Tag Archive for: Aegean

The Colourful Churches of Santorini

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Sun with sunburst behind the bell tower and domes of St. Spyridon Church with blue domes in Oia, Cyclades, Greece

The churches of Santorini largely follow the typical forms of Orthodox churches: oriented to the east, with a cross-shaped nave and a dome, known as a cross-in-square church. It usually consists of a square room with columns or pillars in the centre, four barrel vaults arranged in the shape of a Greek cross, and a dome above in the middle. Nevertheless, an incomparable variety with individual colours and shapes has developed from these basic structures. Read more

Flying Dress Photography in Santorini

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A dark-skinned woman in a red dress poses for a photographer in front of St. Spyridon Church with its three blue domes, Oia, Santorini, Greece

Santorini’s unique and breathtaking landscape, Cycladic architecture, and Mediterranean atmosphere make Santorini a popular backdrop for “Flying Dress” photo shoots. For one, many newlywed couples, especially from Asia, have long been coming to the island for their honeymoons. They then pose on a terrace in front of the stunning panorama with the caldera and the other islands, or on a staircase amidst the picturesque villages. Alongside classic shots of couples in wedding dresses and suits, another photographic style has emerged here – portraits of women in so-called “Flying Dresses“. This is what these dresses with long trains that billow or “fly” in the wind are called.
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Santorini: Off-season is building season

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A craftsman stands on an old radio for repair work in the doorway of a shop in Oia, Santorini, Greece

When the days get noticeably shorter in November, daytime temperatures drop below 20 degrees and strong, cooler winds blow, then the off-season begins in Santorini too. Instead of up to five cruise ships daily, only one or two arrive. The winter ferry schedule and flight plan are significantly thinned out, and hardly any international flights land. All of this results in fewer day-trippers and overnight guests. Many shops, bars and restaurants have therefore already closed their doors and shutters in autumn.
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Santorini: A Promising Day Dawns

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St. Spyridon Church with its blue domes in Oia above the caldera of Santorini against the sunrise, Cyclades, Greece

A dramatic sunrise over the iconic St. Spyridon Church with its blue domes in Oia ushered in another promising and eventful day of travel on Santorini. Only from autumn to spring does the sun, rising further south, allow for this constellation with the church and the staircase in direct backlight. This wasn’t the result of planning, but simply an unexpected travel experience. For that, I was grateful, and that’s why I appreciate travelling so much.
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Visit to the ‘Kyriakos’ Olive Oil Mill

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Man tasting olive oil with bread in an olive oil mill on Aegina Island, Saronic Gulf, Greece

During our trip to Aegina Island, we listened intently to the explanations of the miller at the ‘Kyriakos’ Olive Oil Mill in Kipseli about the production of local olive oil. He explained that he only runs a small family business and only processes olives from the island. The olive harvest had only just begun, as we had already observed during today’s walk through the olive groves. Read more

In the Port of Piraeus

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Pigeons taking flight on the harbour mole in the ferry port of Piraeus, Athens, Greece

After impressive tours in the centre of Athens, a trip to Aegina in the Saronic Gulf was on the agenda today. So, we took the Metro in Monastiraki and quickly and easily reached the final stop in the Port of Piraeus. There, we first lingered over a coffee and watched the morning commuters mixing with travellers. I like the lively and often scruffy atmosphere in ports, e.g., Genoa or Split; the processes of arrival and departure, loading and unloading, and the infrastructure are similar yet always have that special local flavour.
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