Islands of Greece
The Greek Islands
The
islands of Greece offer tourists with a variety of ways to enjoy themselves.
From relaxing on the many beautiful beaches, enjoying the sun drenched
climate and outdoor patios to visiting the many archaeological sites and
cultural attractions. I visited Santorini, Crete, Paros, Hydra and Ios.
Santorini
The
volcanic island of Santorini is my favorite. This island has something
for everyone.
Natural
Beauty
This
is an island that it is difficult to describe in words. You have to visit
it to really appreciate it's beauty. The volcanic eruption around circa 1500
BC showered the island with pumice and ash leaving a huge caldera in the
middle of the island and sheer steep cliffs. This is the reason for spectacular
colors of the sediment and rock strata of the cliffs composed of reddish-brown,
black and grey striations. You can also take a tour to the caldera where
you can still see and smell sulfur coming out from the earth.
On
top of these sheer cliffs you have small villages such as Thira (photos
#4 and 6), Imerovigli and Oia. Oia is a great place to view sunsets or
have a romantic dinner. While on the island you can see vineyards and farmland
growing various crops such as olives and pistachios.
History
Civilization
thrived in Santorini from 3000 BC to around 1500 BC. Remnants of this ancient
civilization can be found at Akrotiri on the south western tip of Santorini.
The influence of Minoan Crete is evident in this city especially in their
colorful frescoes, pottery and customs. This city was buried by the pumice and ash
from the volcanic eruption. Only a tiny portion of it has been excavated so
far revealing 2 and 3 story buildings see photo #5.
On
the south eastern coast of the island on a cliff overlooking the sea you'll
find Ancient Thira. It is accessible by a road. The ruins here are impressive
and date from the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Beaches
To
relax, you can spend some time on the beach. There are plenty of them and
I found the black sand beaches to be very beautiful and different, but very
hot.
Crete
A trip
to Greece must include Crete. A few places of interest are the Palace of
Knossos, the city of Herakleion and the Herakleion Museum.
Palace
of Knossos (photo #8)
The
most important archaeological site in Create and perhaps all of Greece.
The Minoan site and civilization flourished till around approximately 1450 BC. There are many theories concerning
why Minoan civilization collapsed. One of them surrounding the massive volcanic
eruption in Santorini. The site is impressive. It has yielded incredible artifacts, pottery and beautiful frescoes. The palace itself
was multi-storied, contained running water and has a throne room (photo
#9).
City
of Herakleion
The
Archaeological Museum of Herakleion is an impressive museum containing
many ancient artifacts from various Minoan cities and periods of Cretan
history. Some of the more memorable finds include the beautiful Minoan
frescoes (photos #7) and the bull's head from the Palace of Knossos and
the Roman finds from Gortyn.
While
staying in the city you can view the impressive well-preserved Venetian
walls and fortifications still standing. You can also visit the 16th century
Venetian castle at the harbor entrance.
Selected Photographs and Descriptions:
1. Island of Ios
2. View of Ios
3. Port of Siros
4. Thira, Santorini
5. Ancient Akrotiri buried by volcanic eruption, Santorini
6. Thira and Mt Profitis Ilias in background
7. Leaping bull fresco, Herakleion Museum, Crete
8. Palace at Knossos, Crete
9. Throne room, Knossos, Crete
