Fira, Santorini, Greece

The kids were very excited to head to Santorini from Crete after we told them that:

“The island is the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history…which occurred some 3,600 years ago at the height of the Minoan civilization. The eruption left a large caldera surrounded by volcanic ash deposits hundreds of feet deep and may have led indirectly to the collapse of the Minoan civilization on the island of Crete, 110 km (68 mi) to the south, through the creation of a gigantic tsunami. Another popular theory holds that the eruption is the source of the legend of Atlantis.”

Wikipedia

(The little “smudge” in the center of the satellite picture above is the active volcano.)

We took a speed boat from Crete to Fira, the capital of Santorini. As you approach the island, the buildings of the city perched on the edge make the caldera look like it is capped with snow.

The city is literally hanging off the edge.

The views from within the city are breathtaking.

(I am not strangling Léah in that last picture… just trying to keep her hair from blowing in the wind.)

A big hug for Maman while taking a break from our walk.

Gabriel wearing his jersey to support Greece in the World Cup.

Ending the day with a beautiful sunset.