

Destination
Santorini
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Enchanting and with much photographed sunsets, thousands of images and memories painted in blue, red and gold, endless romances, amazing food … Santorini is all this and more! Many artists have tried over the years to sketch the natural beauty of the island, but the truth is you must visit Santorini to understand the grandeur of its magic. As an island created in the aftermath of volcanic explosions, Santorini has many unique features; they call it the "Pompeii of the Aegean", and for good reason. Fira, the capital of the island, as well as many of its villages, is built on and adorn the edges of rocky cliffs, offering a spectacular view of the volcano and the Aegean Sea. The picturesque streets of Fira and Oia invite you to explore them and discover each and every nook and cranny of the white small houses and narrow passageways, which, in most cases, are carved into the cliffs. The atmosphere of the island draws you like a magnet and makes it difficult for you to let go ... The beaches of Santorini are also unique, with black volcanic sand, crystal clear waters and variety: some are suited to those who wish to spend a day full of adventures at the beach, others are more suited to those who seek calmness and relaxation. Even so, if you are looking for a romantic escape with a breathtaking view, combined with exquisite beaches suitable for all tastes and preferences and amazing traditional cuisine, Santorini is the place you are looking for. So, come on board and let us take you to our beloved island of Santorini!

The history
According to research and excavations in Santorini, the first human presence on the island goes back to the Neolithic period. The discoveries made in a city buried near Akrotiri and the splendid Red Beach revealed the existence of an ancient Minoan colony, which is very much reminiscent of the cities found in Crete. In ancient times, the island of Santorini was known as Strongili. In 1500 B.C., Strongili suffered a huge volcanic explosion, which sunk the center of Santorini, while the many subsequent earthquakes destroyed a large segment of the remaining island. According to history, the Phoenicians settled in ancient Thera around 1300 B.C. and remained there for five generations. Afterwards, around 1100 B.C., the island was taken over by the Lacedaemonians. In the 7th and 6th centuries B.C., Thera traded with most islands and cities in Greece, while during the Hellenistic period, it became a major trading center and naval base, due to its perfect strategic location. The island was under Byzantine rule from 1200 to 1579 A.D., and in 1204 A.D., it was ceded to Marco I Sanudo of Venice and became part of the Duchy of the Aegean. Venetians named the island after Santa Irini, a Catholic church. Afterwards, during Turkish rule, Santorini achieved a growth in trade, but because of the wars, its economy went into decline, and residents abandoned the island after the devastating earthquake of 1956. The island's tourism development started during the '70s, and it is currently one of the most popular destinations around the world.


Sightseeing


Palea & Nea Kameni (Santorini Volcano)
Santorini is gifted with a unique type of natural beauty and a fierce landscape, which was formed as a result of the long number of volcanic explosions over the years. Although the island's enormous volcano has been inactive since its last explosion back in the 1950s, it is still regarded as active and the crescent-shaped caldera is one of the most famous points of interests in the entire Aegean Sea. Other than its main island, the caldera of Santorini also includes two smaller islands made exclusively of black lava, whose names are Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, or Ifaisteio. In terms of geography, this small island complex was the youngest group of islands to emerge from the sea in the East Mediterranean region. The active volcano of Santorini is among the top sights of the island, and one of the largest underwater active volcanoes in the world.
Local gastronomy




Wineries
The wineries of Santorini are a great part of the island's history, because its volcano has created a very particular ecosystem, and the volcanic soil assists the growth and flourishing of vines. Enjoy the opportunity to become acquainted with the wine tradition of Santorini through its famous wine roads of Santorini, which include tours and wine tasting sessions of the island's various wine varieties. Santorini is host to 16 wineries, which are visited by more than 170,000 visitors annually. Pay them a visit on your next trip to Santorini and become immersed in the entire winemaking process, while tasting its unique and excellent varieties.

Useful information
Police: +30 22860 22649
Airport: +30 22860 28400
Bus: +30 22860 25404
Taxi: +30 22860 22555
Hospital: +30 22860 35300
Port: +30 22860 22239
Weather conditions in Santorini
