Columbus Cruise Review - Thira (Santorini)

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Time Zone: GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Currency: Euro (€) = 100 cents or Dr341.

Language: Greek.

Sightseeing: Santorini is the picture postcard image of the Greek islands, and many visitors who come here are already familiar with the stunning view from the Monastery of Profitas Ilias on the island’s summit. Thira, the capital of the island, has sheltered arcades, a museum and an old Frankish quarter. It is also a good vantage point from which to view the Kamenes, two jet black volcanic islets in the bay that can be visited by light craft, as can Therasia (Thirassia), the second largest island of the Santorini group. There are some interesting archaeological remains in Ancient Thira, which has witnessed the passage of Phoenicians, Dorians, Romans and Byzantines. The island’s beaches consist of black volcanic sand, which heats up very quickly and is not always ideal for sunbathing.

Shopping: Lace, hand-made silver jewellery, metalwork, painted ceramics, rugs, leather goods, nychteri (a local alcoholic drink made from untrodden grapes that are left to dry overnight) and visanto (local sweet, red wine).

Eating Out: See Corfu Town.