Leaving today, incredible place - would highly recommend to anyone - beautiful scenery, sunsets, food and people.
Did you bump into @George Spicer whilst there? I think he was scoping out some places for his olive empire with Giorgio.
Went a long time ago back in the 80’s and loved it amazing scenery especially on the caldera side interesting black sand beaches and some good history. Great beachside tavernas too. Loved it but for some reason never been back. I know it’s a lot more developed now but sounds like it’s still worth a visit
It is mate - certainly not overdeveloped but plenty to do. I went to Thira a few years ago but have stayed in Kamari this time - both fantastic in different ways have you been to many of the other Greek islands ?
Been a couple of times and it has a place in my heart. My niece got married at a vineyard there and the wedding was something to behold. Its a place that fits well with couples / adults but I wouldn't recommend it as a family holiday with young kids. Its a place I love and have to return again someday.
I remember going on a one day boat trip there in 92. Boat docked in harbour dwarfed by a sheer cliff. 2 ways to get to the top. Walk up, or hop on a donkey. We chose the donkey and it was both frightening and exhilarating at the same time. As good as any roller coaster ride. I believe they have stopped doing that now.
Even though I know modern volcanology can pick up many potential warning signs of renewed activity, I’d still just feel massively anxious staying literally on top of a massive explosive volcano lol
I was worried it might have become a bit overrun by tourists. It's become very popular with 'Instagram tourists' because of the incredible photographs you can get. I recall a couple of years ago, you couldn't shift on Instagram for pretty much the same picture over the rooftops. Glad to hear it isn't like I'd imagine it would be as it looks stunning.
Been chatting to a few locals and they have told me avoid in the summer but now and September / October is the perfect time to go.
Its better for tourist numbers, but the cycladic winds whip up at that time so it an get a bit tasty and some restaurants nearer the caldera edge tend to close at short notice due to weather. Magical place though.
I walked down when we were there but got the mule back up - as you say it was an interesting ascent. I used to ride horses but none of that was much use on those. I think there is a cable car there now which is doubtless a lot safer and suitable for all ages but nothing like as much fun.
No unfortunately only so many days holiday a year and for a time not sufficient cash but I would like to go back someday and explore some others. Not really a beach person - its OK for a day or so but need to go to places with lots of interesting things to do. Also when its not too hot to do them. I suspect you are there at the right time much later and its too hot to do much
Illogical I know but we got the boat trip to the active volcano in the caldera and walked up to the crater, wisps of smoke curling out and you could see a red glow in a few places - I was very uneasy but Mrs F, who is a geophysicist loved it, I felt a lot safer once back on the boat - though in practice if the thing went off again it probably wouldnt help much. Surreal place - like walking on another planet
We watched the sunset at oia, magical, massive crowds sat on top of the flat roofed houses, roads packed with people, took ages to get back up the hill side. Highly recomend going if just for that.
We had our "mini-moon" there and stayed in Imerovigli. Some fantastic food and quite enjoyed the yellow and red donkey beer brewed on the island. I've been to a few places with volcanoes and I'm not quite sure what it is, but they are fascinating and despite their obvious danger are quite mesmerising.
The caldera is awesome, the sheer size of it, it is suggested that the eruption was responsible for the destruction of the Minoan culture on Crete and when you see the size of it it easy to agree with that theory.
The nearest I got to one that was erupting was Mount Agung in Bali. Actually had the best view from across the sea from our hotel in Lombok seeing steam and smoke coming from it, though despite very strong warnings of imminent eruption to the point of locals being cleared in close proximity, it never did (thankfully) erupt as the basics of getting home would have been a bit tricky!
