born from a volcano

the island of Santorini proved to be the MOST photogenic of our seven islands even though it was packed with tourists.  three LARGE - very large- cruise ships were anchored off the port where we docked right alongside the funicular that takes you to the top of the caldera that makes up this spectacular island.

we arrived right as the sun rose and were the first to get on the funicular (the cruise ship tenders were slower than our dockside space) and so things were relatively peaceful for us until we got to Oia.

on the way there we made a stop in the museum - small but exquisite artifacts from various digs on the volcanic island- including a find made by our very own guide the lovely and extremely knowledgeable Evgenia!

lots of fabulous photos and another thousand steps - LOL - and we were happy campers after stopping for lunch at a seafood place on top of the ridge.

the museum had a wonderful collection - choice pieces from island archaeological sites:

the discovery of our guide Evgenia!

on to Oia- perhaps the most photogenic town in the world?

the whole island is a souvenir shop!

but of course there is also food!

as we sailed away the beauty remained visible- even at a distance-

the water at the dock was such an amazing color I had to try to capture it for everyone- this does it a bit of justice- but seeing it first hand is of course - highly recommended!

next up Amorgos! small and beautiful- not at all touristic as Evgenia says...