There is no one who has been to Santorini and not loved it, for the sheer spectacle that it creates. From Fira to Oia, from Kamari to Gialos, from Akrotiri to Koloumpos the variety that the island creates is spectacular. Oia is a top favorite with its cliffhanger buildings all equipped with thermal baths and jaw-dropping sunsets, while Kamari with its black sand beach, from the volcanic eruptions, is tucked away for quieter retreats and Fira is for the youth, with a bustling marketplace and a scrumptious view, ancient bookshops and the like. But the best thing about Santorini if one can do it, is the 11 km hike that connects Fira to Oia and in the process giving the average hiker a hike of a lifetime. Another island of the Cyclades, Santorini is known for its erstwhile and even some active volcanoes, its sense of peace. The hike though is one that puts most things in perspective. From the bustling Fira, taking a stop at the age-old Atlantis bookshop, one can see the celebrities of the past, through the books they signed, as they stopped by on their journey, then the bells of Thira, and then finally the volcanic land gives way to the top most point of the island, dotted with churches before relenting into the poshest part of the island, Oia.
Again mostly comprising of hotels, Oia is a hospitality hotspot with the best of spaces, to eat, soak in the thermal baths and watch the ocean or the cruise ships as one prefers. It is also completely whitewashed, with softened plaster on its buildings and provides sunset views that are captivating and inward looking more that ever. Great beauty is said to humble one, and Santorini does a lot of it, all at once. The hike to the sunset, from Fira to Oia is the best part of Santorini I would say, with a lot of stops to take in the view that is breathtaking. For otherwise Santorini, officially called Thira is much too calm. The rare natural beauty of Santorini, the breathtaking caldera, a caldera is a large volcanic crater, especially one formed by a major eruption leading to the collapse of the mouth of the volcano, the views, the extraordinary volcanic beaches and the lunar landscapes are the wondrous results of this eruption that can only be admired in Santorini. In this incredible “canvas” everything is totally harmonious. It has a Unique Landscape and Geomorphology making it one of the most romantic destinations in the world that was formed by a massive volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. It offers a unique blend of historical richness, natural beauty, and modern architecture. The modern architecture with its mud forms in white nestles on the brown volcanic land and settles against the blue sky. Straight out of a fairy tale, looking down at the cobalt-blue domes or looking up at the bells of Thira is a sight to behold. The sanctity of the land is a huge sigh, and the calm that comes when a volcano abates and leaves a euphony of calm, the sound of silence. Well for me it was by breath, as I hiked up to Oia!!
Vedasri Siddamsetty 