Awoke early to watch the ship go into port. Breathtaking views along the coast of the idyllic whitewashed villages perched on the high multicolored cliffs above the blue Aegean Sea. Even though hazy, such a picturesque sight.

Rented a car so anxious to get the tender to the dock. Even though the ship anchored at 8, had to wait until 9 to get off ton the tender because all excursion people get off first--one negative thing about cruising to tender ports.

FIRA - Located on a cliff in the middle of the island. Took the Cable Car from the port to the top. Short walk to Damingos Car Rental. Map but no street names; this should be fun finding our way. Hardly any gas in the car; stations listed on map. The streets are crazy to drive--narrow, one-way, motorcycles zooming everywhere even in the wrong direction, no signs and soooo many people. What have we gotten ourselves into. Randy managed to figure everything out; thank goodness for his great sense of direction. Once out of the city, the road driving north had less traffic; however, it was narrow and full of hairpin twists and turns as it hugged the cliff edge. Drove north toward Oia to the only station north of Fira--Closed.  Oh no, drive back to Fira along the crazy streets for gas. Once out of the city, the drive north was much easier even though the road is narrow and twisting along the cliff edge. Worth it for the incredible views!!

OIA (pronounced ee-ya) Good signs for parking in the Central Lot. Beautiful stroll along the marble Pedestrian Walkway.

This is the picture-perfect Santorini we envisioned with the aqua Mediterranean water, small white houses tiered up the hillside, and the famous blue-domed churches. Greece's national colors are blue (signifying sky and water) and white (waves and clouds). The narrow lanes are a maze of small shops, restaurants and cafes with spectacular views. 

LOTZAS for lunch at a corner table with panoramic views overlooking the ocean and the village. Next to the restaurant are steps leading down to another lane for the famous church photo. Guess everyone else had the same idea as it was packed with people.

Walked to the CASTLE RUINS on the north cliff edge overlooking Amoudi Bay with a 360-degree view. Such a great spot with a different perspective looking up toward the village with the distinctive windmills.  [History: the ruined castle was the seat of the Argyri family under the Venetians and served as a lookout point; also called Fort Londsa.]

Spent the next several hours driving to various places on the island.

PYRGOS-- Old hilltop village with the pretty bluedomed churches dominating the skyline. Parking too far away and too hot to walk up (98 degrees).

PERISSA BEACH--continued the driving tour through this typical touristy beach town to the volcanic black beach; not impressed. Drove from one end of the island to the other. Surprised that most of the island is desert without much vegetation

FIRA--Back to where we started to return the car. Walked a bit along shop-lined path to the Catholic Church. Cable car down to dock and tender to ship.

Great views of Fira from the ship in the late afternoon. Certainly a unique place!