Honeymoon Day 5: Sunset Catamaran Cruise in Santorini, Greece!

Thursday ~ June 16th, 2022

Before our afternoon activities started, Tristan and I walked around Santorini to find more side streets we didn’t have the opportunity to explore earlier in the trip. We came across a few Santorini windmills, most of which were constructed from the 17th-century onwards. Interestingly, many windmills were converted into accommodations during the 18th century!

Since this was our last day, we had to pick up a few goodies to take home! I purchased an Evil Eye thingamajig (we’ll use it as an ornament I suppose), Evil Eye bracelet, postcards, and embroidered pillow cases! My blue and white color scheme lives on!

In the afternoon, Tristan and I were picked up at our hotel and taken to Amoudi port to start out journey around the caldera. Up until this point, we had observed Santorini from the sky (airplane coming in), by the land (our 6-mile hike), and now it was time to see it from and in the water!

Our catamaran guide was knowledgeable and explained how Santorini (one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea) was devastated by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC. This incident forever changed the shape of the land and created the rugged landscape we see today. The beaches we explored are made up of black, red and white lava pebbles.

You can see the ring shape of the islands and center portion of the volcano!

Our first swimming stop was at the center island, where the volcano erupted. Here, the water in the natural hot springs (FYI – it wasn’t even warm) is rich in sulfur, iron, and manganese. I read there are several health benefits to swimming in these waters, including improving skin conditions (psoriasis, dermatitis, and fungal infections), lowering morning stiffness and inflammation, decreasing swelling, and helping with joint pain. I only wish these waters were closer to home- it’s like a mini spa!

Our second and third stops took us to both the Red and White Beaches, respectively. While we swam, our catamaran crew members were busy grilling and preparing a traditional Greek barbeque, which they paired with Santorini’s wines and beverages.

At the end of the day, we sailed back to watch the stunning sunset from below the Oia village (which is absolute must see when you’re in the area). I heard the streets get pretty crowded during this time of the day, so if you visit, I highly recommend arranging to see the sunset from a boat!

The meal consisted of pasta, chicken, pork, Greek salad, and Dolmas (stuffed grape leaves)- it was amazing!

The catamaran cruise was undoubtedly one of our favorite experiences in Santorini, allowing us to see some of the island’s top attractions in the best possible way!