Last day - or part there of - on Paros so need to make the most of it. After quick breaky took off again on bike in opposite direction from Naoussa towards Kolibithres, following coastline virtually as far as we could go. Passed the Paros Aqua park - water slide park on a fairly small scale but no doubt popular. A few classy looking resorts along way - saw a helicopter land at one. Lovely beach called Agios Ioannis situated in a private cove. Fully organised with taverna, sun lounges and umbrellas, an outdoor cinema and water sports. People were already arriving to claim their spot for the day.
Headed back to the beach closest to Naoussa for our last swim on Paros before getting back to Joseph Studios to shower, change and pack. Was a midday check out so left our luggage there and rode bike back into town for our last wander around. Found our way up to the imposing church overlooking the town with its cemetery nestled in amongst trees behind.
Found a pharmacy as Raym wanted some anti inflammatories for his sore toe but an elderly Greek pharmacist made him up some natural concoction of drops! We'll see how it goes! Had a little shop (left Raym in a cafe!) before riding back to Joseph Studios. Paid for the bike and left it there then dragged our bags a short distance down the hill to catch the 2.30pm bus into Parikia. Surprisingly it arrived about 10 minutes early and proved an easy option at EUR2 each especially as an on onboard porter helped with our luggage. Left our bags at the Hellenic Seaways office while we went and had a souvlaki wrap then waited in the queue for our catamaran to arrive. Was probably about 20 minutes later than the scheduled 4.00pm departure but again was the newer HiSpeed5. Was no time before we were docking at Naxos to drop off and pick up passengers; and just as quickly we were off again!
Wasn't long before we were following along what we assumed was the length of Santorini, then turned to evidently approach the port area. Nothing can prepare you for those imposing cliffs - and what appears from the distance to be snow. In reality as you forge closer the famous mass of white and cream coloured villas hugging the caldera take shape. Quite overwhelming! As is that incredible road snaking up the hillside! Little time to consider it all with the chaos of docking and the horde of people scampering for their luggage in preparation to disembark. Fortunately it didn't take long to spot the sign with my name emblazoned and we were on board a mini bus for the ride up that cliff face! Only a couple of drop offs before us - we weren't too far past the main town of Fira, at Firostefani, to Villa Ilias. We dragged our bags up the short but steep driveway to the reception for check in then just had to cross the main walkway of the caldera to the villas. Ours was upstairs with a balcony and the most spectacular view imaginable - those amazing villas of the Caldera and directly across to the volcano.
Wasn't long till our first Santorini sunset so quickly hot footed it down to a little mini market for drinks and nibbles before making ourselves comfortable on that balcony. The sunset was brilliant but even better was the most incredible fireworks display about 45 minutes later across at the volcano! Simply amazing and lasted over half an hour! Apparently was the culmination of a festival of the volcano during this last week of August. Perfect timing!
Afterwards popped down to a little nearby restaurant on the caldera for a light and late dinner.