Hiking the Caldera

Wander the most beautiful path to find your way to the sites, sounds and aromas of Santorini.

Together with other hikers, we walked the most beautiful route on the island. It begins from the square of Thira, crosses to the Catholic quarter, passes through Firostefani and Imerovigli, and ends in the centre of Oia. The entire trek traces the brow of the Caldera. The way is wide and relatively level, with gradual changes in altitude that will appeal to everyone, even young children. We began from the old cobbled street in front of the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos in Imerovigli. On our way, we spied the rock of Skaros, a mediaeval site and historic location of the island’s former capital. Moving on, we reached the courtyard of the Monastery of Agios Georgios. We paused to look upon Nea Kameni, an uninhabited volcanic island, otherwise known as Ifestio. From there, we climbed the hill to the chapel of the Prophet Elias high above the village. The views were breathtaking. For many, this spot is the most spectacular on the route.

Continuing, we trekked towards Oia against a background of ochre mountains and cliffs that touched the blue sea and sky. Ascending a hill and passing through a col, the island’s southern half appeared before us. We descended to the road where there is a junction to Pori and continued carefully for 300 metres on asphalt before rejoining the path. At sunset, we reached the iridescent lunar landscape of Mavro Vouno (Black Mountain). It was truly magical. One of the hikers, holding a piece of black pumice, spoke of its petrology. On the mountain’s summit stands the chapel of the Holy Cross, from where we enjoyed panoramic views of Oia. We continued our trek alongside rock formations and rare flowers, passing a church and desalination plant before entering the village. From the Caldera, the sunset painted the rocks and the sea in marvellous red highlights – unreal!

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Text & Photos : Julia Klimi