Santorini!  The world famous island located in the most southern part of the Cyclades group of islands in the Aegean Sea in Greece.  Traditional villages are built on the tall cliffs over a former volcanic crater now collapsed and submerged by about 1,000′ of the sea.  Looking at the island from the west one sees the dramatic long, steep, colorfully striped arc of cliffs thrusting up from the caldera (collapsed crater) with the towns on top.  First thought is – “those cliffs are snowcapped!”  Then you realize those are all the white buildings!!  And, when you get to the top and look down you realize and understand that the water is the center of the volcano and you are standing on the rim.

Approaching the Island of Santorino with its snowcapped hills;-)!  Above the Old Port is Fira.

On the northern part of the island is the wonderful town of Oia.

Our ship on the left in the center of the caldera.

Up you go.  One of three ways – take a cable car, walk or ride a donkey.  Enjoy – –

Cable cars for the less energetic.

A walk up that path cut into the rock (587 steps) following the donkeys – or on a donkey.

Attempting to leave the crowds behind – head to Oia.  It is a little less crowded, since it is a bit away from the cruise docks, very charming and has a more upscale section on the south end that is even less crowded.  AND – has wonderful places to eat;-)

One of the many narrow streets of the town of Oia.

Several views of the iconic Oia.

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A couple of fellow travelers recommended a fabulous place for lunch – 218 – where there were fantastic views, perfect service and outstanding food!  What more could anyone ask for?!?

Lunch views.

Another view from our lunch spot – a tribute to the donkeys and felt like home with prickly pear and bougainvillea .

A brief walk thru Fira is required since that is where the cable car comes and goes from.  It was a very hot day, so before the ride down a little ice cream – again with a view – seemed in order.  And, maybe there was a prosecco to go with that ice cream;-)

A final stop for refreshments before heading back to the ship.

Tonight Windstar had another special event – a Signature Deck BBQ late into the night with incredible nighttime views of Santorini.  A really special sight!

As the sun sets the island lights up.

What a sail away.  No more words are necessary – the pictures say it all.

E & G – quite happy;-)