A voyage to the island of Santorini in Greece

A 4 day cruise --------
was booked with Celestyal Cruises as a part of our tour package of Greece. We visited Mykonos, , Kusadasi, and Santorini, all in 3 days! Last day it was the turn of visiting the famous island Santorini.
Cruise departured from: Athens, Greece.-The ship was fantastic.We had a wonderful feeling while sailing in the ship in the blue Aegean sea , an arm of the Mediterranean Sea, located between the Greek peninsula on the west and Asia Minor on the east.
A gusty,piercing wind was blowoing but we enjoyed. the sea view being on the roof of the ship. We were all very very happy, ,
The facilities- what The facilities- what they provided in the ship- were like this.----Lido Cafe, Pool Grill, Seven Seas Restaurant, Mast Bar, Lido Bar - Sky Bar, Blake's, Can Can Lounge, Royale Casino, Clipper Bar, Oklahoma Lounge, Swimming Pools, Saunas, Gym, Kid's Club, Video Arcade, Beauty Salon, Reception, Destination Services, Library, Duty Free, Travel Value Shop, Internet Corner, Medical Centre
Santorini, classically Thera and officially Thira is an island in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km (120 mi) southeast of Greece's mainland. It is the largest island of a small, circular archipelago which bears the same name and is the remnant of a volcanic caldera. Santorini is essentially what remains after an enormous volcanic eruption that destroyed the earliest settlements on a formerly single island, and created the current geological caldera. A giant central, rectangular lagoon, which measures about 12 by 7 km (7.5 by 4.3 mi), is surrounded by 300 m (980 ft) high, steep cliffs on three sides. The main island slopes downward to the Aegean Sea. The capital, Fira, clings to the top of the cliff looking down on the lagoon. The volcanic rocks present from the prior eruptions feature olivine, and have a small presence of hornblende.
It forms the southernmost member of the Cyclades group of islands, with an area of approximately 73 km2 (28 sq mi) and a 2011 census population of 15,550. ,Santorini was named by the Latin Empire in the thirteenth century, and is a reference to Saint Irene, from the name of the old cathedral in the village of Perissa – the name Santorini is a contraction of the name Santa Irini.
The traditional architecture of Santorini is similar to that of the other Cyclades, with low-lying cubical houses, made of local stone and whitewashed or limewashed with various volcanic ashes used as colours.
Climate[edit]

Santorini has a semi-arid climate with Mediterranean characteristics.Total rainfall averages about 38 cm (15 inches) per year. In the summer season, strong winds can also be observed.

Because of its unique ecology and climate, and especially its volcanic ash soil, Santorini is home to unique and prized produce. Santorini tomatoes are renowned; they are cherry tomatoes that are extremely tasty and sweet, and with an intensely red.The white eggplants of Santorini ,the katsoúni is a unique local variety of large cucumber,The katsoúni is a unique local variety of large cucumber
Santorini's primary industry is tourism. The two main sources of wealth in Santorini are agriculture and tourism. In recent years

Santorini has two ports: Athinios (Ferry Port) and Skala (Old Port). Cruise ships anchor off Skala and passengers are transferred by local boatmen to shore at Skala where Fira is accessed by cable car, on foot or by donkey. Tour boats depart from Skala for Nea Kameni and other Santorini destinations. Santorini airport viewed from ancient Thera.
Santorini is one of the few Cyclades Islands with a major airport, which lies about 6 km (4 mi) southeast of downtown Thera.
The island remains the home of a small, but flourishing, wine industry, based on the indigenous grape variety, Assyrtiko, with auxiliary cultivations of two other Aegean varietals, Athiri and Aidani
To conclude i must say- It was a very enjoyable and memorable cruise to the island of Santorini, with my husband and son for a quick affordable weekend getaway.