Okay, last photo post about Greece and the islands. Thank you for allowing me to share them with you. It’s a magical place and none more so than the island of Santorini. Someone on the trip said that in 2014, Santorini was voted “The prettiest place on Earth”. I’ll let you decide. Here are some of the pictures taken on this volcanic island in the southern part of the Cyclades Islands in the Aegean Sea.
Smooth rounded domes and cube-styled white-washed buildings. The sun accentuates the layers.Santorini is loaded with Catholic churches–Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic. The crosses contrast with the blue sharply. The paint colors of doors and railings make it a truly unique place.A splash of sunlight tips the monochromatic blues.
archways and crossroads
A bolt of red in the white.
When you explore the cobbled alleyways, you will stumble upon churches with their bells that ring on the half hour.
The largest church of Santorini is the Orthodox Cathedral. It was founded in 19th century and in close distance is the Catholic Cathedral dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. During the Byzantine times was built the famous church of Panagia Episkopi that has survived many invasions and is well-preserved up to this day. The Dominican Convent is inhabited by 12 nuns. We found a chapel where mass was about to begin. They are behind the curtain behind the altar. We sat and listened to them sing.
Take a stroll and watch the sun think about setting, changing the landscape colors every five minutes.The view looking out from the top of the island.A panorama of the west side of the island top of Fira.A hazy day, but the blue water is still magnificent to behold.The ironed railings and vibrant painted doors are everywhere.Doors are always fun to take pictures of. The paint jobs are impeccable.Laid out in all her beauty.Even the old doors make cool shots.
Time to head back to the ship.
Despite her popularity, I didn’t feel crowded there at all.
There are 588 steps down the side of island and 3 ways to get there. Walk. Take a cable car. Or ride the donkeys down.
The sunset turns the volcanic brown gold.
Which shot do you like best?
One last picture of a meal. My favorite. The authentic Gyro!
Oh wow! That architecture is incredible. It almost looks like it takes on a different personality depending on the sunlight. And I have been so impressed at the beautiful dishes you’ve shown. We simply don’t have anything like that in my small town. 😉
Thank you very much Keith for dropping by the last few days to comment on the trip pictures. I really appreciate it. One week ago exactly, this post was an acuality. Walking around Santorini was inspirational. I love the churches, the nuns, the air, the colors, and of course, the food and drinks. July is the best time to go because the veggies are ripe and the olive oil fresh. It was a fine trip for the beauty rivaling the Swiss Alps, Australia, and Hawaii. No one can beat the Minoan Civilization (Crete) who were around making pottery and becoming craftsman 5,000 BC ! So, add all the history into the trip and throw in the setting and the food — quite simply, this area of the world speaks to me.
You will love it. If you can squeeze in a couple less populated islands like say Naxos or Paros, in addition to the staples (Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Santorini), you would have a fantastic time. I am already planning a trip to revisit the lesser-known, maybe in a couple summers. 😉
I have to go with the ‘smooth rounded domes’ shot as a favourite. However, they are all good enough to be in a tourist brochure. Did you use a polarising filter on any shots, or was the sky really that deep blue? I have never been to Santorini, and I must say it does look idyllic.
Best wishes, Pete.
Howdy, Pete. Nope. No alterations or filters. It’s really that blue. We were only allowed a few hours on the island. Not long enough, for sure. It’s the most popular island to visit, so I was pretty happy it didn’t feel too crowded. I take that back, I read the island Skopelos which was the filming location for “Mama, Mia” is now overrun by tourists. I think next time I go over I’d like to visit Naxos.
Good to hear. I ruined a whole roll of film once, taking shots of Abu Simbel in Egypt, using a circular polariser to deepen the blue sky. The negs came out with navy blue skies, and looked ridiculous.
Thanks, Paul for enjoying my photos. It’s funny when you return, many people don’t really want to see pictures or hear about the trip. Unless you are a traveler yourself, then it’s fun to compare notes, isn’t it?
You’re welcome. Always nice to see such beautiful scenery and hear about your trips. Yeah, know what you mean, it can be a bit like that when you get back from a trip, never mind, we all love hearing about your travels 🙂
Hi Ian. What I enjoyed the most about the whole cruise was that each island is dramatically different. I don’t think one island can be fairest of the them all; I’d rate the whole Aegean Sea as the best pocket of geography on Earth. 🙂
Oh my goodness Cindy!! I lived vicariously through these incredible photos. Glad you had a great time, my friend and thank you for sharing these wonderful pics. I LOVE Mediterranean food so that last pic literally made me drool 🙂
Since we’ve been back, I’ve been trying to replicate the entrees. Fresh veggies and light olive oil. The fish I can’t do. I miss it already. Thanks, Ruth!
Thank you, Zoe! It’s hard to believe people live there. It was so beautiful at every turn, everything staged and in order, the colors and weather perfect, it almost felt like I were at a Disney complex.
Wow. Just, wow. A real eye opener this post. I can’t pick a favorite here because that wouldn’t be fair to the other shots you’ve taken here. 😉 And you know what they say, pictures almost never do a place justice.
We sure did. I’ve tried to replicate recipes to match what I was served, but I can’t do it as good as they can. The veggies just taste different over there.
Anna, thank you for the shout-out! I’m glad you enjoyed the pictures. Truth be told, it’s the only time I really feel alive, when I’m traveling. I penny-pinch for the next adventure. Cheers!
Pick a favourite you say?! Alright I think there is something really cool about ” A splash of sunlight tips the monochromatic blues” just how you captured in the photo are different colours can look in shade and sunlight. But honestly how can you go past the shots of the ocean. For example the last shot.
Wasn’t that cool? Such a blue little alcove we passed on our walk in the sunshine. Then that glow — really a treat. Thank you, as always, Lloyd for commenting.
Cindy Bruchman 
Oh wow! That architecture is incredible. It almost looks like it takes on a different personality depending on the sunlight. And I have been so impressed at the beautiful dishes you’ve shown. We simply don’t have anything like that in my small town. 😉
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Thank you very much Keith for dropping by the last few days to comment on the trip pictures. I really appreciate it. One week ago exactly, this post was an acuality. Walking around Santorini was inspirational. I love the churches, the nuns, the air, the colors, and of course, the food and drinks. July is the best time to go because the veggies are ripe and the olive oil fresh. It was a fine trip for the beauty rivaling the Swiss Alps, Australia, and Hawaii. No one can beat the Minoan Civilization (Crete) who were around making pottery and becoming craftsman 5,000 BC ! So, add all the history into the trip and throw in the setting and the food — quite simply, this area of the world speaks to me.
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omg.. how beautiful!!! im so envious!!! 🙂 one day we”ll get there
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You will love it. If you can squeeze in a couple less populated islands like say Naxos or Paros, in addition to the staples (Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Santorini), you would have a fantastic time. I am already planning a trip to revisit the lesser-known, maybe in a couple summers. 😉
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Awesome!!!!!
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Oh, what an amazing place. Thank you for sharing this with us. Happy weekend.
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Thank you for stopping by to comment! I’m glad you liked the pictures.
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I have to go with the ‘smooth rounded domes’ shot as a favourite. However, they are all good enough to be in a tourist brochure. Did you use a polarising filter on any shots, or was the sky really that deep blue? I have never been to Santorini, and I must say it does look idyllic.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Howdy, Pete. Nope. No alterations or filters. It’s really that blue. We were only allowed a few hours on the island. Not long enough, for sure. It’s the most popular island to visit, so I was pretty happy it didn’t feel too crowded. I take that back, I read the island Skopelos which was the filming location for “Mama, Mia” is now overrun by tourists. I think next time I go over I’d like to visit Naxos.
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Good to hear. I ruined a whole roll of film once, taking shots of Abu Simbel in Egypt, using a circular polariser to deepen the blue sky. The negs came out with navy blue skies, and looked ridiculous.
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Ah, the old days using film. Take a roll and hope 3 turn out.
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Enjoyed all your photo post about Greece and the islands. Lovely images! Looks like you’ve have an amazing time 🙂
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Thanks, Paul for enjoying my photos. It’s funny when you return, many people don’t really want to see pictures or hear about the trip. Unless you are a traveler yourself, then it’s fun to compare notes, isn’t it?
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You’re welcome. Always nice to see such beautiful scenery and hear about your trips. Yeah, know what you mean, it can be a bit like that when you get back from a trip, never mind, we all love hearing about your travels 🙂
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That’s music to my ears. Opa!
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Thank you for sharing such a wonderful experience, Cindy! Your photos are simply breathtaking!!
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Oh, you are very kind, Rafael. Glad you enjoyed them 🙂
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There are a lot of beautiful places in the world, but I have to agree this was way up there with them. 🙂
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Hi Ian. What I enjoyed the most about the whole cruise was that each island is dramatically different. I don’t think one island can be fairest of the them all; I’d rate the whole Aegean Sea as the best pocket of geography on Earth. 🙂
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Oh my goodness Cindy!! I lived vicariously through these incredible photos. Glad you had a great time, my friend and thank you for sharing these wonderful pics. I LOVE Mediterranean food so that last pic literally made me drool 🙂
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Since we’ve been back, I’ve been trying to replicate the entrees. Fresh veggies and light olive oil. The fish I can’t do. I miss it already. Thanks, Ruth!
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Gorgeous! Love the shots that show the views as well as the city in all her glory. Plus, that food looks so tasty.
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Thank you, Zoe! It’s hard to believe people live there. It was so beautiful at every turn, everything staged and in order, the colors and weather perfect, it almost felt like I were at a Disney complex.
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I love the one with the little bit of sunlight over the blues. The food also looks delicious!
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We turned and looked into this courtyard perfectly. I like that one a lot, too. I loved all the seafood and the fresh veggies. Thanks, Abbi.
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Beautiful shots Cindy! Santorini is so magical.
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Thank you, Anna. You are quite right! The water constantly changes colors. The food is marvelous and it was my idea of heaven.
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Your photos are simply gorgeous. Thanks for sharing!
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Hi Mark, the place is gorgeous. It makes it an easy job for my camera easy. 😉
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Wow. Just, wow. A real eye opener this post. I can’t pick a favorite here because that wouldn’t be fair to the other shots you’ve taken here. 😉 And you know what they say, pictures almost never do a place justice.
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Hi Tom! Thanks very much. It’s all a lovely dream and my go-to “happy place”.
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Beautiful place and you photographed them perfectly! This is one of my dream places to visit.
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Oh, it was heavenly. If I become an Expat, I’m moving to a Greek island.
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Wonderful choice! I keep wishing we could live in UK one day but who knows.
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Beautiful! I love the architecture, and the food!!! Hope you guys and gals had a great time!
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We sure did. I’ve tried to replicate recipes to match what I was served, but I can’t do it as good as they can. The veggies just taste different over there.
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Anna, thank you for the shout-out! I’m glad you enjoyed the pictures. Truth be told, it’s the only time I really feel alive, when I’m traveling. I penny-pinch for the next adventure. Cheers!
LikeLike
Pick a favourite you say?! Alright I think there is something really cool about ” A splash of sunlight tips the monochromatic blues” just how you captured in the photo are different colours can look in shade and sunlight. But honestly how can you go past the shots of the ocean. For example the last shot.
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Wasn’t that cool? Such a blue little alcove we passed on our walk in the sunshine. Then that glow — really a treat. Thank you, as always, Lloyd for commenting.
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Always a pleasure Cindy.
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Stunning! Can’t wait to visit someday!
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Hi there! Welcome and thank you. I can’t wait to revisit. 🙂
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