A day in Catamaran

The day begins in vlichada Santorini

We wanted to discover the island from the Aegean Sea. Many companies offer excursions, aboard Greek sailing ships, small motor boats, catamarans ... On the advice of our host, our choice fell on a catamaran of "Sunset Oia". We were seduced by several points: the comfort of the semi-private excursion, the tasting of local dishes and the itinerary (we wanted to see the volcano and enjoy the sunset on board).

We had an appointment at the port of Vichada, south of the island. A minibus came to pick us up right next to us to take us there. Once arrived at the port, we are given a colored sticker according to the reserved boat and we proceed to the payment. We are then accompanied to the catamarans. Everything is extremely well organized, adjusted to the millimeter. We leave our shoes in a large dedicated basket and we embark. There, the team explains the course of the day and gives us all the useful information for this tour of Santorini.

Red Beach, red rock and turquoise water

This is the first stopover at Red Beach! It is very hot and we enjoy our first swim in transparent water. We are drying in the sun on the nets at the front of the boat. In addition to discovering the island from the sea, we enjoy the comfort of the boat, everything is arranged to make us feel good. The reduced number of people on board allows us to fully enjoy the day. The red cliffs remind us of those of Ammoudi and by a play of light and contrast, the water seems even more turquoise.

White Beach, barbecue and snorkeling? 

Second stopover at White Beach. In a short distance, the transformation of the landscape is surprising. The cliffs of a dark red leave room for lighter colors, going to white.

The team turns on the barbeques at the back of the boat and begins preparing the meal. A wide variety of dishes are offered: different Greek salads, meat cooked on a barbecue seasoned like gyros meat (the local sandwich), stuffed vine leaves ...

We bathe again, despite the depth of the water we distinguish the bottom, the water is of great clarity. We brought our own snorkeling equipment, but the crew also provides masks and snorkels. We could admire a large number of fish of any size, a magical moment! After a new nap in the sun cradled by the movements of the boat on the water, we leave in the direction of the volcano.

Akrotiri, the lighthouse at the end of the island

We go to the southwestern end of the island. The catamaran slowed to let us admire the lighthouse of Akrotiri. We follow the cliffs that reveal themselves in all their strength and grandeur. Being at the same time at the foot of cliffs but taking advantage of the retreat that brings us the boat, allows us really to appreciate the island, to understand it.