Kamari
by JohntheFinn
Kamari is famed for its broad beach of black sand. Well, it’s a sort of dark grey really, only that doesn’t sound as good and the Brits and Yanks will only argue endlessly over the spelling, so all right, let’s agree it’s black.
It’s an out-and-out tourist town and every one of the attractive seaside restaurants we tried served everything with fries. Till we stopped trying them. The sea view was beginning to pall anyway.
I’ve always found Kamari a great place to use as a base for exploring Santorini with the added advantage of a beach. However, there is not a single classy place to eat in the town.
A major drawback to Kamari is the proximity of the airport (see pic 2) – apart from the very frequent tourist services, Santorini is also a base for the Greek air force and their pilots seem to enjoy making a noise as much as young tearaways with a new motorcycle. For this reason, it’s a good idea to pick a hotel at the southern end of Kamari – i.e., as close to the mountain as you can get.
Here's a useful website set up by Kamari locals: [http://kamari.gr]
Thirasia Rocks
by sandysmith
Above Thirasia as we sailed out towards Oia we noticed the almost human/lion face in the rock - has this been carved or natural?? The needle formation of the rocks just before reminded me a little of the Dolomites.
Traditional Greek Architecture
by cnango
The color blue in Greece is considered protective and is used a lot in architectural features like shutters, doors & domes. Traditonally buildings have white washed walls which not only look good but reflect the bright sun light and help keep the buildings cooler. We also saw peach, ochre, and terracotta used (particularly in Oia) but blue and white structures and features are still the most common in Santorini.
Great Hike with fantastic caldera views!
by profuselycool
I'm not a huge outdoors person, but I've realized that scenic and off the beaten road hikes are truly memorable travel experiences. Santorini is obviously no different - with jagged cliffs that dive straight into the ocean and a whole island chain circling a volcano, views are abound.
Anyways, if you're on the main island of Santorini, this hike begins in Thira (Fira). Just head north along the main road and just stick as far to the edge of the cliff as you can. After about 1km you will see dirt paths drifting from the main causeway - just follow these! There isn't one specific hike or anything, but there's a main dirt path that is a lot of fun and easy to follow. If you're lucky the local dogs will follow you as far as their paws will take them (no kidding.) Take this path all the way to Ia (at the northern end of the island) if you've got it in you, i think it's about 8km or so, takes 2-3 hours.
I've done this twice, the second with my family. Everyone really enjoyed the view and exercise. Stop halfway at a stand-alone orange juice stand (trust me, you'll want it) and grab a fresh hot gyro when you end at Ia, definitely the best and most anticipated one I had while in Greece!
Wandering the streets of Fira
by Jmill42 about Jewelry Markets
As anyone can attest to, walking and wandering the streets of Fira will inevitably lead you to buying souvieners. One of the main sellers in the town are the jewelry shops. And, they are everywhere! Also scattered throughout the town are clothing shops, wooden carvings and toys, electronics, etc. Basically anything that a tourist might want or need to take back to the people who he left behind and are now angry that he did, indeed, left them behind. Amazing how gifts change attitudes!!
Sign in with Facebook
Thirassia island
The beautiful church in Oia
The harbor
Wildflowers on the Barren Slope
