Decide to bus it around the island, we first head to the highest point to have a Captain Cook at the place, I know you do not know this so if will tell you, 65% of the land is taken up by grape vines. Of the wine produced only 20% gets exported, thus the reason you have not come across a wine from Santorini (more on the fermented juice later).

We next head to the walled village of Pirgos, talk about being walled out, during our travels we have entered more places that have had to protect themselves due to the next doors not willing to offer a cup of sugar . Generally high up on a hill, this means plenty of steps, we were told just 60 so naturally I counted them, yes you are on to these people, try 100 steps. I did ask where the number 60 came from, assured that 100 will be the quoted number from now on, sure it will be. These places also have narrow streets which they were able to defend easier plus the breezes are caught and created a cooling effect down the narrow streets. Forgot my hat today - silly billy so had to fork out as it is already 30 degrees C.

As you now know (from the wise word section in yesterdays blog) the major eruption that changed the area took place some 3,600 years ago. There is a site that was only recently discovered, in the 70's which was covered by that eruption, it is poorly communicated and is not currently being excavated as the Greek government has no readies. It has the potential to make the age of the Pompeii ruins look like a babe in arms. Our tour guide explained how a prominent greek archeologist explored the area for years touting his theory regarding this ancient place . Guess what, he was right. Only an estimated 3% of the land mass has been uncovered, he also died in a workplace accident at the site. The archaeological site is called Akrotiri, the prehistoric town. Yes, go on and do yourself a favour - quench the inner thirst for knowledge and look it up, you will be so glad you have.

Quick stop at Red beach for a wander at a distance and a long range pic. M-L had the togs all but on then found out that they are an optional extra at this beach, with her tune changed quickly onwards to another beach for some R&R called Black Beach, in Australia it would be called Different type of sand beach. Swim for the bold and beautiful, the smart money stayed on the sun lounges.

Back to the wine of Santorini, we visit Santos Wines. It is a co - operative business with 80 growers providing the various varieties of fruit to produce two white dry styles, a sweet white dessert wine and one light red wine . Their business is extensive, the actual winery and cellar door operates from one of the better locations situated right on the caldera, actually only a short walk from where we are staying.

Santorini has no natural water source, no river, no lake, no underground spring - zip when it comes to the all important H2O. All water for the island has to be shipped in, pumped into tankers and then distributed, have a think about that and the sheer logistics, plus they also have nothing that falls out of the sky to ease the situation for half the year as well.

Back to the grapes, with not enough rain and no water source the vines have had to become reliant on their own to just survive. As such all vines are kept as individuals and pruned low in a wreath like fashion. When the plant sets fruit it does in the middle of the wreath like vine allowing the leaves to cover them thus protecting them from the heat and strong winds. The plant is able to survive on the drawing of water to the surface and using the humidity as an extra moisture gathering source. Anyway the wines are very unique as the volcanic characteristics impart such a distinct flavour to the fruit. They are very proud of the dessert style wine that is produced called a instants. A 12 year old bottle costs 80 euro.

The cellar door is very good, set under cooling deck areas overlooking the views. They produce a tasting selection of up to twelve glasses with accompanying appetiser foods which seems to be a big hit. We just tasted the booze and them back on the bus for home, the pool beacons and we do need to have a team meeting about where we are going to go tomorrow and beyond.