This is a small, archipelago inactive volcanic island located in the Aegean Sea, about 200 km southwest from Greece’s mainland. It is the southernmost member of the Cyclades group of islands with an area of approximately 73 square kilometers and a year-round population of about 13,000 (they receive about 100,000 visitors a year).

Oia consists of white and blue limed washed houses (this helps reflect light) stacked on steep cliffs overlooking the glacier blue Aegean Sea and the harbour below. One look and I was hooked on the magic and natural pristine beauty of the area. The pace of life seemed slower. As I walked the narrow, cobblestone alleyways I could feel quite turned up.

This is a photographer’s heaven. Everywhere you turned there was an image for me to capture. Perhaps the most striking were the handsome masonry houses, many built by sea captains at the end of the 19th century (locals call them Cave Homes), historic sparkling blue- domed churches, quaint shops and cafes all hugging together on a steep cliff that dropped vertically 350 meters (1,148 feet) below into the lagoon. (See the slide show below)

I was pleasantly surprised to learn no body “hustled” me to purchase something. Warm hearted people had a pleasant hello and you could feel the great sense of pride they had for their community.

These tiny shops sell hand made ceramics, paintings, photographs, semi-precious jewellery and hand-woven fabrics typical of Oai.

Our guide, Evgenia, explained that Santorini has no rivers and water is scarce. Where do the locals get their water source? “Until the early nineties locals used to fill water cisterns from rain that fell on their roofs and courts. Nowadays there is a desalination plant that provides running, yet nonpotable, water to most houses. Drinking water is imported” she explained.

When we left Oia we headed on a scenic bus drive, hugging the cliffs as we ascended to Profitis Lias Mountain, the islands highest peak at 253 meters (830 feet). The view was worth it. Everything was so vivid. On this day the sky looked like it had been just freshly painted, the Aegean Sea was turquoise and aquamarine.

My exhilarating day on Santorini came to an end too soon. This was easily one of my favorite places to visit . I have put it on my list of places to visit again.

 

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