Santorini: Skala Pier

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Skala Pier or Santorini's Old Port has a life of its own. While we waited for our boat back to the ship, we kept ourselves busy with the trinket shops and relaxed at the cozy seaside cafés. Apart from last minute souvenir shopping, I was also intrigued with these houses built within the island's rock.

Door and windows to where?

Boat docked at the port.

The Old Harbor

Watching the cable run back and forth.

A better photo of the house built in the rock.

I thought this was really cool. I wonder what's it like to live in there.

A glimpse back as our boat left the port.

I found this last night. The zig zag path I was referring to as the mule path on my previous post.

Santorini: Cable Or Mule Ride

Alas, the moment arrived. It was time to bid Santorini adieu.

I thought that I can finally cross out Santorini on my travel list, but at that same moment, I realized that I have to put it back on my "must return to visit" list. Santorini is more beautiful than I have imagined. The photos I took couldn't justify the beauty I've seen. In my opinion, Santorini must be experienced in all five human senses. If there's a sixth sense, by all means use it too.

A beauty I'll always remember.

The fastest way to descend from Fira to the harbor is through cable.

We opted for the cable.

Getting tickets for the cable ride.

The cable ride is comfy and fast.

Unless, you're more fit to take the mule path. Here's the pathway from Fira to the old harbor (vice versa). I've seen people hike the whole thing and if you prefer, you can ride a mule through that steep, long and winding path.

 Here's a better photo of the mule path. (Source)

I heard comments that the path is smelly as it is littered with mule droppings. All part of the experience if you're up for it.

A quick ride and we were already at the harbor.

My First Glimpse Of Thira

We were still having breakfast when our ship began its slow approach to Santorini or Thira (official name of the island). The night before, I couldn't contain my excitement that I tossed and turned throughout the evening. My dream of visiting Santorini is finally coming true.

From our ship, we took a ferry to take us ashore. Santorini has two ports - old and new. From the ship, we're entering Santorini through the new port. But going back to the ship, we're using the old port. For adventurous travelers, the old port has its own charm, which I'll cover in my next posts.

The village of Oia. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see Oia. We visited the traditional village of Pyrgos instead.

For those who didn't book a tour, they can go ashore by taking this same ferry for a small charge.

Our tour bus. I was the first one who got in.

Brochure ready and ready to explore.

I took this photo as our bus started its ascent of Mount Profitis Ilias.

The islands of Nea (new) Kameni which is roughly 500 years old and Palea (old) Kameni which is 2000 years old (farthest). These two islands are made of black lava and are uninhabited. I heard Palea is known for its hot springs. Perhaps that's one thing I should check out for future visits.

Our bus' first stop is at the 18th century monastery of Profitis Ilias. Profitis Ilias is closed to visitors; the structure is deemed unsafe due to volcanic earthquakes. The monastery of Profitis Ilias is located at the highest peak and is a great place to get a panoramic view of the whole island. According to our guide, Profitis Ilias is currently home to one solitary monk.

Next, the narrow, ascending streets of Pyrgos.