!9#: Benefits Of Stairmaster Buy: December 2011

!9#: Santorini Donkeys

When I heard for a first time about Donkey Tours in Santorini I said... Wait, what did you just said? Real donkey ride In year 2010? Immediately it took my curiosity to the highest peak of Himalayas...oh sorry I meant to the highest peak of Caldera. My interest drove me to the mysterious paths of Internet and here is what I have found out... It seems that Donkeys, some also refers to them as mules, played great role in transportation history of Santorini Island. Originally they were used in agriculture, house building and for transportation of cargo and passengers. Since they become part of society they were also been used in cultural events such as weddings where brides was riding well dressed donkeys to the church. Lately this local custom seems to attract the interest of young couples who wants to get married in Santorini.

Santorini Donkey at Old Harbor

When you approach to Santorini old harbor by sea you will notice the 220m rock wall of Thira. On top of that rock the principal town of Fira is located. There are three ways to get from the water's edge to the town above. The first way is reaching the top by foot... well if you carrying bags, wife and children with you I highly suggest to avoid it unless your plans include spending the rest of your vacation in bed with a back pain as a company. The zigzag walkway from sea to city is paved in stone, and because of the many switchbacks, the distance from one end to the other is 1300 meters. There are 657 steps on the walkway, and this natural stair-master provides a very good workout on a sunny day.

The second way is to take cable car, also known as the "teleferique", which was installed in 1979 to automate the process. This made things easier for tourists who had luggage to carry with them. The cable car ride lasts approximately 3 minutes (the wait can be fifteen minutes).

The third and the most fun way is to ride the donkey to the top or vice versa. Especially if you have children with you shouldn't miss this attraction since the experience of riding the mule will stay in their minds forever. Don't be afraid of Santorini donkeys because they love children and they are very friendly. They have the patience of Job and therefore are ideally suited to being around children. The ride takes almost one-half hour to go up, and just 15 minutes to come down. The down journey is faster and more thrilling for two reasons. First, descending is inherently easier, and second the donkey food is at the bottom of the walkway. It is a really joy riding them up to Fira or from Ia Village to Ammoudi Harbor.

Book Santorini Donkey

Normally you wouldn't book a Santorini Donkey because there is a big availability of them on Santorini Island, unless you plan some special occasion. Such occasion for example would be a wedding on Santorini Island. In that case you can contact one of many Santorini offices which can arrange everything for you: the donkey, the outfit, the donkey driver and photos. If you can't find anything just e-mail to Santorini-Car-Rental.com and we will help you.

Santorini Donkey Pricing

A one way ride - up or down - cost five (5) Euros. Once you get to the Fira it is highly advisible to explore the rest of the Santorini Island with your Santorini car hire.

Santorini Donkeys are known for they patience, friendliest and love for the children!!!