SANTORINI

Santorini, also known as Thira (from Greek Σαντορίνη), is the southernmost of the Cyclades and is located between Ios and Anafi. It can be reached by both sea and air (Santorini International Airport). The island is 130 nautical miles from Piraeus and is connected to many other Cyclades islands. Due to its unique characteristics, it is among the most frequented Greek islands by tourists.

The island covers an area of 79 km² and has about 14,000 inhabitants.

The island emerged from a volcano in prehistoric times and took its current crescent shape after a devastating eruption in the 15th century BC that destroyed a civilization and sank the volcano’s crater. The current inner sea of the island corresponds to the extinct crater of the volcano, known as "the caldera," and the island itself coincides with the emerged edges of this crater. In addition to the main island of Santorini, the emerged crater consists of four other islands: Palea Kameni, Nea Kameni, Thirasia, and Aspronisi. The environment is spectacular but also somewhat eerie, with colors of red, purple, yellow, green, and black, and beautiful white villages perched on the cliffs. Throughout the day, the rocks and the sea water take on different hues, and the sunsets are stunning.

The western coast of the island is composed of high cliffs (up to 360 meters) while the eastern coast gently slopes towards the sea with several mostly pebble beaches. The island’s soil is very fertile due to its volcanic nature, and mainly grapes, tomatoes, and legumes are cultivated. The highest mountain on Santorini is Profitis Elias (568 meters), which hosts a monastery dating back to the 1700s in the southern part of the island.

In addition to its volcanic nature, the island is also highly appreciated for the architecture of its villages, featuring beautiful white houses with colorful details and numerous churches with blue domes.

Among the island's typical products is the famous Muscat wine, as well as dry white wines and reds. The volcanic soil is ideal for producing wines with high alcohol content. Additionally, pozzolana, a volcanic rock primarily used in construction, is extracted and marketed.

The island’s capital is Thira, a very picturesque village of white houses and narrow alleyways all consisting of steps. However, several other villages on the island are worth a visit, particularly the beautiful Oia.

The sea around Santorini is transparent but, being immediately deep and with a sandy and black gravel seabed, it is particularly dark.

The island is very charming but during high season it might even disappoint due to the large crowds of tourists that visit daily and all the commerce that this brings about. Among the purchasable souvenirs are handmade wool or cotton carpets and jewelry.

The island’s road network is good, and the various villages are all connected by buses. There are several car and scooter rental services on the island. For those who wish, the ascent from the old port of Skala Firòn to Thira can be done by cable car, on foot (580 steps), or by donkey. I must point out that the island is not very suitable for those with walking difficulties or for small children because there are many steps and uneven surfaces, and the sea is always immediately deep.