SANTORINI ISLAND INFO

Santorin is a small, circular archipelago of volcanic islands (Thera, Therasia, Palea & Nea Kameni, Aspronisi & Christiana) located in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km (120 mi) southeast from Athens, with an area of approximately 90.623 sq km (34.990 sq mi).

The oldest signs of human settlement are Late Neolithic (4th Millennium or earlier), but ca. 2000–1650 BC Akrotiri developed into one of the Aegean's major Bronze Age ports, in connection with the Minoan civilization in Crete and the Egyptian civilization.

Between 1600 and 1645 BC a massive explosion of the Thira Volcano took place and destroyed everything in the area, including the Minoan civilization in Crete (still speculated). This explosion created the today’s shape of the island and in 1707 AD the undersea volcano breached the sea surface, forming the current centre of activity at Nea Kameni.The last major earthquake struck Santorini back in 1956 causing reasonable amount of damage and became the cause of the reconstruction of the island formatting the today’s image.

Due to its remarkable civilization before the major eruption and its disappearance, the island is strongly connected to the Myth of the Lost Atlantis. After 1200 BC Phoenicians founded a site on Thera and called the island Kallisti (“The most beautiful one”). Before that the island used to be called Strogili (Round Island due to its original shape). The 9th century BC, Dorians founded the main Hellenic city (on “Mesa Vouno”, 396 m above sea level) and named the island after their King Theras. Today, that ancient city is referred to as Ancient Thera.

As with other Greek territories, Thera was then ruled by the Romans, it passed to the eastern side of the Empire when it divided - which now is known as the Byzantine Empire. During the Crusades, the Franks settled it, while in the 13th century AD, the Venetians annexed the isle to the Duchy of Naxos and named it "Santorini", a reference to "Saint Irene" (one of the many local Churches).

Santorini is accessible by air via Athens with direct flights and charter flights are coming in from many central European cities. By boat any one could come in from Piraeus and there are frequent boat connections with Crete and Mykonos. Arriving in Santorini, anyone will observe the unique morphology of the island remnant of a volcanic cone, whose top was blown off. The inner coast around the caldera is a cliff of more than 300 m drop at its highest, and exhibits the various layers of solidified lava on top of each other and visitors could enjoy a tour to the crater or a sun set cruise.

The main towns are perched on its edge. Fira is the capital town of Santorini with its old port and the cable car, the Prehistoric Museum of Ancient Thira, the Archaeological and the folklore Museum of Santorini together with all major Banks, ATM’s, shopping, bars, night clubs and restaurants could be found there. Slightly north of Fira town any one could visit the well known settlements of Firostefani and Imerovigli. At the northwest point, Oia is the second largest town of the island and it’s well known for its stunning sun sets and unique atmosphere.

The ground then slopes outwards and downwards towards the outer perimeter and the beaches are smooth and shallow. Beach sand colour depends on which geologic layer is exposed to. There are beaches with sand or pebbles made of solidified lava of various colours (mainly black or red). Kamari, Perisa and Perivolos, are the main beaches of the island, well organized with sun beds and umbrellas, where activities such as horseback riding, water sports and scuba diving could be enjoyed. The Red beach and the major Prehistoric site of Akrotiri are at the south east point of the island.

All over the island visitors will enjoy the delicious Greek cuisine and the local products are extremely tasteful because of the volcanic land been reach in minerals and with less water. Fresh fish, fava beans (split pea), cherry tomatoes, white eggplant, capers, pistachios, cucumber and grapes consisting of the principal variety of asyrtico, as well as Athiri, Aidani, Mavrotragano and Mandilaria, providing the excellent Santorini wine (mainly dry white) and now days is the major agricultural production.

The pleasant climate of the island - dry and sunny throughout the tourist season - and its crystal clear waters are completing the attractions of “Kallisti”