Destinations in Greece - Santorini island

Words like “magical”, “fairytale”, “charming” are not enough to express the island’s beauty and uniqueness. This fairytale begins as soon as you approach to it. Colourful rocks in different colours, perfectness and harmony create a dazzling picture. You willingly fall under its spell. Summer time on Santorini is known for its cosmopolitical atmosphere: people come here from all over the world.Always crowded countless bars of Thira, Perissa, Kamari and other villages are famous for their elegance and taste. Come and enjoy this rare opportunity of watching a breathtaking landscape of caldera and listening to the classical music at the same time.

Description of Santorini island

Resorts

The uniqueness of its soil structure greatly influenced the local architecture. The settlements of Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani are nestled on the Caldera cliff. Some villages were built in the inland around castles and “yposkafa”, i.e. dwellings carved into the rocks. Originally “yposkafa” were created on the cliffs of Caldera but later on they expanded farther (Vonovas-Karterados-Finikia).

Oia, which is also called Apanomeria, is one of the most spectacular settlements of Santorini. But some people still believe it to be the most beautiful place in the world. Part of the picturesque houses faces Caldera and another part climbs down to the sea. The perfect combination of round and cubic shapes and arched roofs, dominating colours of white, blue and ochre, blooming bougainvillea and jasmine add to the Aegean sun that deepens the contracts.

Oia’s main streets are mostly marble-paved and its white churches are crowned with blue double domes. Once restored after the huge earthquake by professional architects its image has been accomplishing by its residents, their intuition and their sense of beauty. Everything that is done here is done with great love and esteem to the history and culture of the place. Unlike Fira or Perissa, life in Oia is more quiet and tranquil.

Small village Imerovigli is located to the north of Firostefani, on the highest point of Caldera. Its name is translated as a “watch” and “day”: earlier when the island suffered from frequent pirate attacks, this place was used to watch and warn about the coming danger. There are no strict borders separating Fira, Imerovigli and Firostefani. Gradually they seem to make one big settlement. But still their differences and characteristic features are so obvious that is an easy thing to differ one from another.

Athinios is the only port on Santorini that handles passenger ships. This is a small settlement with traditional houses, several shops and tavernas at the foot of Caldera. Climb the narrow and winding sidewalk from which a marvelous enchanting view opens.

Beaches

To make the description more complete it is necessary to add a couple of words about Santorini’s unique beaches that look like pictures being brought to life by some unknown magician. Its unbelievably crystal clear sea with the range of colours from dark blue to light turquoise, pebble and sand of different colours - all together create the magical and spectacular view.

Perissa with its dark sand and pebble is believed to be one of the most popular beaches of Santorini and is located in its Eastern part. This beach is perfectly organized and has all that is necessary for water sports.

In summer time Kamari beach with its incredibly clear waters and black sand attracts crowds of visitors. It is full of life days and nights. Being perfectly organized with a number of hotels with pools, clubs bars, restaurants and tavernas it becomes the destination point for many tourists.

The Red Beach sits not far from Akrotiri. It will captivate your imagination casting spells with its unusual and rare combination of blue sea and red rocks and sand.

Geography

Santorini is a small group of five volcanic islands of Thira, Therasia, Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni and Aspronisi. This Cycladic group is located in the Southern Aegean. The area of Santorini, the southernmost island of Cyclades, is of 76 sq. km and its coastline is of 70 km.

Santorini sits about 120 km to the north of Crete island and 200 km to the south of Athens.

Its landscape is a mixture of volcanic cliffs and fertile valleys.

Transport

You can get to the place either by air or by sea. The island has its own national airport. It stays 6 km from the capital, not far from Kamari village. The flight from Athens takes about 30-40 min.

The sea ships and ferry boats provide the necessary communication of Santorini with the mainland and other islands of Cyclades and Dodecanese. The trip from Piraeus port lasts about 4.5 hours.

Climate

The Mediterranean climate of the island feature hot dry summers and mild rainy winters. In summer time the average temperature is about 28 Celsius degrees, and in winter it can be as cold as 13 Celsius degrees. The rainy season lasts during autumn and winter periods.

Population and traditions

The local population, according to the latest census of 2011, is of about 15 250 people. People in Greece always try to be faithful to their customs and traditions. Santorini inhabitants are not an exception. The majority of the events here have religious character. People start preparations for a holiday beforehand. Some churches in the island have a separate building meant for holding festive events and preparing food for the guests. One should live the event the night of the Epitaph taking place at the Great Friday night in a small village of Pyrgos. You will feel the enchantment and magic of the moment created by the stunning setting and enhanced by the lit tin lanterns carried by participants. “Lazaros” is another religious tradition that is celebrated with splendor in Santorini. Actually “Lazaros” is a great wooden cross all covered with flowers and rosemary.

Santorini is also known for its festivals:

“Jazz festival” in July.

“Ifestia” (gr. volcanoes) with an imitation of a volcanic eruption, in August.

“International music festival” in September.

Capital

Built 260 m above the sea level in the 19th century the island’s capital Thira or Fira today resembles a flock of seagulls perched on the cliff edge. Thus it hangs from the highest point of Caldera attracting a lot of visitors. Whitewashed houses with balconies and staircases, churches with their blue domes along with the jumble of cobbled sidewalks and streets create the perfect image of the place. It is quite easy to get from Fira to the Old port of the island that handles only cruise liners.

Shops in Fira remain open till late night and its night life with numerous taverns, bars and clubs is especially appreciated by young people.

What to see

For many people all over the world Santorini’s landmark is its sunsets. People fall hook, line and sinker for this astonishing and breathtaking sight. Every evening it gathers a great number of people in local bars and restaurants.

Of note is the archeological site of Akrotiri. Those who are keen on history should not miss it. An ancient town was discovered during some works held in the 19th century. Being covered with lava and volcanic ashes buildings with their interiors and painted walls could survive throughout centuries.

Imerovigli invites you to visit the Venetian castle “Skaros”. It was built in the 13th century. You will be able to enjoy the fascinating view that opens up.

The monastery of Profitis Ilias is located at the top of the mountain that carries the same name. Its construction began in 1711. The monastery has its own museum and library.

The new Museum of prehistoric Thira and the Archeological museum of Thira. The Prehistoric museum has many items from Akrotiri and other archeological sites of the island. The present Archeological museum was built in 1960 in order to replace the old one that was ruined during the earthquake of 1956. The objects displayed here mostly belong to the Ancient and Roman periods.

Among many other things you have planned to do, do not forget to visit the Museum of wine and winery Koutsogiannopoulos. It presents the history of Santorini wine and Santorini vine-growing from 1660 till the present moment. You can also watch the process of wine making and even buy a bottle of this drink. There are a lot of other wineries on the island where you will be always welcomed.

Here some most important religious temples on the island:

Orthodox cathedral in Thira.

Catholic cathedral in Thira dedicated to St John the Baptist.

Theotokaki church (Dormition of the Mother of God).

Panagia Episkopi church (Dormition of the Mother of God) built by the Byzantine Emperor Alexius I Comnenus.

Agios Minas church (St Menas) – a postcard symbol of the island.

Mythology and history

The story tells that long time ago Triton, a mythological Greek god, son of Poseidon and Amphitrite, gave this piece of earth to the Argonauts as a gift. Later on this piece has turned into an island. Some scientists also believe that once Santorini was part of Plato’s mysterious Atlantis. It is up to you to accept this point of view or not.

Once Argonauts were so impressed by the view of the island that they called it Kallisti, which means “the most beautiful one”. Long before the first eruption of the local volcano the island was known as Strongile meaning “the circular one”. The name Santorini came into being in the 13th century when the island was under the Latin empire. It is a derivation from the name of the island’s saint “Santa Irina”. The name of Thira, which is popular among locals, was given after the ancient Spartan hero. The first evidences of human activity on the island can be traced back as far as 3000 B.C. The influence of the Minoan Crete on the local culture was proved by the finds in Akrotiri. Santorinian history in many cases was determined by the local volcano. Its eruption in 1450 B.C. not only changed the island’s landscape, but also, as some people believe, caused the fall of the Minoan civilization. In 11th BC the Dorians led by Fir landed to the shores of Santorini. During the Peloponnesian war Santorini took the part of Sparta. Later on the Athenians took the island. In 1207 Santorini is captured by the Venetians and in 1570 by the Turks. With the end of the War of independence of 1821 Santorini joined Greece. After the new volcano eruption in 1956 the landscape of the place has changed again.

Cuisine

Thanks to the island’s fertile volcanic soil the locals are able to grow rare agricultural species, for example a grape that is given the form of a basket in order to protect it from the wind. Santorian wines, known all over the world, are exported even to remote Japan.

Fava beans (yellow peas) – this is one of the most popular and traditional food on the island, known from the ancient times. You will find fava dish in any restaurant of Santorini.

Do not miss the chance to try small thick-skinned tomatoes perhaps most popular local product. These tomatoes are used to prepare famous tomato paste “peltes” (πελτές).

Another rare product of local soil is the white eggplant, that has peculiar sweet taste and do not absorb much oil.

Do not leave Santorini without tasting its famous tomato balls “tomatokeftedes” (ντοματοκεφτέδες) also cooked with local tomatoes.

Entertainment

Santorini is the island that never falls asleep in summer time. If historians state that the number of churches on the island is equal to the number of houses, you may rest assured that there is an entertainment centre for every inhabitant on the island, such as bar, restaurant, tavern, etc.

On Santorini you get the opportunity to do all kinds of water sports, horseback riding, rock climbing, mountain biking under the guidance of experienced coaches, or at your own risk. You can also make a trip to the neighbouring islands. This will make your stay more memorable.

What to buy

Famous wine of Santorini island, which owes its original taste to the volcanic soil.

Small tomatoes, especially “liasti tomata” dried by sun. Kept in olive oil they get unique taste and smell.

Fava beans of Santorini.

Photos of Santorini island