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ISLAND INFO
Santorini Island
Santorini is a
unique island, located at the south end
of the Cyclades island complex. In the 15th
century BC the volcano erupted
and the center of the island collapsed into the sea forming
the caldera. The black beaches, the
precipice surrounding the caldera, the
twisted, colourful rocks and the steep
cliffs all give the island a distinctive quality.
Santorini has often been connected with Atlantis, the legendary
continent that plunged to the bottom of the sea while it
was at its zenith. In Plato's dialogues 'Timaeus' and 'Critias'
it is mentioned that "the kingdom" consisted of two islands,
the 'larger' and the 'smaller', and there were ten cities. He mentioned two of them, the 'Royal city' and the 'Metropolis'. Perhaps Crete
was the 'larger' island, with the 'Royal city',
and Santorini, with which Crete had ties,
would have been the 'smaller' island with 'Metropolis'. Today the question still remains. Is Santorini the lost Atlantis?
Accommodation in Santorini can be split
in two main categories.
The one available on the cliffs of the island with volcano view and sun set view,
that is caldera view, and the other one that has
no view of the caldera but might have nice
view of the sea at the east or south of the
island. Accommodation
with caldera view is more expensive.
The best know products of Santorini island are its
wines and in particular the white one, one
of the best worldwide
and its small tomatos grown virtually without
water. The climate is mild and dry. During
the summer temperature is between 25- 35
degrees.
Santorini has magnificent beaches, created
by the volcano, where the sand is black, red,
or white and the sea is deep blue and
crystal clear.
Fira town
The island capital of Santorini, Fira
clings to the edge of a cliff, which is,
in fact, the rim of the carter. During
the earthquakes of 1956 a considerable
part of the town was destroyed.
Nevertheless many of the typical 18th
century houses still survive. The
wonderful architecture the deep blue sea
and the volcano comprise a unique
picture. 600 steps will lead you down
to the caldera to the old harbour of Fira,
where you may
 choose either the "teleferic"
or the traditional "donkeys” for the way
back. Fira is a modern town where
nightlife never stops. The plurality of bars, discos, coffee shops, restaurants
will satisfy almost any need. Up to 1980 Fira was one of the two ports of
Santorini island with no capability of
cars transfer. Diemparcation of of the
people in the old harbour it is done by small boats. Then the port has been transferred at the bay Athinios,
12 klm at the south of Fira in order to facilitate
access to cars. Athinios is now the main port of Santorini;
the ships of the line do not stop at Oia or Fira anymore.
Today the old port of Fira is available for yatches, providing good facilities for them Places to visit
Akrotiri
Don’t miss to
visit the excavations at Akrotiri started in 1967. Ruins of a
Minoan city were found which had been
destroyed around the year 1500c B.C. by an
eruption of the volcano of Thera. It is a
case of a prehistoric Pompeii buried under
the lava with two and three storey
buildings, city squares, shops and
workshops. Marvelous frescoes were found in
some of the houses. The original frescoes
can by seen in the National Archaeological
Museum in Athens. Vases and utensils in
everyday use were also found.
Oia
A unique place. Must be seen,
there are no words to describe it. The
best sun set in the island.
Beaches
Akrotiri
Near Akrotiri one can visit two beautiful
beaches, the Red beach (Kokkini Paralia) and
the White beach (Aspri Paralia). The Red beach has taken its name from the impressive red lava cliffs droping to the
sea and surrounding the beach. Walk to the
Red beach from Akrotiri and enjoy the view,
where soaring red lava cliffs that drop into
the clear blue sea, form a majestic setting.
Taverns and a few places more for meals and
snacks can be found here. The White beach is
accessible by caique only, which one can
take from the shore to the right of Akrotiri.
It is nice to explore the under water
scenery around the white islet, so don’t
forget your mask.
Kamari
Black sand, pebbles and crystal-clear
water characterize Kamari beach that
stretches for 5 km in length along the
eastern coast of Santorini. Water sports
facilities are available at Kamari beach. On
the sea front you can find, restaurants,
taverns, tourist shops cafes etc
Perissa:
8 km of black sand and clear deep blue sea,
numerous facilities as Water sports,
camping, seafront taverns and anything else
you can imagine have made Perissa one of the
most popular beaches on the island Situated at the Southeastern part of the island, it is
 one of the most impressive beaches in the Aegean. Black sand, made of lava, is extended for some 7 klm, combined with crystal clear water and a glaring and burning sun. Due to this unique combination, Perissa is the most popular beach.
Perivolos
Continuation of Perissa, a relatively quiet
beach. Sports facilities, taverns and bars
are available.
Red Beach
Just a step from the
archaeological site of Akrotiri it is
situated Kokkini Ammos. Not only one finds
again the black sand and blue water; the
beach has taken its name ("red beach") from
the impressive red lava cliffs droping to
the sea and surrounding the beach. This
impressive beach seems to have been painted
on one of the frescoes found in the Minoan
settlement. Tolerant to nudism.
Vourvoulos beach
Two successive beaches,
some 7 klm far from Fira at the Northeast.
Sandy, with clear blue water, not very
crowded. Access is possible by car and motorbike. Walking from Vourvoulos is also an alternative.
Monolithos beach
Situated at the eastern part of the island, long enough,
with dark sand, deep blue clear water, the beach of Monolithos
is more quiet than the near by Kamari, but the landscape is the same beautiful
Villages
Imerovigli
 Situated 3 klm of Fira at the Northwest,
Imerovigli is a typically Cycladic
settlement, with traditional low, white
washed houses with terraces, narrow pebble
paved streets and numerous tiny churches
found in every quartier. This settlement of
460 permanent residents has been declared
preservable. Built at the rim of the
volcanic crater, 300 m. high, it has an
extraordinary view to the caldera, fully
justifying its name
Messaria
Situated almost at the center of the island,
this inland village is only 4 klm far from
Fira, at the Southeast. Messaria has 1.075
permanent residents and it is the heart of
the Santorini wine. Surrounded by gardens
and vineyards, with its white houses and
narrow paths, it is possibly the most
beautiful village of the island
Pyrgos
An inland village built on the slope of the
mountain Profitis Ilias, Pyrgos is situated
7,5 klm far from Fira, at the southeast and
has 730 permanent residents. The houses are
arranged amphitheatrically surrounding the
remains of the Venetian castle (today known
as "kasteli") offering a magnificent view
Kamari
One of the best organised places in
Santorini Kamari is situated 10 klm far from
Fira, at the South east. It is a new village,
reconstructed after the earthquake of 1956
and fully developed in a touristic resort,
with 1350 permanent residents. Apart from
the beach, it is worthseeing the ruins of
ancient buildings by the sea
How to get there
- By air:
from Athens Airport, Thessaloniki,
Mykonos
- By Ferry:
from Piraeus, Rafina and other Aegean islands.
Excursions - Boat Tours
- Volcano visit:
Small boat 3 hrs trip to volcano and
palaia kameni Departure from Fira old
port, Ahtenio new port and other places.
Every day middle April to middle October
- Sunset trip:
Small boad 6-7 hrs trip to Volcano, Hot spring, Theressia, Oia sunset. Departure from Fira old
port, Ahtenios new port and other places.
Every day middle April to middle October
- Santorini in one day :
Prophitis Ilias Monastery - Pyrgos Village - Volcano - Hot Springs - Thirassia - Sunset in Oia.
Weekly 2 - 3 times middle April to middle October
Request our
special prices for individuals and groups for boat tours and excurrsions in Santorini
Cruises
Santorini island is very popular island and is
always part of any
Greek island or
Mediterranean cruise. It is easily combined
with Kousantansi (Turkey), Mykonos, Patmos and Crete.
Island Hopping :
Santorini is combined
with Mykonos,
Crete, Ios, Paros, Naxos islands in our packages.
Other island combination upon request.
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