Panorama Apartments

Amoudi beach

by ZiOOlek

The beaches of Amoudi is situated below the settlement of Oia, and is quite popular. Amoudi Beach is one of the most charming Santorini Beaches, with clean, clear waters, a small harbor and several quaint fish taverns and cafes.

However, there is not much place to sit and enjoy the view and swim. This is also an ideal place to watch the sunset.

Oia...The worlds famous sunset!

by Just_Jenny

Oia is in the northern part of Santorini and is approximately 11 km from Fira. Most famous for its beautiful sunsets, from the moment the sun begins to set here, people from everywhere, young and old flock here to watch the sun sink into the Aegean.

When we got here it was already crowded, and finding a place to sit was virtually impossible!! However with luck we did find ourselves perched high up on a rock with a great view.

The atmosphere was alive with chatter and laughter; it certainly was a “feel good factor” As the sun sank slowly in to the sea, a round of applause could be heard all around Oia, and for some it was the perfect time for a "standing ovation"!

I was amazed how many people are drawn here, however I certainly can understand why. If you are planning to go here, my advice is get here as soon as possible, just in order to find somewhere to sit!! And if you are very lucky and find a seat in one of many bars you can enjoy a frappe and watch the sun go down : )

Another way to enjoy the sunset is to take one of the boat charters from the docks at Thira. After visiting the volcano in the middle of the caldera, the boat will visit the opposite island for a time before heading out a mile or so from the island. At sunset the boat will sail in a figure 8 until the sun goes below the horizon, providing a long view of the setting sun and ample photographic opportunities. A must if you have the time.

If you are planning to come to Oia there is much to see here, apart from the amazing sunset, there are many beautiful churches, traditionally white with brilliant blue roofs, perched high on cliff tops, with amazing views out into the deep blue Aegean. A significant landmark feature not only for Oia but Santorini itself

Bus Stop in Oia - A novel experience

by littlesam1

"VTers at the Bus Stop"

As I mentioned in my tips for Oia, Mark and I decided to take the bus from Fira to Oia instead of taking the hike. We were not the only ones! You never know who you will meet at a bus stop. Bus stops have been the setting for plays and novels for years. Novelist like William Falkner and playwrites like Willian Inge have found great stories revolving around individuals meeting at bus stops. I am sure there is a good story here also. After all look who we met at the bus stop. Here are Mark (Hikerpark), Hansi, and John Gayton at the bus stop. There was some food available a the bus stop, and of course some Methos beer.

"More gather and the story continues"

Of course you have to have more characters for a novel experience. Here Janetanne, one of the organizers of the VT meeting arrives and meets us at the bus stop. She opted out of the hike also. But she had her cell phone so we were in contact with those who were hiking. There was quite a gathering including Hansi, Lori Pori, Gillybob and others. As we sat at the bus stop getting ready to leave to view the sunset, one last VTer appeared. The bus pulls into the parking area and we see a wild blonde headed man standing in the front of the bus waving both arms at us through the front wind shield of the bus. Claus had arrived!

Its was just a simple bus stop where some isolated tourists met. Hemingway could have woven our stories together into a novel of epic proportions I am sure. Then he could have joined us later back in Fira at the Friendly Greek Tavern. Those old novelists liked to drink also.