Santorini

The last stop on our cruise was the island of Santorini. This island has a very interesting geological history. It is basically the remains of a large volcanic eruption that occurred 3,600 years ago. Prior to the eruption, Santorini resembled any other island - It was round. Since the eruption, Santorini has looked like this:

The eruption left a large caldera surrounded by ash deposits. That's why all the beaches in Santorini are black sand beaches. Many historians believe that this eruption caused the end of the Minoan Era. Historians believe that the eruption created a large tsunami that destroyed the Minoan navy. Because of this destruction, the Minoan Empire declined and was taken over by the Mycenaean Empire (see my posts on Mycenae and Heraklion). Many historians also believe that the legend of Atlantis is based upon the volcanic eruption and destruction of this island.

When we arrived in Santorini, we took a bus to the city of Oia. This city is one of the most photographed cities in Greece. It's what most people think of when they think of Greek islands.

Our cruise ship entering the caldera.

Taken from our ship as we're heading into the caldera.

Taken from the bus as we drive to Oia.

The eight of us. I'm the bottom right :)

Oia

Me and Oia

The buildings were beautiful

Colorful shop entrance

The setting sun over Santorini.