Santorini

Definitely take a boat ride out to the volcano hot springs! I did a tour that involved a hike on one of the volcanic islands and then a trip to the hot springs. The hot springs is like a little cove right on the edge of the island; there wasn’t a dock nearby so they stopped offshore and you had to swim about 50 yards into the cove, where the water changed from blue to red (from lots of little iron oxide particles.) Some people dived right off the boat, but I used the ladder they put down into the water. Lots of fun!

Everybody seems to rave about Santorini, so I was excited.. maybe my expectations were too high. That, or maybe it was because I went on a class trip, and they kept us confined to the main city…. which has gotten so commercialized, it’s rather sad :( I would have loved to go out and see the less-populated areas.. I would suggest going on a boat ride, I really wanted to but didn’t have the euros for it :( They have ones that take you around the volcano and to the hot springs, and you can cliff dive….... so I’ve heard.

Maybe someday I will go back and try to enjoy it for what it can be, and not what I was forced to experience :P

and even more of a sign for sore eyes after an 8 hour ferry journey from Athens. Everyone was silent as we sailed in through the entrance in the caldera walls.

Enjoy the spectacular sunsets!

Pictures don’t do it justice.

I am planning a trip to the greek islands in June and I need to start and end in Turkey. What is the best (most affordable) way to get around? Should we book a package tour or take ferry boats from island to island?

But a 3-night stay is enough :)

Stay in Oia, dinner at Amoudi Bay – I recommend Dimitri’s Taverna.

JUST THIS

Budget
Going between March 14 to March 21
Itinerary
Departing IAD evening on March 14 (Friday)
Arriving Santorini (JTR) evening on March 15 (Saturday)

Staying at Oia’s Sunset Apartment for 3 nights

Departing JTR afternoon on March 20 (Tuesday)
Arriving IAD afternoon on March 21 (Wednesday)

Budget

Airplane tickets (tax included) for two (lastminutetravel.com)

$2175

Lodgeing at Oia’s Sunset Apartment (http://www.greekhotel.com/cyclades/santorin/oia/oiasunset/home.htm)

Studio 2 pax 80 euro per night for 2 for 3 nights

$350

Other expenses

120 euro per day

$700

this place is one of the most amazing places i’ve ever been. i recommend everyone to see there. just fascinating!

Who DOESN’T?