Italy and Greece Day 17: Crete and Santorini

July 18, 2024

From Santorini …

We start the day with a visit to Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, known for its stunning beaches, rugged mountains, lush valleys, ancient ruins. A quick bus ride gets us to the Bronze Age Archaeological Site of Knossos, the center of Minoan civilization, for a walking tour.

Archaeological Site of Knossos
Heraklion, Greece • 35°17’51.9″ N 25°9’47.95″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 80 • 1/500 sec at f/4.0
Archaeological Site of Knossos
Heraklion, Greece • 35°17’54.37″ N 25°9’47.68″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 34 mm • ISO 64 • 1/800 sec at f/4.5
Archaeological Site of Knossos
Heraklion, Greece • 35°17’51.76″ N 25°9’47.17″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 50 mm • ISO 90 • 1/500 sec at f/5.6

Then we return to Heraklion, the capital of Crete, a vibrant city that blends modern urban life with rich historical sites. We’ve got a little free time to shop around before returning to the ship.

The local market in Heraklion
Heraklion, Greece • 35°20’17.28″ N 25°7’59.49″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 360 • 1/500 sec at f/4.0
Gathering for coffee in the market
Heraklion, Greece • 35°20’12.80″ N 25°8’0.24″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 560 • 1/500 sec at f/4.0
Grapes in the market
Heraklion, Greece • 35°20’13.48″ N 25°8’0.15″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 50 mm • ISO 3200 • 1/500 sec at f/5.6
The local market in Heraklion
Heraklion, Greece • 35°20’15.40″ N 25°8’0.04″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 400 mm • ISO 7200 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0

Lunch is back on board the Celestyal Discovery, along with some much needed time to pack for disembarkation. At 4p the ship arrives in the Santorini Caldera and shortly thereafter we are on a tender to the island.

Cruise ship and tender in the Santorini Caldera
Santorini Caldera, Greece • 36°23’20.79″ N 25°24’30.24″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 200 mm • ISO 100 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0

With its whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and stunning sunsets Santorini is on every travel photographers bucket list. The island’s unique landscape, shaped by a volcanic eruption, offers breathtaking views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea. Santorini’s rich history, vibrant culture, and exquisite cuisine make it a must-visit destination in the Greek islands. It’s a little crowded here, but the views across the caldera are stunning.

Resurrection of the Lord Holy Orthodox Church
Oía, Greece • 36°27’41.97″ N 25°22’31.73″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 55 mm • ISO 250 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0
Cruise ships in the Santorini Caldera
Oía, Greece • 36°27’43.41″ N 25°22’41.23″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 155 mm • ISO 110 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0
Wine and bruschetta overlooking the Santorini Caldera
Oía, Greece • 36°27’41.97″ N 25°22’31.73″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 66 mm • ISO 500 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0

Tomorrow we head back to Athens.

In Santorini
Oía, Greece • 36°27’41.41″ N 25°22’32.09″ E
iPhone 12 mini back dual wide camera 4.2mm f/1.6 • ISO 32 • 1/6900 sec at f/1.6

2 Comments on “Italy and Greece Day 17: Crete and Santorini

  1. These pictures are amazing! The clarity and the way you capture what you see! I am enjoying them so much!

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