Santorini (aka Thira)

Greek: Σαντορίνη | Pronounced: san̪do`rini
  • Santorini
  • Santorini
  • Santorini
  • Santorini
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Overview of Santorini

Words are not enough to describe a magical place like Santorini. It would seem unnecessary too, given that it ranks steadily among the world’s best destinations–a Greek islands’ pride. Dazzling, cosmopolitan and romantic, Santorini emerged from the volcano that shook the archipelago back in 1600 BC, during one of the most powerful eruptions in history. The large crater under the sea formed the caldera that dominates the island’s particular landscape, well-known all over the globe.

Santorini is also famous for its spectacular sunset, ancient monuments, nightlife, hospitality and trademark Cycladic architecture. All year long it welcomes every type of visitors, offering high quality services for various budgets, although it’s generally pricey. Touristic development is omnipresent, but hasn’t harmed the island’s charm. Besides, the volcano endowed Santorini with superb, unspoiled qualities: the colorful lunar rock formations, the peculiar beaches (with black, red, white sand and deep blue waters) and the excellent wine and gastronomy.

The islands’ capital, Fira, the picturesque Oia settlement, as well as the villages of Imerovigli and Firostefani, cling on a cliff, offering the best views found among all Greek islands, of both the volcano and the Aegean. Fira is the outgoing, lively centre of Santorini, whereas multi-photographed Oia is sunset-famous and elegant. All settlements feature super-crowded cafes, bars and restaurants at their viewing spots. As for the rest, the white & blue houses and chapels, the donkeys that cross the narrow streets, the carved-in houses, captains’ homes and windmills create an incomparable Greek island atmosphere. No wonder why Santorini resembles a unique work of art, a beauty shrouded in the eternal mystery of the Atlantis, eager to take your breath away.

Find more information on Santorini at the official website for Greek Tourism VisitGreece.gr

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Beaches Food Things to see & do

Red beach (gr. Kokkini Paralia)

: The most famous beach in Santorini feels like swimming into a volcano, with its dark blue waters, red sand and red-black giant vertical cliffs. It is organized and one of the hottest island attractions.
9.0

White beach

: The quieter version of the Red beach is located nearby, surrounded by huge white rocks that contrast with its black pebbles. It offers limited facilities.
8.0

Vlyhada

: Set in a marvelous, bizarre rocky landscape, it features grey sand and small pebbles. It is partly organized and has some isolated parts, depending on your mood.
8.0

Kamari

: One of the island’s most crowded beaches and a fully organized one, as it is located to the developed tourist resort of the same name. With black sand and great waters.
8.0

Columbo

: Dark toned sand, calm atmosphere, an imposing rock that provides shade and nudist friendly attitude. Make sure you have supplies, as it’s not organized, and avoid a windy day.
7.0

Perissa

: Cosmopolitan and lively, with black sand and crystal waters, it is situated in the homonymous settlement. A chain of beach bars make a (loud) difference here.
7.0

To Psaraki

: Vlyhada, Greek and Mediterranean cuisine
9.0

Metaxi Mas

: Exo Gonia, Greek cuisine
9.0

Cyclades Tavern Restaurant

: Perissa, Greek cuisine
8.0

Almira Restaurant

: Kamari, Greek cuisine
8.0

Salt & Pepper

: Fira, Greek cuisine
8.0

The (still active) volcano experience

: You can either take the boat tour along the caldera or choose one of the regular excursion trips that lead you to caldera islets Nea and Palaia Kameni, as well as Thirasia. Walk up towards the volcano crater in Nea Kameni (good shoes, sun block and water serve as survival tools here) and have a swim in the hot sulphur springs of Palaia Kameni. Last stop is Thirasia, an unspoiled miniature version of Santorini before the tourism invasion. Overall, a definite must-do.
10.0

Antiquity-related top 3 sites

: Ancient Thira: At the top of Mt Mesa Vouno lie the remains of the island’s only ancient town, dating from Archaic to Roman times. Sanctuaries, temples, agora, royal stoa, theatre and cemeteries are its prime highlights. Akrotiri early Bronze Age settlement: One of the most important sites in Greece, located at the current Akrotiri village, it is in fact a formerly prosperous town, well preserved under the volcanic ash. Two or three store houses, frescoes, ceramics and sewage system came to light, among others. Museum of Prehistoric Thira @Fira: Prehistoric Aegean times and Santorini in particular are the main focus of this museum, one of the country’s most prominent. A visit to the town’s Archaeological Museum is also recommended.
10.0

Inland villages

: Pyrgos, Emporio, Karterados, Finikia, Monolithos, Messaria and many more will surely fascinate you. Relaxed, cosmopolitan, traditional, medieval, etc, each one has to offer so much.
9.0

Wine tourism & gastronomy

: Santorini has always been famous for its fine wines (the island’s well-known varieties include assirtiko, athiri, nykteri, vinsanto). Consequently, there are many organized wine tours in wineries, canavas, vineyards, etc, as well as the Wine Museum outside Fira. As for the local delicacies, you should definitely try cherry tomatoes, white aubergines, fava, capers and chloro cheese.
8.0

Festivities, feasts and festivals

: In late August don’t miss the “Efestia”, aka the impressive reenactment of the volcano’s eruption with spectacular fireworks. Also, the Jazz Festival in July, as well as traditional religious celebrations throughout the summer.
8.0

Sports aficionados will be thrilled in Santorini

: Excellent amenities for scuba diving, windsurfing and jet-ski, as well as trekking routes are available.
7.0

Have fun & more

: Eat, drink, shop, dance or even… get married in Santorini – so many couples from all over the world do so here.
7.0

Map of Santorini

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