Massive day ahead - so breaky and off for the walk along the caldera to Fira to the Dakoutros Bros agency office where we had booked our day trip. Once we were met by the guide we walked the short distance to a waiting coach (already sweltering at 1030am!) for the drive down the zigzags to the port. Little did we know we would be traversing this route again though this time downward! The bends were still hairy in a coach! Once at the port boarded our traditional Greek vessel - bit like a galleon - and then the fun began ...in more ways than one! Really weren't prepared for the number of passengers crammed onboard . Realise it is peak season but was bordering on uncomfortable - especially with the intensity of the heat! Then our first stop was only a short distance around to the old port - to pick up yet more passengers! Had to grin and bare it as we prepared ourselves with water for our arrival at the volcano on the island called Nea Kameni. Was certainly worthwhile despite the excruciating heat and the strenuous 40 minute trek each way. Glad for our water and the fact that we wore joggers - always amazed by how inappropriately some people dress! Our guide was a wealth of information regarding the volcano, actually originally located well below the ocean, and how the island group of Santorini was formed through various eruptions spanning 430 years. The last eruption was only 1950 and at the summit you can still see pockets of steam and smell sulphur. Makes you realise how volatile the area really is.
Thankfully our next stop at nearby Palaia Kameni involved a jump (or climb) off the boat for a swim, firstly in beautiful clear cool water then about 50metres in to the hot springs of the island. Fortunately weren't too hot - about 25 degrees - but an interesting experience. And the mud/clay is evidently good for your skin so we all lathered up!
Tummies were rumbling by this stage so next stop was the little fishing port village on Thirassia island. We had a little less than two hours here so the priority was food. For the more adventurous (or crazy in that heat!) you could take the 20 minute or so walk up the cliff to the main part of the town but the guide assured us there was little to see so we took the option of choosing a taverna for a Greek salad and lamb souvlaki. Then walked along the waters edge; was possible to swim but very rocky and slippery. Unfortunately the enjoyable part of the day took a turn for the worse as on boarding the boat we discovered that Raym's joggers that he left under a seat were gone! Checked all areas and announcements were made, to no avail. Bit of a shame but really we have been so fortunate with few negative experiences so should count ourselves lucky I guess. (Did check at the tour office the next day with no success .....think I can feel an email coming on...).
Next stop was back on Santorini at Oia where we would have a least two hours to watch the sunset for which Oia is so famous. What we didn't realise was the port area of Armeni Bay was at the base of the caldera and about 300 steps to the top. The only options were walking or donkey so in that extreme heat we took the donkey option, which still involved a significant amount of steps. By the time we reached the top we were a lather of sweat and exhausted! Still much walking through the meandering little cobblestoned lane ways of Oia lugging our backpacks. The views were brilliant and the town, though crammed with tourists, looked gorgeous. A taverna that was recommended to us was right at the bottom of the caldera so we grabbed a table at a restaurant that looked like it would ensure a great sunset view and made ourselves comfy. We certainly weren't disappointed - was truly magnificent! And was good to relax with couple of cold beers, shared some grilled calamari and chatted with a couple of American girls. Were so lucky as all other tables in the restaurant were reserved and all around was engorged with tourists and cameras! Once the sun had disappeared we had to hot foot it to the bus station of the town to meet our coach for the return trip to Fira. Not a particularly pleasant experience - the narrows streets crammed with jostling people. Were actually glad to get out of the mayhem. The coach dropped us at Firostefani not far from our accommodation. Was so good to cool off in our pool and relax. Later wandered down to a little Italian restaurant nearby and shared some spaghetti. A great but exhausting day!