Vlichada

The southern coast of Santorini meets the sea at Vlichada , where towering, wind-carved pumice cliffs rise directly behind a marina filled with traditional fishing boats and sleek modern yachts. When I drop anchor off this stretch of the Cyclades , the sheer vertical face of the white cliffs always reminds me of ancient, melting architecture sculpted by the meltemi winds. Sailing out of this port puts you right on the doorstep of the volcanic caldera’s southern reaches, making it my favorite departure point for anyone who prefers the deck of a boat to the crowded caldera rim paths. Every single water tour leaving from Vlichada right now is discounted, giving sailors a solid reason to step aboard and experience the Aegean from sea level. Why Vlichada Is Perfect for Water Tours # Choosing Vlichada as your launchpad avoids the congestion found further north on the island. The marina here sits sheltered by high, pale geological formations that look like giant layers of stacked pastry, creating a dramatic backdrop as you motor out of the harbor. The wind patterns along this southern coast offer predictable sailing conditions, whether you are heading toward the Red Beach, White Beach, or out into the open caldera waters. I always tell fellow skippers that the lighting against these southern cliffs during the late afternoon hours provides some of the best photography angles in the entire Greek archipelago.