Going on a cruise trip around Caldera is a unique experience that you will never forget. While sailing from Amoudi of Oia towards Fira and Akrotiri, you can see the small port of Armeni, the chapel of Theoskepasti in Skaros, the loading stairs that were used to export Theraic earth and pumice between Fira and Athinios, Panagia of Plaka with the three-tier bell tower and the domed buildings of hot springs as well as the beautiful carved chapel of Christ the Thermis underneath Megalochori. While approaching Akrotiri and the lighthouse you can see the bay of Mpalos (or Palos).
You can definitely visit the islets of Palea and Nea Kameni (volcano), Aspronisi and the Tripiti cape of Therassia. The port of Nea Kameni is safe throughout the whole year. Caldera’s ports are Athinios, where speedboats and ships alight, and Gialos (VHF: channel 12) in the foothills of Fira, where cruise ships alight in offshore reefs. This port is not quite safe and the deep waters make it difficult for ships to alight. Therefore, they disembark by using buoys. You should be rather careful of the reefs you might come across while entering the port. Apart from Caldera, the port of Vlychada offers a rather good and safe anchorage and it provides everything that a boat might need – even Wi-fi internet connection. In Amoudi, Oia’s port, you will come across a small platform that may help you approach more easily. You can alight at the north part of Armeni’s bay that lies in the foothills of Oia.
Info
You can find more information in www.santorini.gr, at the ‘Caldera by boat’ section.
