Santorini

Santorini's cruise ships anchor in the caldera, a flooded volcanic crater ringed by cliffs. Passengers tender to Skala, the old port at the base of the cliffs, and ride a cable car or walk the switchback path up to Fira, the island's main town. The views from the top are steep and immediate: white buildings dropping to deep blue water. Oia, at the northern tip, is busiest at sunset but worth the crowds for the views. The ancient city of Akrotiri, buried in volcanic ash around 1600 BC, is well preserved and open to visitors under a modern roof. Red Beach has a short, steep trail to a cove beneath red volcanic cliffs. Assyrtiko wine, made from vines grown in volcanic soil, is the island's signature and goes well with grilled octopus at a cliffside taverna. Local buses connect the main villages, but they fill up fast on port days.