Santorini is one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea. It was devastated by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC, forever shaping its rugged landscape. The whitewashed, cubiform houses of its 2 principal towns, Fira and Oia, cling to cliffs above an underwater caldera (crater). They overlook the sea, small islands to the west and beaches made up of black, red and white lava pebbles.
The island where Jacques Cousteau looked for the lost city of Atlantis, Santorini is indeed a mythical place. World renowned for its breathtaking sunset and awe-inspiring views across the seascape, this quintessential Cycladic island is utterly unique and undeniably impressive.
Santorini was created as a result of huge volcanic explosions with the last major one occurring about 3600 years ago. This major explosion is believed to have destroyed the thriving Minoan civilization in Crete, as well as the bustling ancient Santorini community that came to light thanks to the archaeological excavations in Akrotiri. What survived the explosions, however, is a unique cluster of islands inside a lagoon-like caldera with Thira or Santorini being the most famous one. The whole island is like a natural museum where you can observe a wide range of geological structures and forms, while the famous white-washed Santorinian villages perched on the edge of the cliff offer what is perhaps the most magnificent sea view in the whole world!
The view of the caldera in Santorini is a tremendous experience that everyone should get the chance to relish at least once in their life. The famous cliffside towns of Oia and Fira gather vast amounts of people who come to find the perfect vantage point to take-in the views of the breath-taking sunset, hoping for a great photo to keep the memory alive forever. Although one could spend all day gazing at the sun as it travels through the sky, Santorini has much to offer its visitors: authentic village settlements, delicious local cuisine, excellent shopping, and distinct wines and wineries.
As for the beaches, Santorini’s seaside treasures have everything from white, red or black volcanic pebbles, spectacular rock formations, and lunar landscapes. The volcanic elements make these beaches unique, and the deep blue translucent waters add to the island’s otherworldly allure. The beaches of Perissa, Perivolos, Agios Georgios, and Kamari are lined with restaurants, cafes, bars, and beach bars. The famous Red Beach near Akrotiri is located in a tranquil area and attracts lots of visitors because of its extraordinary colour. Monolithos is a quiet beach with shallow waters suitable for families with young children. The White Beach is only accessible by boat, which makes it one of the least crowded beaches on the island and an excellent choice for travellers looking for a more alternative experience.
Things to do:
- Watch the Sunset from the Caldera
Watching the sunset from the caldera is an absolute must. If you only do one thing in Santorini, this is it!
- Visit the Volcano
Take a boat trip to the nearby volcanic islands of Palaia Kameni and Nea Kameni, including a visit to the sulfur hot springs.
- Visit the Prehistoric Settlement of Akrotiri
Akrotiri is the site of a significant, ongoing, archaeological excavation of an ancient Minoan city. It is not a museum yet, so a guided tour is necessary to help you understand the significance of the findings.
- Taste Local Wines
Santorini has a longstanding winemaking tradition thanks to its fertile volcanic soil that makes for great, distinctive wines. Visit one of the numerous vineyards independently or book a wine-tasting tour for an even more palatable experience
- Take a Day-Trip to Thirasia Thirasia is a quaint and unspoiled island, that showcases authentic Greek life in an idyllic landscape. Unlike Santorini, Thirasia is an off-the-beaten-track destination with a much different dynamic, where you can gain real insight into the local lifestyle. From the village of Manola, you can enjoy panoramic views of Santorini from afar!
