Uploading them demands a no less effort, it is true, but the reward is unpayable. There are 588 steps Wide -some, up to 3 meters -, of stone, and in the middle of the season the sun punishes.
Even so, go up the old Karavolades stairson the beautiful island of Santorinisurrounded by the intense blue of the Mar egeoIt is an unforgettable experience. As height is gained, the landscape wins in amplitude, and is a gift for the eyes and soul from above, where the narrow alleyways of the Fira Cityfull of souvenir shops, typical crafts and restaurants.
Built in the 18th century To connect the old port of Santorini, on the ban Example of traditional Greek engineeringmasterfully adapted to the steep terrain.
Today they look restored and suitable for everyone’s walk, although you have to walk with some care in the morning because They usually put slippery With Rocío, but especially for donkeys that go up and down constantly -and leave their “memories” along the way, that you have to dodge.
Many of those donkeys transport loads between the port and the city, and others carry tourists: yes, You can get on Fira in Burro And also in a modern cable car that circulates very close, but of course, it is not the same; The stairs are the most “authentic” mode, which has been used for almost two centuries.
This winding stone path that winds through the cliff has multiple curves, and from each one, a different but equally spectacular view of the Aegean Sea.
And technically they are considered “moderate” difficultycalculating that, on average, It takes an hour in uploading them. Of course, you can choose to ascend in the cable car and go down the stairs, yes, giving time to sit for a while in the curves (out of the donkeys) to drink water and photos. The coffees and bars with soft drinks are in the upper and lower part of the stairs, not in the middle.
“I went down and climbed into a donkey. It was a bit disconcerting to go down as part of a group of donkeys tied together, but we did it safely. Upon uploading, my donkey knew what to do, but The problem were the other riders without a rider They wanted to pass from behind. Every time they approached, my donkey was running upstairs with me grabbed for life. We returned healthy and saved and enjoyed the walk. Great experience in GeneraL ”, is one of the experiences that travelers recourse in Internet sites.
Two special points are quite common in all comments: first, fantastic views From the stairs, and second, the intense Donkey transitwhich usually complicate the walk.
As shown, the following: “Impressive views! But, woe the donkeys! They have no qualms about crushing you against the side wall … So be careful! After they crushed me, I was ready and I hid behind some posts when they passed. If you do that, nothing happens! There is peanut and donkey pis on the steps … but it is easy to avoid them for the most part. We went up and down … in general, it was much better than waiting in the long line of the cable car … beautiful views … definitely It is worth doing at least once”.