Akrotiri

We went to excavation site of Minoan settlement on our second day because weather forecast suggested rain. And whole excavation site is under roof.

Well, while going to the south end of island, we passed through region with heavy clouds near the tallest mountain of island, but Fira and also Akrotiri were bathing in strong sun shine.

This place used to be full of life, but then volcano decided it is time to remodel whole island. Apart from forming small archipelago it burried this place for about 3500 years.

Red beach

In walking distance from excavations is beautiful red beach. Let's go there! There are some taverns on the way, they might come handy in hot weather.

Shortly before reaching the beach there is interesting church. Its whiteness is in high contrast of dark red cliff behind it. Nice.

Road ends, we need to continue by narrow foot path. If I did not see previous red cliff I would doubt we are at correct place, because the first sight of sea crashing on cliffs does not have any hint or red. But wait until you are around the corner.

We did not stay there, because we were not ready for beach (thinking it will be raining). And also it was noon and we try avoiding beaches when sun is high in the sky. Mornings and evenings are better.

Perissa beach

We went to one of 2 the most visited beaches on evening. It took the bus 35 minutes to get there from Fira. It was further away than I thought after looking at the map, because bus went around. I simply did not take into consideration there is big mountain between Fira and Perissa.

So we arrived shortly before 7pm. That would be OK elsewhere, but sun sets behind mountain here, that means earlier. On the other hand it was not hot. There was no wind compared to Oia or Fira, because Perissa is very well shielded from 2 sides. And sea was really calm with warm water.

I had my camera with me, but taking photos was not my priority here. We did not have much time to spend in water and that was our priority.

At 7.30pm sun was gone.

There are churches also in Perissa.

Ancient Thera

We did not have a plan to go to Ancient Thera. But, while waiting for a bus to Imerovigli, we met up with Dutch couple we have met on Milos and they told us it is really interesting and it also offers very nice views of Kamari and Perissa from top (this archeological site is at mountain between Kamari and Perissa). Considering that Imerovigli is similar to Fira and Firostefani we changed our plans. And we are glad we did. Thank you Myriam and Vincent.

It is up there, just take that zigzag road. It is about 1h by walking or you can take minibus for 10€ (return ticket) from Kamari.

View of Kamari. Notice airport in top left corner. Pretty close if you ask me. Yet, when we went to the beach, we stayed at the other end and landing airplanes were not too loud. Mileage of those staying at the other end might vary.

More of Kamari

Perissa is just on other side of this mountain.

Enough of looking at places we have been before. It is time to explore this town from 9th century BC. It is about 1h long walk. It will take longer if you want to read all information texts. But we came quite late and were limited in choices of minibuses to return, so we hurried a bit. Not to mention hot weather...

From foreground to background: ticket office, car park, tallest mountain on Santorini - Profitis Illias.