Santorini
Travel Advice for Seniors: Santorini
Quite possibly the most famous and photographed of all Greek isles, our next stop was Santorini.
The ferry ride from Mykonos was about three hours and we had time for a nice afternoon of sightseeing.
First up was the Akrotiri excavations. This Cycladic cultural settlement is associated with the Minoan civilization, dating back to 4500 BC. Originally a small fishing and farming village, its strategic position between Cyprus and Crete made it a significant point in the trade of copper in the Aegean.
Next up was a visit to the Profitis Illias Monastary, particularly for the views of Santorini from the top. The Monastery was built in 1712 and is on the highest peak of Santorini, at 565 meters above sea level.
A final postcard perfect stop was in the village of Pyrgos. The village has been preserved since it was built in 1580 as a defense against pirate raids. It is a prime example of the blue domed and whitewashed churches, homes and businesses for which Santorini is famous. The streets and passageways are pretty narrow, and it was crowded, especially at the best photo stops. We were there around sunset, which also attracted the crowds.
The next afternoon, we signed up for a Caldera dinner cruise. The Santorini islands were originally pushed up by volcanic action and a large caldera was created which is a beautiful aqua blue. We went out for a sail on a catamaran, followed by a swim at the beach. The dinner was barbecued seafood and was very fresh and delicious. This followed a sunset that was so beautiful it can arguably only be witnessed in Greece. There was a bit of fun disco dancing on the way back, just in case anyone forgot to have a good time! It was an enjoyable experience, not to mention the views and the excellent dinner. Highly recommended.
Next day we opted for a tour of Oia and Kamari. Oia you have likely seen on any TV show or video on Santorini. It is the money shot for most postcards. A coastal town on the tip of the island, the town has whitewashed houses carved into the rugged clifftops and overlooks the beautiful blue waters of the caldera. We had a nice risotto lunch at a restaurant with a view of the water and the town Here again, the streets and passageways are pretty narrow and it was crowded, especially at the best photo stops, so be patient.
Kamari was our second stop. The beach here is known for its black sand and we had some time for a bit of sunbathing. Kamari also has some ruins of the ancient city of Thira, atop Mesa Vouno. It’s quite steep to get up to the ruins and some tourists were taking donkeys up the incline.
The sunset here was again, fantastic. It was still a bit crowded, and the pathways were narrow, especially at the best photo stops. Of course we were there at sunset, so it was a bit more crowded than usual. There is no shortage of beautiful views of the ocean in Santorin!
Where we stayed: Hotel Santorini Palace. Nice hotel, breakfast included.
How we got there: Three-hour ferry ride from Mykonos to Santorini.This was part of a 14-day small group tour through Greece including stops at Santorini, Mykonos and Crete.
General Accessibility Information: Major tourist sights, newer hotels, transportation in most major cities are accessible. Even some beaches are accessible. Apps like accessaloo can help you find accessible bathrooms. Call in advance to verify and make specialty arrangements. See our sections on specialty apps and accessible travel for more on accessibility assistance.
