SANTORINI
Santorini, one of the most renowned and visited islands in the world, made up of 5 islands that were formed 3,600 years ago following a large volcanic eruption. Santorini is known to be the most romantic getaway in Greece and the most popular destination for weddings, honeymoon trips and wedding proposals worldwide. The island is also famous to the most breathtaking sunset in all of Greece, and many tourists travel to Santorini solely to view and capture this exquisite sight. Visits to the local vineyards, where the grapes are grown in volcanic soil to produce the distinctive local wine, are a highlight of any Santorini vacation. Another must-do is to rent a boat and cruise the Caldera Coast, stopping for a swim at the hot springs and having lunch on the island of Thirassia.
Welcome to Santorini
What is Santorini best known for
Volcano of Santorini
The volcano of Santorini is one of the largest and still active underwater volcanoes of the world. It’s craters are located on two small islands opposite Santorini called Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni and are entirely made of black lava. The biggest eruption counts back 3,600 years causing a tsunami so powerful that it obliterated the Minoan civilization of Crete. That eruption was also the cause of the unique shape of Santorini as well as the 4 small islands around caldera, Palea Kameni, Nea Kameni, Thirassia and Aspronisi. There are many different boat tour options available for those who wish to visit the volcano and swim at the hot springs.
Fira, the capital of Santorini
The beautiful capital of Santorini is perched on a 220m high cliff on the island’s western edge, overlooking the volcano. From day to night, Fira is the most vibrant part of Santorini. If you visit Fira during the day, take a walk through the scenic alleys to do some shopping at the boutiques and gift shops and stop at a local café for refreshments. In the afternoon, enjoy an early dinner with breathtaking views of the volcano and the Aegean Sea, or relax with a drink at a local cliffside bar and watch the famous Santorini sunset.
Oia of Santorini
The most famous town to visit in Santori! Oia, which in Greek is pronounced Ia, was built in the 15th century and is situated in the northern part of the island, at the edge of a cliff which overlooks the volcano and the island of Thirassia. An ideal place to admire the unique architecture and the sunset.
The Castle of Oia
Ancient Ruins of Akrotiri, Santorini
A massive archaeological site which is considered a very important geological discovery, lies in the South part of Santorini, in the village of Akrotiri. Evidence of human habitation that dates back to the Neolithic Age (4500 BC) was there found, after the research of Archeologists. The geographical position of Akrotiri played a significant role to the trading activity between Crete, Dodecanese, Greece’s mainland and Cyprus, which led the civilization to it’s growth. Today, the prehistoric site of Akrotiri is available to visit for those who wish to wander around the remains and admire the ruins of the ancient houses made of mud and stones.
The Lighthouse of Akrotiri
The lighthouse of Santorini, one of Greece’s oldest, was built in 1892 by a well-known French trading company. The lighthouse, located on the island’s Southern Peninsula, provides breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and the volcano. The best time to visit the lighthouse is at sunset, when you can fully appreciate the lighthouse and surrounding scenery.
Red Beach of Santorini
The most beautiful and well-known beach in Santorini, located in the southern part of the island in the Akrotiri area. The beach gets its name from the red-colored cliffs of volcanic lava that offer spectacular views of the bay.