My trip to the Greek Islands - Part I - Santorini (with photo-gallery)

in travel •  7 years ago  (edited)

A few years ago I decided to spend the summer holidays in two of the Cyclades Islands: Thira (a.k.a Santorini) and Ios.

I went with my girlfriend in the middle of August, and we loved it!

In this first post I will show you many of the places we visited in Thira, what we did and what we ate.

We loved the experience and one day I plan to return to Greece to see a few more islands.

Thira (a.k.a Santorini)

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The largest city is Fira, the busiest area of the island, full of white narrow streets that swarm with tourists, mostly Italians and Germans.

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Because we don't like large crowds or big confusions, we have chosen to stay in Imerovigli, perhaps the part of the island with better views of the Aegean Sea and the volcanic island of Nea Kameni. It is also the most expensive and most luxurious.

The Aegean Sea ...

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Nea Kameni ...

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We got a really great deal on Booking and had the opportunity to stay in a great apartment, just for the both of us, with a spectacular ... private pool!

Our typical greek apartment...

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Me at breakfast (how I miss that ...)

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The view from our apartment ...

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... and from our private pool ...

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Chillin with my girl ...

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In the hottest hours we spent most of the time in the pool, however, we took advantage of the cooler hours to visit much of the island, appreciate its architecture and of course, its gastronomy.

As we wander through Imerovigli and Thira, we realize how beautiful the island is and how spectacular the architectural details are, truly out of a movie!

Here are some examples...

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Santorini is also known for its hundreds of churches and small chapels!

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From the trail between Imerovigli and the capital, Fira, we were able to enjoy breathtaking landscapes, which are a constant during the 20-30 minutes ride to the capital village.

A part of the route between Imerovigli & Fira ...

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Always stunning landscapes as a backdrop!

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Homeric Poems

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Two of my favorite photos ... A window to the Aegean ...

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... and a greek detail!

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In Fira we had the opportunity to visit some museums and meet some fantastic murals and historical paintings, dating from the Minoan civilization.

Here are some examples...

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The model of a boat from the Minoan civilization

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As Thira is also known for its vineyards and wine production, I decided to buy a bottle of white wine from the island's most famous variety: Assyrtiko.

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It turned out to be a quite light and fresh wine!

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During all the time we've been on the island, cruise ships are a constant. Dozens arrive every day at the small port of Fira.

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Back home, more breathtaking sceneries along the way!

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A few days later, we decided to visit Oia, a village in the north of the island well known for its amazing sunset. This village is considered the oldest settlement on the island. It is very picturesque and has lots to see ...

The streets of Oia

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Chapel bells...

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Spartan helmet

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In a beautiful spot in the village we came upon with these curious wind-shaped pines.

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Oia's famous sunset...

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Later in that evening, we dined in a typical greek tavern and the food could not have been better! Stuffed eggplant with feta and tomato, hummus, and one of the things the Greeks know best ... Lamb leg, very well seasoned with local spices...

The eggplant and the humus...

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And the lamb...

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In the next morning, we left for the port of Fira to catch the boat that would take us to the island of Ios, an island that we would explore and where we enjoyed the well-known beaches of warm and crystalline waters ...

You can read "My trip to the Greek Islands - Part II - Ios" here https://steemit.com/travel/@davidgermano/my-trip-to-the-greek-islands-part-ii-ios-with-photo-gallery

Cheers!

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