Day 41 - To the Island of Santorini

Left the hostel at 6am, as I have a 7.45 am ferry to catch to the island of Santorini (also known as Thira Island). The hostel location is pretty great - it's only 2 minutes away from metro station at Monastiriki Square, that has the Green Line - which takes you to Pireaus Port. The Blue Line is also in that metro station, which brings you to the airport (if that portion is reopen).

It is also about 2 minutes away from the main shopping area (if you're a shopping fanatic) and 10 minutes walk down that street will bring you to Syntagma Square, where the Parliment is, as well as the pick-up location for airport buses.

My Berth seat in the ferry. The bottom 2 stories are for vehicle, so the third floor (or 2nd floor using European ways) and the Deck Floor is for passengers. There are airline-type seats available with window views, but those are a bit more expensive. Then again, it's off-season, there are so many free seats that nobody cares where you sit.

The Ferry has restaurants, cafés, fast food restaurants, etc. It has a shop too. Weirdly, whenever there is an announcement on the ferry, a advertisement-jingle-ish music will be played.

First cup of Frappé - Greek instant ice coffee. It was apparently invented by a Nestlé representative, who couldn't find hot water to make his instant coffee, and hence used cold water and blended it. A Greek favourite apparently.

After about 5 hours, we reached our first stop, Pargos island.

The boat was turning around.

I just love the colour of the sea.

A few more hours later, we reached Naxos island.

An unknown monument just next to Naxos island.

I found the deck area when I came out to look at Pargos Island. Decided to sit here instead. They sealed up the bar in the Deck. Guess it will only be opened in Summer.

Finally, first sights of Santorini Island after 8 hours.

Against Oia town, the north-most town in Santorini.

The Cauldera.

Finally we've reached the port! Took the bus to Fira (€2), the main town. Luckily the ferry made it early by about 20 minutes. So there is a good chance that I would be able to catch a earlier bus to Oia in Fira. Buses in Santorini generally goes from Fira to another town and back . Not sure about high seasons, but that's the case for off season. So if you want to catch a bus from Perissa to Arkitori, which are both in the South, you still need to take a bus from Perissa to Fira (in the central part of the island) and change a bus to Arkitori.

The Caldera.

The ferry I took! Blue Star Ithaki.

I was there early. Still had 20 minutes before the bus to Oia leaves. So I walked around Fira a little. Most shops are closed, as it is the off-season. Luckily a Gyros stand is opened.

Oia. Indeed, it is more beautiful than Fira. Was told that Oia has the most beautiful sunset in the world.

You probably see pictures like this in postcards of Greece.

The narrow streets of Oia. Can't imagine what it would be like during high seasons, when everything along the street is opened and filled with tourists.

I found my sun-set watching point - right outside a shop that's closed. Benefits of being there during high season - no one to compete for a space with!

Unfortunately cloudy day.

Act cool only......

Thirasia - part of the caldera, that was separated into its own island during a violent volcanic eruption.

Unfortunately cloudy day - typical of Greek winter I heard. Can't even tell if the sun has set or it is dusk already.

Well, once the sun set, I had 10 minutes to return to the bus terminal to catch a bus back to Fira to take the last bus to Perissa, where my hostel is. I was the only person, so I had the whole dorm to myself. But being the off season, none of the tarvens were opened. Thank goodness the 24 hours bakery near the hostel has got good food.