Santorini is the number one destination in Greece according to Tripadvisor. And indeed it is. The Acropolis of Athens pales in comparison to this extraordinary island.
In fact, Santorini is a group of islands in the Aegean Sea. The group includes the islands of Thira, Thirasia, Palea Kameni, Nea Kameni and Aspro. The population of Thirasia is very small; Palea Kameni, Nea Kameni and Aspro are generally uninhabited, which is why the main island of Thira is simply called by the name of the archipelago.
Volcano Santorini
The main attraction of the island is the Santorini volcano. Arriving in Santorini, it is simply impossible not to visit the volcano - the island is the volcano. The exception is Santorini Peak, but more on that later. The volcano is active. The island shakes regularly. The last serious earthquake here occurred in 1956.
Until 1500 BC the island had a round shape and was called Strongyla. The Santorini volcano, which was located in the center of the island, had a height of 1.5 km. About one and a half thousand years BC, an event occurred that decisively changed both the history of the ancient world and the shape of the island - an eruption with a force of up to 7 points on the eruption scale. As a result of the eruption, the crater of the volcano collapsed and a huge caldera (funnel) was formed, which was immediately filled with the sea. The sea surface area of the caldera reaches about 32 square meters. miles, and the depth is 300-400 m. All that remains of ancient Strongyla is the currently visible crescent with a steep cliff of more than 300 m in the western part and flat beaches in the eastern part.
This is what Santorini looks like today. In the very center there is an island-crater (Palea Kameni), surrounded by a flooded caldera and individual islands. Source: Wikipedia.
After filling the crater of the volcano with water, it evaporated and a huge explosion occurred (the effect of a steam boiler), which caused a huge tsunami, presumably from 100 to 200 m high, that hit the northern coast of Crete. The consequence of the tsunami was the decline of the Minoan civilization. The catastrophe was completed by strong earthquakes and volcanic ash thrown out over a considerable distance. A tsunami several tens of meters high destroyed everything that was on the islands of the Aegean Sea, on Crete, in the coastal Greek settlements, northern Egypt, everyone who lived on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, and suspended the development of civilizations for a thousand years. There is a version that it was this tsunami that destroyed Atlantis.
If you look closely at the satellite image, you can clearly see the mountain on the right. This is the peak of Santorini. It has nothing to do with the volcano and was here before it. It has exactly the same structure and origin as all the other islands of the Cyclades archipelago.
From the side of the island, the caldera is framed by steep slopes. It is on these slopes that the top attractions are located - the cities of Fira and Oia.
Sheer cliffs around the caldera of the Santorini volcano. The dark island in the center is a crater.
Santorini is conventionally a Greek island. This can be seen in the architecture, culture, names and Catholics. The name of the island itself is of Latin origin - Santa Irini (in Greek it would be Agios Irini). Obviously Latin names are also found among settlements - Emporio, Perissa, Messario, etc.
Carter of Santorini volcano. Oia is visible in the background, and even further away is the island of Ios.
I'm very skeptical about crowds of tourists, but this island was built for that. We spent five days on the island and didn’t have time to see everything.
Transport in Santorini
Volcano Santorini
Ruins of a Minoan city on Cape Akrotiri
Akrotiri is the name of excavations at the site of a Bronze Age settlement attributed to the Minoan civilization. The name of the excavations is given by the name of the modern village located on a hill nearby. The original name of the ancient settlement is unknown. It was buried under a layer of ash after a volcanic eruption around 1500 BC, leaving it remarkably well preserved. According to experts, before the city was covered with volcanic ash, a strong earthquake occurred, and therefore residents managed to leave their homes in time.
The Akrotiri Museum is one of the most civilized places in Santorini. It's clean, neat and everything is thought out. The infrastructure is very reminiscent of the pyramids of Guimar in Tenerife. The only thing I didn't like was the paid parking (3 euros). We have never seen any other paid parking in Santorini.
The Akrotiri Excavation Museum is a branch of Tenerife in Santorini.
Shortly before the completion of the excavations in 2005, the roof that covered the entire excavation area collapsed, killing one of the visitors. The excavations were not damaged, but after this the site was closed to the public. In June 2008 it was announced that Akrotiri would be closed to tourists until at least 2010. I don’t know exactly when they opened, but the museum is open.
red beach
Red Beach is located very close to Akrotiri. The beach is like a beach, only red. For such a popular and organized beach, the parking and approach are surprisingly poor. Poor aunties have difficulty making their way over stones and other gullies. The parking lot near the beach resembles the average Novgorod courtyard.
Black Beach
Black beach is everywhere in Santorini. A volcano is a volcano. There are beaches with very small pebbles - they are called sandy. They are located in the beach villages of Perissa and Kamari.
Surprisingly, beach holidays are developed in Santorini. Beach villages and beaches here are so-so; if you want a beach, go somewhere else (better not to Greece at all).
Santorini Peak
Santorini Peak is the highest point on the island. There is a NATO radar at the peak and the peak itself is closed to visitors. However, almost at the very top, there are observation platforms. From the peak the entire archipelago is clearly visible.
Santorini is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece and in the world - the romantic island of Santorini, which is located in the Aegean Sea and is part of the Cyclades archipelago.
In fact, Santorini is a union of several volcanic islets of Thira, Thirasia, Palea Kameni, Nea Kameni and Aspro, which form a ring. Is it any wonder that newlyweds from all over the world flock here to capture the most beautiful moments of their lives against the backdrop of unique landscapes.
Many believe that betrothal with the “ring” of Santorini will be the happiest and will definitely last a lifetime.
Mysterious and unique Santorini has a fascinating history. Once upon a time he was called Strongila,
What does round mean? But around 1500 BC. e. after a terrible volcanic eruption, everything changed. The crater of the volcano collapsed into the sea, forming a huge caldera. Many suggest that Santorini is part of the lost Atlantis, which Plato described.
The name “Santorini” was assigned to the island during the times of the Crusaders, who called the island Santa Irene after the Church of St. Irene, which was located there.
Santorini delights with dazzling snow-white houses that cling to the rocks, the intricate streets of the main town of Fira, sunsets in Oia, a special atmosphere, unusual beaches and, of course, ancient finds.
How to get there. Flight: by plane from Athens - 30 minutes, regular flights from Moscow with a transfer in Athens - about 7 hours.
When to go. Tourist season: from April to September inclusive.
Swimming season: from June to September inclusive.
Suitable for relaxation. Contemplative, romantic, beach, calm, family, educational.
Geography
Santorini is a group of Greek islands within the Cyclades archipelago. Located in the Aegean Sea. Coordinates: 36°25′ N. sh. 25°26′ E. d.
Capital: Fira
Square: 76 km²
Climate
The island has a Mediterranean climate. The central and southern parts of the island are hotter than the coast.
Population and tourism
About 13,400 people
Language: Greek, but you will be understood if you speak English.
Mythology and history
According to Greek mythology, the island of Santorini is a piece of land that was given to the Argonauts by the sea god Triton, the son of Neptune and Venus. They gave him the name Callisti.
After the volcanic eruption, the island was uninhabited for a long time.
The Phoenicians settled it around 1000 BC. e. Then the Dorians appeared and founded Thera. In subsequent centuries the island was influenced by the Romans and Venetians.
In the 4th century AD e. Christianity appeared in Santorini. Like all of Greece, Santorini survived the period of Turkish rule and gained independence in 1921.
During the Second World War, the island was occupied by the Germans and Italians and was only liberated in 1944.
The last devastating earthquake in 1956 forced most of the inhabitants to leave the island, however, its beauty and incredible magic did their job - they returned here to turn the island into a fairy tale again.
Traditions and customs
They say that very superstitious people live in Santorini, although no one admits this. But it is not difficult to notice that the main decoration of local residents is turquoise beads in the shape of an eye. Such amulets can be seen anywhere, even in official institutions.
Hospitable people live on Santorini, but if you are invited to visit, it is better to cross the threshold of the house with your right foot - there is a belief that this will preserve friendly relations with the owners.
You can't comb your hair in the house unless you stay there overnight - there is such a funny sign.
Each holiday or celebration has its own long-standing traditions. Most of them are associated with religious holidays such as Easter and Christmas.
Santorini hosts the traditional Ifestia festival in August, when it culminates in a simulated volcanic eruption.
Attractions
Fira (Thira)- the capital of the island, built on the edge of the caldera. The western part of the city has preserved traditional architecture, the roads here are paved with stone, and there is no traffic. There are shops on the narrow streets, and taverns and cafes closer to the caldera. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Belonios is the main Orthodox church of the island, and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is the main Catholic shrine.
Oya (Oya)- a fabulous cozy town in white and blue tones with the addition of bright spots of ocher color. A place where everyone goes to photograph the sunset, drink coffee in charming cozy cafes, look into the workshops of icon painters and artists, go shopping and souvenir shops. Car traffic is prohibited throughout the city.
In addition, tourist places are considered Kamari, Emborio,Mesaria, Monolithos, Pyrgos.
One of the remarkable and interesting places in Santorini is Cape Akrotiri. The ancient city discovered here dates back to the Minoan era. Although it was damaged by a volcanic eruption in 1500 BC, many of the buildings are well preserved. The entire complex is located under the roof of a specially equipped room.
At the top of the island of Santorini you can visit the monastery of Elijah the Prophet. On June 20, a festival-fair is held here annually. Also on the hill is the medieval city of Pyrgos, which used to be the capital of the island. The most colorful Easter celebration takes place here with lots of lights and gunfire.
Fira also has an Archaeological Museum with a collection of sculptures and vessels from the 7th-6th centuries BC, a museum of prehistoric Firys with finds from ancient Akrotiri.
Ancient Thera is also of great interest, with houses and graves from different eras, theaters and sanctuaries.
Beaches
Santorini has a real collection of beaches - white, black and red, which were formed under the influence of a volcanic eruption.
Kamari- one of the most famous beaches, located below Ancient Thira, has black volcanic sand and small dark pebbles. A strip of cafes, bars and taverns stretches along the shore.
Perissa- also with black sand. It has a calmer atmosphere, a comfortable climate due to the lack of winds (protected by rocks), and a good entrance to the sea. Next to the beach is the Santorini Waterpark.
Kokkini paralia or the Red Beach is hidden next to the excavations of ancient Akrotiri. The beach is surrounded by red rocks of baked lava.
Aspri paralia or White Beach with white sand and white rocks. A secluded place, best reached by sea.
On Santorini, there is a bus service between the settlements every 30 minutes.
You can rent a car, ATV or bicycle.
Donkeys will also help you, especially in Fira, where you have to climb uphill from the port.
Cuisine and food
The most popular are seafood dishes, although they are successfully complemented by the gifts of the fields, which are not so few in Santorini.
Agricultural products are grown here on volcanic soils, which determines their unusual and rich taste. Famous products include small tomatoes, which are dried in the sun and prepared in the traditional dish of the island, tomatokeftedes - tomato cutlets.
A special type of legume, fava. You can try it in almost all taverns.
White eggplants, a special type of Santorini cucumber, round zucchini and small watermelons grow on Santorini.
An important component of any feast is wine.
The grapes here are also special, and the vine, which has to be protected from the wind, is twisted into a wreath right on the volcanic soil. A special grape variety grows here - asyrtiko.
Vinsanto is the most popular wine of Santorini.
Thira: Thira is an ancient Greek city (founded in the 6th century BC) on the site of the modern city of Belgorod Dniester Thira (Arabic الطـّيرة, Hebrew טירה) city in Israel Thira village in the Ust-Kutsky district of the Irkutsk region of Russia... ... Wikipedia
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Thira, Santorin, a group of volcanic islands in the Aegean Sea, in the Cyclades archipelago. Territory of Greece. The area is about 80 km2. The largest island of Thira (74 km2), the remnant of an underwater volcano. On the island of Kaimeni there is... ...
I (Santorini), a group of volcanic islands in the Aegean Sea, in the Cyclades archipelago. Territory of Greece. About 80 km2. The main island of Thira (the remnant of an extinct volcano, height up to 566 m), there is an active volcano on the island of Kaimeni. Vineyards. Mining… … encyclopedic Dictionary
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I Théra Santorin, a group of volcanic islands in the Aegean Sea, in the Cyclades archipelago. Territory of Greece. The area is about 80 km2. The largest island of Thira (74 km2), the remnant of an underwater volcano. On the island of Kaimeni... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia
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Everything about the island of Santorini: interesting places, sunsets, beaches. Where is it cheaper and more convenient to stay, what excursions to book, and what to see on your own.
In the south of the Aegean Sea, a unique volcano island, a mystery island, a romantic island, is bathed in the rays of the Mediterranean sun - Santorini. Already sailing up to it on a ship, you understand that it is not like any of the other islands.
1500 BC, the devastating eruption of the Santorini volcano took place, changing history and leading to the disappearance of the Minoan civilization. During the eruption, the central part fell into the sea, leaving part of the land in the form of a month: Santorini and the nearby islands - Nea Kameni, Thirasia, Palea Kameni and Aspro. Scientists still fantasize that the volcano that went under water could be that same mystical Atlantis. But least of all, this worries tourists who flock here for a couple of weeks, a couple of days, or at least a couple of hours to see the famous black sand, white houses and blue roofs with one eye.
Santorini is the largest island of the Cyclades Archipelago. At 76 sq. km contains history, modern entertainment, and several beaches.
Transport: how to get to Santorini
The island is modest in size, but transport links are excellent. You can get anywhere in Santorini by bus, or rent a car or bike. Ferries run to Athens, with up to five trips a day in summer. From Santorini you can also easily get to the island of Crete. There are many car rental offices in the port, and you can almost always find owners of guesthouses, hotels and rooms offering accommodation on the island.
Santorini Airport accepts both domestic and international flights (mostly charters).
Where to stay in Santorini 2019
Experienced travelers have proven that due to the considerable cost of tours to Santorini, it is more profitable to organize a trip to the island on your own. Visit Crete and, finally, spend a week in Santorini, in the hotel that you like. All that remains is to choose where to stay in Santorini without sacrificing either romance or the family budget.
- Volcano View by Caldera Collection.
One of the luxury five star hotels in Santorini. A paradise for lovers and those who only dream of falling deeper in love with each other! A lot is provided for this: restaurants with panoramic views, observation decks, swimming pools, spa treatments and 79 comfortable rooms.
One of the Volcano View by Caldera Collection restaurants with panoramic views
- Petit Palace Suites
- a beautiful villa with 14 rooms. Luxury option. There is an elevator to get down to the beach (for the rocky landscape of Santorini this is a PLUS - anyone who has been or seen the photo will understand). Each suite has a private pool and stunning views.
Standard Suite at Petit Palace Suites
- Porto Fira Suites 4*
Suitable for both newlyweds and other loving couples. In this hotel you can definitely either discover or rediscover interest in each other. 14 luxurious rooms, panoramic views of the volcano and the capital of Santorini - Fira. Beauty!
Private terraces of rooms in Porto Fira Suites 4*
- Aldea 3*
- inexpensive accommodation option. The hotel has only 2 rooms, both new and comfortable, with its own outdoor terrace. It is located in the village of Karterados (near the resort of Oia). For those who dream of a real “island” vacation, this is a huge plus - there are fewer vacationers and excursion groups. Price - from 3,100 rubles. per day per room.
One of the rooms in Aldea 3* (Santorini island)
- Villa Michalis 3*.
Villa at an adequate price for Santorini, with 12 rooms. Located 150 m from Vlychady beach. Family-run, homely hotel with good breakfasts. Cost of living - from 3,000 rubles.
Where to stay inexpensively in Santorini? Villa Michalis is a good choice!
- Anatoli Hotel 2*.
An inexpensive hotel with 24 rooms with a high rating (8.8 points out of 10) and excellent reviews on booking.com. There is a swimming pool, a restaurant and an outdoor terrace for breakfast (the view is gorgeous!). The center of Fira is 5 minutes away. Price per room per night - from 4,500 rubles.
The view with which a new day begins at Anatoli Hotel!
Top 10 ideas of what to do in Santorini
An overview and brief description of ten interesting activities and entertainment that people usually devote their free time to on the island of Santorini:
- Tasting local cuisine. Santorini is one of the most “delicious”, it will appeal not only to romantics, but also to gourmets. The combination of local products and traditional Greek cuisine looks appetizing, and the island is full of taverns and restaurants, where a traveler of any income will be fed and watered according to all canons. Vegetable products deserve attention: the farms grow cherry tomatoes (their own variety), capers, peas and white eggplants. Popular dishes on the menu include tomato meatballs, Melitinha cookies, vegetable stew, and sugared nuts. And, of course, the wines of Santorini: the volcanic soil on which the local grapes are grown gives the “drink of the gods” a special taste and aroma.
Local food and wine in Santorini
- Winery tours. Winemaking has been developed in Santorini for 3,000 years. Here they learned not only to produce high-quality wines, but also to turn the excursion itself into an adventure. Get ready for the fact that wine cellars here are usually painted in peach, blue, pink and blue. All this creates an incredible atmosphere and fits well into the landscape. You can book a sightseeing route to kill two birds with one stone: wander around the island with a guide and end the day tasting volcanic wine.
- Sightseeing tours around the island. After the first few days of acclimatization, the exploratory instinct kicks in. I would like to get to know the island better, look into the hidden corners, wander the streets. You can book a sightseeing tour: in 6 hours you can visit the famous caldera, archaeological excavations and the villages of Oia, Firostefani, Pyrgos, Imerovigli. Visit the Temple of St. George, Red and Black beaches and on the same day be in time for the best observation deck for sunset.
The village of Oia is like a maze of colorful houses and streets
- Walk along the slopes of the volcano. Santorini exists thanks to the Nea Kameni volcano, whose eruption 2.5 million years ago gave birth to this place. The volcano is considered safe; tourists are given the opportunity to walk along the slopes of Nea Kameni and admire the scenery. The crater of the volcano is still covered with volcanic masses.
- Diving and spa. Gorgeous views open not only from the peaks of Santorini, but also from the sea. You can rent a boat and take a boat trip around the island to admire the villages and white houses from afar. Once you reach the shores of Palea Kameni, dive into the sea and enjoy the volcanic spa. As soon as you sail a little further from the shore, the diver’s gaze opens up to views of underwater caves and abandoned ships.
- Contemplation of sunsets. No matter how strange it may sound, watching the sun disappear behind the horizon is one of the main island entertainments. A romantic atmosphere and stunning views are the main features of Santorini. You can enjoy the panorama while sitting on the beach or in one of the restaurants located on the steep western slopes. Watch as the sky changes colors - from blood red to fiery orange, from blue to indigo, and the sun sinks into the Aegean Sea, reflecting in the water and painting the nearby islands in shades of bronze. A spectacle of incredible beauty!
Traditional end of the day in Santorini
- Visit to the capital. Walking around Fira, the capital of Santorini, you can see the Skaros rock, just over 300 meters high. At its summit was once the site of the former capital of Santorini, and can be reached by a narrow stepped path. Those who dare to climb to the top will be rewarded with stunning views and will also be able to visit the church on the rock.
- Climbing to the “balcony” of Santorini. This is the best viewpoint in Santorini. It is a rock that miraculously survived the earthquake. Sunrises and sunsets are celebrated here, and wedding ceremonies are held here. The “Balcony” of Santorini is the highest point of the island and is located in the village of Imerovigli. It will be easier for those who have already planned a sightseeing tour: the observation deck is included in the program.
- Relax on the beaches of Santorini. One of the most obvious things to do on the island. But here it is important to know that there are almost more beaches on Santorini than settlements. You will have to either remember or write down the names.
The most beautiful - Red Beach, surrounded by crimson-brown rocks and strewn with red sand, it makes an indelible impression. Next door to Krasny there is an equally amazing White beach. The whitish stones extending into the sea create the feeling of an alien landscape. You can get to each of them either by renting a boat in advance, or by car - then you will have to walk a little to get to the beaches themselves.
Beaches Perissa, Perivolos And Kamari they amaze with their gray-black sand (yes, you haven’t forgotten that Santorini is a dormant volcano?!) and the purest water. These are equipped beaches, each of which has many cafes and bars where you can relax in close proximity to the sea. Almost all the beaches of Santorini will delight you with taverns where you can have dinner while admiring the sunset. For diving enthusiasts there is a direct route to Amoudi beach, where you will be impressed by nature's underwater caves and the rich fauna of the Aegean Sea.
Beach with volcanic sand in Santorini (PHOTO)
- Visiting clubs and discos. The island is popular both among Greek residents and foreign guests, and at the same time has the reputation of a youth resort. Nightlife in Santorini is vibrant - most bars and nightclubs are located in the towns of Fira, Perissa and Kamari. But Fira is perhaps the most popular place (in the summer there are performances by famous DJs, open-air night parties, retro, pop and jazz parties are organized). You might prefer a glass of wine and light music sung by the sea breeze.
What to see in Santorini
If the sights interest you not least, but you are not in the mood for sightseeing tours, then we recommend for independent study excavations of ancient Akrotiri. For centuries, this prehistoric city was buried under a 40-meter layer of volcanic ash. As a result, many buildings and frescoes are perfectly preserved. Artifacts found during excavations can be seen in the Prehistoric Museum, which is located in the capital of Santorini - Fira.
Interesting to visit built in 1712 Monastery of the Prophet Elijah, located in a picturesque location, on one of the highest points of the island. For centuries, the monastery has been a symbol of the Christian faith.
Not far from the village of Imerovilla there is another interesting place to visit - convent named after Nicholas the Wonderworker. Its snow-white chapels set off the volcanic landscape of the island.
Excursions to Santorini at the best prices
We have great news - even in such a remote corner as Santorini, sightseeing routes from local residents have appeared. If you are not yet familiar with Tripster, you can test its secret option: ask the guide any question before paying 😉
Visits to Santorini will be limited to 8 thousand per day
Every summer, the island of Santorini experiences an unprecedented influx of tourists. There is a particular excitement among cruise passengers. One could only rejoice at such an increase in the tourist flow and calculate the “margin,” but the island’s authorities have no time to “rest on their laurels,” since the island’s infrastructure every year turns out to be unprepared for such a number of travelers. And they say in Russia winter comes unexpectedly.
Cruise ships in the port of Santorini: high season
On average, about 10-12 thousand cruise passengers arrive to Santorini per day. On the island this causes traffic congestion. And there aren’t enough hotel rooms for everyone.
The local authorities made a decision, captivating with its novelty and genius, to limit the intake of cruise passengers. No more than 8 thousand (!) tourists per day will be able to land on shore.
According to statistics, only 10% of cruise ship passengers calling at Santorini remain on board. Everyone else goes ashore. According to experts, the number of those remaining could now increase to 40%, as up to 20 thousand cruise passengers per day are expected to arrive on the island this summer. In general, tourists planning a cruise vacation will have to be prepared for heated debates and even fights for the right to go ashore on the island.
We hope that the innovations will not affect stationary tourists who have paid for their bed in a hotel. What do you think, friends, about the problem?
Holidays in Santorini - let's sum it up
Holidays in Santorini are a chance to escape from routine, immerse yourself in the world of history and antiquity, feel forgotten romance, enjoy the warm sea and breathe in the Mediterranean air. And:
Santorini beaches for every taste: rocky, with red and black sand!
- You can organize a holiday in Santorini even with a minimal budget: just choose a guesthouse over a luxury hotel. And if you have the means, there is complete freedom here - the choice of five-star spa complexes is one of the best in Greece.
- You can come alone, and you won’t be bored, or you can come with your loved one - the island is full of romantic places. There will also be entertainment for all family members if you decide to relax with the whole group.
- The local population is hospitable, and hotel workers are friendly and ready to help in any unexpected situation.
One of the most famous Greek islands, located in the Aegean Sea near the island of Crete. This is one of the most beautiful places on our planet and a popular resort where vacationers from all over the world come.
Over the centuries of its existence, this place has had many names. It is believed that the very first was Strongyla or Round, since initially the island was a single rounded area. There is a legend that the sea god Triton gave the Argonauts a round lump of earth, which became the island of Santorini. They named him Callisto or Handsome.
Around 1500 BC There was a powerful volcanic eruption that triggered an earthquake. The middle part of Callisto sank very quickly under water.
Only fragments of the island remained above the surface of the sea, forming a crescent. That is why there is an opinion, shared by many scientists, that here was the famous Atlantis and the archipelago - its remains.
In the 12th century, the largest island received the name Santorini. The Church of St. Irene was located here, so foreign sailors first called it Santo, after Santa Irina, gradually shortening it to Santorini. Later the name passed to the entire archipelago. Sometimes this is still called the largest island, although its official name is Thira or Fira.
Santorini belongs to the Cyclades Islands, located in the southern Aegean Sea. The Santorini archipelago consists of five islands: Aspro, Palea Kameni, Nea Kameni, Thirasia and Thira. The last one is the biggest. Its area is about 76 square meters. km, the length of the coastline is 70 km. The two largest islands are inhabited, the three small ones are not. The most remote parts of the archipelago are separated by only 17 km.
Santorini is an island of volcanic origin. The relief of the islands is mountainous and very rocky. The shores are mostly steep, descending steeply to the sea. The altitude of the area above sea level varies from 200 to 500 m.
After the eruption, which changed the topography of the island, the volcano sank down, forming a huge caldera, which was flooded by the waters of the Aegean Sea. Today, at this place there is a deep bay, in the center of which there are 2 small islands. The Santorini volcano is at rest, but regularly wakes up and erupts.
History of Santorini
Scientists have proven that the first population appeared on the island of Santorini about one and a half thousand years before the terrible earthquake. These were representatives of the pre-Greek Cretan culture, as evidenced by excavations in Akrotiri. A powerful eruption of a volcano located approximately in the center of the island interrupted the development of ancient civilization. The volcano and part of the land sank into the water, causing a terrible tsunami. A wave about 100 m high reached Crete, hit it with violent force and destroyed the Knossos Palace and other buildings.
Strong earthquakes and the release of volcanic ash completed the disaster. The highly developed Minoan civilization ceased to exist. After a terrible natural disaster, Santorini remained uninhabited for a long time. Only five centuries later it was repopulated by the Phoenicians. Later the Greeks settled here, turning Santorini into a naval base on the Aegean Sea.
Actually, the island received the name Thira thanks to the name of the Theban hero Tiras, who settled on Santorini. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the archipelago came under the jurisdiction of Venice.
In the 13th century it was captured by the Byzantine Greeks, but three decades later Venice regained it. Over the next two centuries, Santorini suffered from endless pirate attacks, as a result of which the number of inhabitants was reduced to three hundred.
In 1537, the archipelago was captured by the pirate Barbarossa and handed over to Turkey. During the period of Turkish rule, Santorini developed rapidly. It had the largest merchant fleet in the Aegean Sea at that time. The archipelago gained independence in 1821 along with all of Greece. Since that time, the main area of commercial activity in Santorini has remained shipping, as well as the production of unique wine and tomatoes.
The last century was marked for the archipelago by fascist occupation during the Second World War and two earthquakes provoked by a volcanic eruption. The last one, which happened in 1956, was especially strong, when many buildings were destroyed and people died. Many of those who survived left the island.
Life began to return to the archipelago only in the mid-60s.
Santorini. 1937
Santorini today
Modern Santorini is a popular resort. It is listed first on the list of the most beautiful islands in the world, beating out the Philippine Boracay, the Australian Great Barrier Reef and many others. The island has won dozens of various awards from international travel magazines. It is no coincidence that all cruise ships make a stop here.
Lovers all over the world know that magnificent Santorini is considered the best place for romantic cruises and honeymoons.
Santorini, Oia.
Sights of Santorini
All tourists arriving in the archipelago must visit its most interesting attractions:
A caldera is a depression formed during a volcanic eruption as a result of the collapse of a large area of land. Now it is a deep bay, in the middle of which there is a young active volcano, Santorini. It is uninhabited, but excursions are available here. Tourists are brought to the volcano on small ships, then taken along paths to the crater itself. Extreme lovers can go to the volcano in a small submarine.
The village of Oia (also often misnamed Oia). Famous for its special architecture. This is a unique combination of stately Venetian medieval buildings and small village houses. There are narrow streets, snow-white churches with piercing blue domes and charming houses.
Oia is home to the Maritime Museum and the Museum of Musical Instruments. The “Captains' Houses”, built at the end of the 19th century, and the magnificent Old Mill are very interesting. The main attraction of this place is the beautiful sunsets, which hundreds of tourists gather to see every day.
Cape Akrotiriti. The ruins of a Minoan-era city that was destroyed by a terrible volcanic eruption 3,500 years ago have been excavated here. During the excavations, buildings of two and three floors, decorated with frescoes, shops and workshops were discovered.
Monastery of Elijah the Prophet, built on the highest point of Thira. From here you have a magnificent view of the whole of Santorini. The monastery houses the most interesting museums of religious art and folk art. Every year on July 20, a big celebration with a fair is held here.
Beaches of Santorini. They are sandy and very clean. Thanks to the volcanic origin of the archipelago and rich mineralization, the local sand has acquired a wide range of shades: from delicate milky to pink, reddish, green and even black. Therefore, the local beaches are colorful. This mixture looks especially picturesque at the bottom of the sea.
Getting to Santorini is quite easy. There is an airport where local airlines regularly arrive from Athens, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Crete and Mykonos. The number of charter flights is simply huge.
Ferries and speedboats connect the archipelago with Crete, Rhodes, Kos and Athens. Sea yachts and cruise ships call at the port of Santorini, bringing tourists from all over the world.
The pearl of the Cyclades, the magnificent island of Santorini is considered one of the most picturesque, romantic and mysterious Greek islands. Local residents claim that the island has a heart, the beating of which can be heard in the sea, in the mountains and on the land. Anyone who has felt this beating is sure to return here again and again. They are attracted by the calm power that hides under the deep dark waters of the Caldera, the piercing blue sky and the bright white “toy” towns with blue roofs of ancient Santorini, over which neither time nor the elements have the power.
Santorini on the map.
