Nea Kameni, Santorini

“Travelling solo does not always mean you’re alone. Most often, you meet marvellous people along the way and make connections that last a lifetime.”
Jacqueline Boone
Making the most of my limited time on Santorini, I booked on an excursion, a boat trip around the caldera. Taking my life in my hands I braved the morning traffic on the road (footpath, what footpath?) to the pottery for my pickup, then a short journey down the precipitous harpin bends to the port. First stop Nea Kameni and short hike up to the 130m high rim of the dormant volcano – high enough in this heat and dormant enough for me although the wisps of steam and sulphurous smell tell of continued low-level activity below. It gives great views of the caldera and the main island of Thera, with its cliff-top towns of Oia and Fira.
A short hop and we arrived at the hot springs of Palaia Kameni for the swimmers to jump in. Not for me today, and so glad I stayed on board because I got talking to a couple; J was a geology/geography lecturer and became my personal guide for the remainder of the cruise, giving me incredible insight into what was known (and not known) about the geology of the area.
Another short cruise to Thirasia, lesser-known sister island to Thera, with its steep zig-zag path to the village above. Much needed refreshment at the quayside café first – orange cake was delicious - then followed the path up, about twenty-five minutes, avoiding the donkey droppings and chunky rocks that had fallen from the cliffs above. Time to get my breath over a strawberry smoothie at the café terrace overlooking the bay about 250m below. So glad I made the walk up and, if I’d had more time here, this could definitely have warranted a day trip to explore. When I returned to the quayside the cafes and restaurants were buzzing, the cruise ship tours had arrived.
Rounded off the day out with a cruise around the flooded caldera, giving fantastic views of the white villages perched on the cliff edges above – Oia and Fira – as well as the old industrial workings from the construction of the Suez Canal (pointed out my J, my guide haha).
And what better way to end a day here than with my own personal sunset view from the terrace outside my room, the view is stunning and every bit as good as Oia’s, but without the crowds.