is an impressive location, with towering red cliffs hanging over a beach of black sand and pebbles. We had a bit of a look around and then headed off for our next destination.

I saw a sign saying lighthouse. Ever a sucker for a lighthouse I turned the car in that direction. We came to the far end of the island, yet another location with stupendous views. Although the lighthouse itself is not accessible you ...

... because we walked slowly, took breaks and lots of photos. At times the route is on a cobbled path and at times it’s just a goat track. It climbs up and down and skirts the cliff edge at all times. It really is something to experience. Along the route are dotted a series of picture-perfect chapels. I was disappointed to find them locked though.

Although the walk is only 12 km, its climbs and descents make it very challenging, at least for us and we were completely buggered ...

... s a beautiful church and great view of Athens at the top. We stayed at the top until Athens and the Acropolis were lit up after dark. We ate out at an excellent restaurant that night were we still had a view of the Acropolis. The waiter was great to take pictures and gave us a free desert and shots. Today, I woke up early to leave for Santorini and I was sad to leave the hostel and all the friends I've made there but I'm ready to get out to the ...

... to Kamari Beach which was filled with grass umbrellas on the beach and lounge chairs on top of a pebbly beach with a gentle surf and hardly any waves, yet beautiful. The beach promenade was lined with restaurants and little shops (but nothing worth purchasing). We continued to Pyrgos, which is set way UP on a hill (thank goodness for this 4-wheeler as it would have been a beastly climb). The view was spectacular and we could see all the way back to Karterados (where we ...

... while sun bathing :p
















In the evening, we went to Selene for dinner. This is the most expensive meal throughout our trip! The ambient was quite nice, but the food is nothing to shout about. I guess we prefer the gyros to Greek fine dining...







We have each a mussel for a ...

... b r>








And when we finally climb up to the top. We see this. This must be the archaeologists' toilet. I'm guessing it must be the toilet with the greatest view in all of Greece! Hahaha...












We get a very complete view of the Kamari beach from the Ancient Thira. I'm sure our hotel ...