Santorini
Welcome to the Aegean, to one of the most beautiful islands in the world and one of the most popular destinations in Greece. Welcome to Santorini!
Santorini – also known as Thera in Greek – is the island immortalized by poets and painters, thanks to its celebrated light, multi-colored cliffs and picture-perfect sunsets. On this island all senses are magnified, a product of its many contrasts: black earth against whitewashed homes clinging to the Cliffside, or wild volcanic sculptures against sleek Cycladic lines. Santorini erupts with charm. A volcano embraced by the Aegean, this island-phenomenon in the Cyclades gives its visitors a mythical experience.
The volcanic eruption that gave to the island the unique landscape we admire nowadays, also gave a sudden end to the ancient civilization that was flourishing here. In the spring of 1620 BC the volcano buried under 40 m of ash and lava all the secrets of the city built by the islanders of Bronze Age. After 38 centuries, the city came to light. In 1967, professor Marinatos revealed buildings that were preserved during centuries. This is the prehistoric “Pompeii” of Santorini that you would never imagine it is found on this island and will leave you in awe. You may try a visit in Akrotiri, the most prominent archaeological site in Santorini – and one of the most important archaeological sites in the Aegean, in order to admire the findings of the excavations. Only some steps away from the ancient site of Akrotiri, there is one of the most famous volcanic beaches of Santorini, the red beach where you can have some photos.
You may also visit Emporio, the largest village of the island where you can admire the characteristic windmills on the top of the hills, which surround it. The view in the eyes of visitors alternate between the medieval fortified castles of Castelli and Goulas and the old traditional Christian churches.
It is such a unique experience for every visitor to walk through the narrow labyrinth streets of this village, where the architectural touch of arches and domes that are existed in the buildings, will impress you!
Enjoy a leisurely stroll from Fira to Firostefani and Imerovigli. The more adventurous can challenge themselves by taking the path to Oia, passing the Prophet Elijah’s Church, the Chapel of the Cross and the Black Mountain, on the highest point of the island (567 meters), which is iridescent at sunset, all of which makes a walk that defies description.
Kamari, Perivolas and Perissa the most popular, busy, lively, cosmopolitan beaches of Santorini! The black sand, black because of the volcanic origin of the soil is as hot as the summer nights, full of music, full moon parties and cocktails. In the morning you will enjoy the long beach, the soft sand, the refreshing water. In the afternoon, you will go for shopping in the many shops for all tastes along the seaside. In the evening, you will have dinner by the sea and in the night, you will drink and dance your tiredness away so that you can start all over again the next day.
A visit to a winery will help you to discover why in Santorini the most delicious wine varieties are produced. Vinsanto, Nychteri and Mezzo are some of them. You can taste them with the spectacular view of the volcano in the background. A unique experience for wine lovers!