Sunsets, beautiful sights, colours of  blue & white … this is Santorini island …thousand poets and artists attempt to capture its beauty… the unsurpassed magic of Santorini.

The unique caldera with the magnificent views,the bright sun,the deep blue of a calm sea, the soothing breeze…made Santorini one of the most amazing islands in Greece and one of the top travel destinations in the world.

Santorini is the main island of a complex of five islands.Thirasia and Aspronisi and the both volcanic islands of Palea and Nea Kameni are completing a unique landscape.

Santorini was originally inhabited by the Phoenicians followed by the Dorians before 2000 BC. The first name of the island was Stroggili meaning round, because of its shape.It was later occupied by the Minoans, who renamed it Kallisti, meaning the best, because of its natural beauty.At about 1645 BC a catastrophic volcanic eruption destroyed the island and the Minoan civilization and created the unique caldera.The caldera of Santorini is the largest in the world.The two volcanic islands appeared much later by several other explosions that lasted from 157 BC to 1950 AD.

In the 8th century BC Thiras, a Thebean hero, abandoned Sparta and together with a group of nobles came to live on the island which then took his name.

In the Byzantium period the island remained in the hands of the Venetians except of a short period when it was occupied by the Dukes of Naxos. The Venetians called the island Saint Irini from which the name of Santorini has evolved.

Some historians and researchers consider Santorini as the lost Atlantis, a theory that is strengthened by the ancient writers of Plato and Solonas.

 

Santorini’s highlights

In Santorini you can fill your days with a series of activities that will bring you even closer to the history, traditions and particular beauty of Santorini.

In the archaeological site of Akrotiri you can admire by walking in the streets of the ancient city the story of this prehistoric settlement that was destroyed by the volcanic eruption in 1600 BC. You can find more artifacts from the excavation in the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira.

Also the Archaeological Museum of Fira houses artifacts from Ancient Thira and other important historical periods of the island. Fira is the center and capital of the island where you’ll find an array for all kinds of shops, as well as many restaurants,traditional taverns with local dishes, cafes and bars and night clubs.

You may visit the villages of Pyrgos, Emporio and Akrotiri for their Kastelia (castles) and also their particular color and atmosphere. Don’t miss to take a stroll to Oia village with the unique beauty and see the famous world widely sunset.

For swimming, visit the sandy beaches of Perissa and Perivolos with the cosmopolitan beach bars and water sports ,Vlihada for the volcanic background, Kamari for shopping at the seaside pavement  and of course the unique Red beach where you can swim in the most volcanic beach of the island. If you visit Santorini island with your children, Monolithos with the shallow waters is an ideal choice.

Do not miss the opportunity to make a boat trip to the islets around Santorini,enjoying the sunset from the deck with a drink or a traditional meal.Finally,visit the wineries of the island watch the production process and taste the unique Santorini wines through special wine tastings.