Born by the fury of the elements, “forged” with lava and fire, “blessed” with views to Caldera and “coated” with volcanic beaches. The black land of Santorini is our modern Atlantis.
The spectacular scenery of Santorini is unique across the globe. It is one of the most famous islands in the Aegean, offering a range of luxurious amenities and services, wild beauty, volcanic beaches and vineyards. Santorini is located south of Ios and west of Anafi, 128 nautical miles from Piraeus and 63 miles from Crete. The capital of Santorini is Fira and its main harbor is Athinios.
The island was born from the eruption of the volcano that caused most of the ancient island, Stroggili, to sink. At that time, the famous Caldera was formed and later the islands of Aspronisi, Thirassia, Palaia and Nea Kameni due to continuous volcanic activity.
FIRA
Awe is probably the best characterization for the way the imposing rocky landscape makes you feel as you approach the Athinios bay. Once you get to the port of Santorini, Fira is only short drive away. The city lies 854 feet above sea level and it’s the perfect starting point for your exploration of the island. The essence of Fira is the promenade with the breath- taking view overlooking the volcano. Fira is the capital that has everything and then some; accommodation, restaurants, tavernas, bars and clubs. In the glamuros Gold street ( or Ypapanti street) you will also find renowned jewelers for luxurious shopping. If you are fascinated by the historical past of the island, pay a visit to the Archaeological Museum. You will have a chance to see significant finds dating from the Archaic to the Roman eras.
OIA
At a mere 7.5 miles north of Fira, the town of Oia awaits you. The marble- linedOia, decorated with arches, countless domes and the legendary Captain’s houses welcomes you every time. The “ritual” is always, more or less the same: just before the big show, you are fighting for a place on the terrace of Agios Nikolaos’ old watchtower with hundreds of visitors. The sun dives in the Aegean, infinite photographic clicks capture the most famous sunset in the world and just as the colors start to fade, the fiesta begins. The enchanted crowd pours into the cobbled streets and into the dreamy bars that almost literally hang on the edge of the cliff and you, somewhere among them, leisurely sip your cocktail, gazing at the volcano. A few minutes away, you can choose to explore a colorful Finikia village.
VOLCANO
The boat takes you down to the black land of Nea Kameni. You climb the path leading to the largest crater of the active volcano of Santorini. By now, you can smell the sulfur, you notice the red and black layers below your feet and you feel that the history of the island is playing before your eyes like a movie. In 1613- 1614 BC, the colossal Minoan eruption caused most of the ancient Santorini (then called Strogili) to sink. The prehistoric village of Akrotiri was buried under tons of lava. The islands within a 37 mile radius were completely destroyed and a huge tsunami swept away everything in its path, reaching all the way to Crete. At that time, the famous sea basin (Caldera) was formed, with a diameter of 6.2 miles, while Aspronisi, Thirasia, Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni were the souvenirs left behind by lava throughout the centuries.
IMEROVIGLI
Your next stop would be Imerovigli. In the past, the highest point of the volcanic “basin” was used as an observatory for the detection of pirate ships. Today, it constitutes an official traditional village and one of the most romantic locations in Santorini to admire the view of Thirasia and the Kameni islands. If you choose to descend the path to the conical rock of Skaros, the view of the Caldera will reveal itself in all its glory right before your eyes.
PERIVOLOS
Popular among the elite in Santorini, Perivolos is situated in the southeastern part of the island (between Agios Georgios and Perissa) with deep clear waters and volcanic black sand. The organized beach of Perivolos is packed with beach bars and frequented by young people, celebrities and families alike.
KAMARI
A favorite destination for Scandinavian visitors, only 6 miles away from Fira. In the shadow of Mesa Vauno and Thira an extensive, cosmopolitan sandy beach stretches with comfortable sun loungers, beach bars, hotels, rooms to let, cafes and restaurants.
EXO GIALOS
Within 2km from Fira, a stretch of black sand, pebbles and rocky hills offers a unique exoerience set in extraordinary scenery.
PERISSA
The most famous beach in Santorini has been awarded the Blue Flag for the purity of its waters. The black volcanic sand and Mesa Vouno mountain in the background compose a magical, mystified image. Perissa offers a variety of water sports options, including a water park, diving center, beach bars, taverns and hotels.
