Monday 19 May

A modern mosaic in the main square at Oia (or Ia)

Up early for a quiet breakfast and then to take the 9.15 shuttle bus into Fira. There we caught a public bus to Oia in the north of the island. The road wound through vineyards and fields of tomatoes, a Santorini feature.

Blue-domed churches are a feature of Ia

In Oia we strolled along the narrow streets, looking at churches and souvenir shops. I bought some jewellery. It's a beautiful village with several blue-domed churches. I am hoping to paint one.



We had lunch at Papagalos, a very nice place with quick service. We had a selection of Greek dips and then sea bream with capers and crisp vegetables. Delicious! We had a glass of white wine, another dry Assyrtiko aged in the barrel for six months.

A traditional windmill (minus its sails)

Then we explored further along the narrow paths and up and down many steps. The views were spectacular as usual. We had coffee in another small place, Skiza.


We caught the crowded bus back to Fira and got a taxi back to the hotel. It started raining and was quite cool. Our sweaters came in handy.


We had supper in the hotel restaurant, appetizers and apple pie with cinnamon. A quiet evening at the Volcano View. The Greek-American wedding party has left (apart from the grandfather).

Friday 16 May

A late start at breakfast and it was crowded - an invasion of very loud Americans here for a wedding. Then  we sat on the terrace and I painted a watercolour of the view. Then we prepared for the boat trip. The bus was late picking us up.

Rocky cliffs behind the new port

We got on the Aphrodite, a three-masted boat, at the new port, and sailed to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni. We disembarked and walked part of the way up the volcano on a very stony path. We learnt that it last erupted in 1950, and we could see there was black lava all over. Back on the boat we talked to a couple from Melbourne.

Another day, another sunset

Then we went further round the islands and stopped near a beach with hot springs, which a few people braved the cold sea to reach. We then moored near the island of Thirassia and had a buffet dinner in the boat - pork, Greek salad, tzatziki, potatoes and rice.

After sailing towards the clifftop village of Oia, we saw the sun set over the sea. A very leisurely day, and we got rather sunburnt.

Back to the hotel for a nightcap of red wine.