SANTORINI ISLAND – The most romantic island in Greece
Santorini (officially called Thira or Fira) is the most famous and largest island of a small group of volcanic islands in the Aegean Sea, with a population of just over 15,000 inhabitants. The archipelago includes five islands: Thira (Santorini) and Thirasia, which are inhabited and Aspronisi, Nea Kameni and Palia Kameni – they are the uninhabited and the youngest volcanic islands in Europe. These 5 islands are part of the Cyclades group.
Santorini is the most romantic and one of the most beautiful islands of Greece and the Mediterranean. It is in the shape of a crescent, and the terrain in its western part consists of volcanic rocks that reveal incredible views of the sea and the caldera (a large volcanic crater, which was formed by a major eruption leading to the collapse of land and split the former island into the five smaller ones). In this part of the island is located the capital city Thira (or Fira), known for its authentic atmosphere of stone streets, white houses, shops and cafes. Other settlements in the area are Firostefani, Oia, Imerovigli, Finikas and Akrotiri. The beaches are in the east. At the outer periphery of the island there are black and red sand and stone beaches.
The beaches of Santorini Island
There are beaches with red quartz sand around the towns of Monolithos (shallower) and Kamari (suitable for diving). Perissa is also one of the most famous beach resorts, along with White and Red Beach, as well as Perivolos. The distances of the island are small and if you walk along the narrow winding paths you may come across deserted beaches where you can enjoy the tranquility and the sound of the sea waves.
Interesting places to visit in Santorini are:
1) The village of Oia is located at the highest point of the island and reveals the most famous sunsets.
2) A walk and dive into a volcanic crater – today’s caldera – a huge hole in the middle of Santorini, filled with seawater in sheer black and red rocks. Will you dare?
3) Akrotiri – an ancient Minoan city over 3500 years old. It is covered with volcanic ash, but the streets and remains of buildings are still visible.
4) Archaeological Museum – located in Thira.
5) Maritime Museum – housed in an old restored captain’s house in Oia.
6) Pyrgos – an ancient village in the interior of the island.
7) Nea Kameni Island – organized boat excursions.
8) The monasteries: Profitis Ilias and Timos Stavros.
9) The Skaros Rock in Imerovigli – a medieval fortress.
10) Wine Museum Koutsogiannopoulos – a museum nestled in a cave.
11) Museum of Minerals and Fossils.
12) Megaro Gyzi – cultural center with preserved murals.
13) Museum of Prehistoric Thira.
14) From Thira to the old port – 588 steps.
15) Imerovigli – the romantic center of the island.
Nightlife seekers can visit Thira’s capital city, full of numerous bars, discos, nightclubs and restaurants. Some tavernas are located along the seafront street and offer a great variety of Mediterranean food (…try the incredible tomato meatballs and hava – typical of Santorini legumes …).
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