The legendary island of Santorini

Santorini is the best example of a Greek island with its white and blue houses, azure sea and marvelous taverns on the shore. The other name of the island is Thira, it is located in the eastern basin of the Mediterranean Sea 200 kilometers south of the continent. Santorini has a population of around 14.000 people so the calm atmosphere is guaranteed. The island has an international airport that makes traveling easier. There are regular flights from most European destinations in the summer. If all else fails you can take plane to Athens then change to a ferry in the port. The development of tourism helped to create an excellent road network on the island so feel free to drive around. Buses and taxis can take you to your hotel too. The island is very hot in the summer so a nice tan is guaranteed!

Volcanoes and sights in Santorini

The island’s landscape is dominated by the volcano in the centre, which is still active. Santorini’s current shape was created when the volcano erupted and exploded about 3000 years before. The central part of the island was completely destroyed leaving a ring of land and a high cliff. On top of the cliffs stands the city of Fira. If you come by ship you’ll see the city from the port below. Take a donkey or a cable car to the city. Don’t be afraid of the donkeys, they know the way up, but sometimes they’re a bit mulish.

Fira’s white houses are well known from the covers of magazines. From a distance it seems like the city’s only a line of snow on top of the cliffs. Hotels and restaurants alternate on the streets with a beautiful panorama of the sunset. If you take a walk in evening visit the orthodox cathedral. Fira has a lot of great shops and you can taste the best food in local restaurants.

Aside from the delicious feta cheese mutton is another famous specialty. Every Easter locals make roasted mutton with thyme. Aubergine is the gift from the fertile land and it’s the basic ingredient of a fine mousaka. Taste some of the great wines of Santorini made of Assyrtiko and Athiri grapes. Long drinks include the famous metaxa and the retsina. A rare delicacy is the Vinosanto, a cuvee made out of different Santorini wine.

Life on Santorini started thousands of years ago. You can discover the ancient city of Akrotiri thanks to archaeological excavations. The Minoan civilization inhabited the island in the Bronze Age and the remains are spectacular. Murals give you an impression of life 3000 years ago. The island’s beaches are covered with black sand as a result of volcanic activity and eruptions.
On the small island of Nea Kameni volcanoes are still active today. In front of Fira’s port lies the small island created from lava. Take a small boat to the island from the port. Be careful, the island is still hot so you might burn your shoes! Guides take you around the island and talk about volcanic activity and the islands geological features. Nea Kameni is uninhabited and almost totally barren. Take some food and water just in case.

Ships can take you to Crete from Santorini where you can discover the world of Minoan civilization. The Knossos Palace and the Archaeological Museum offer a wonderful experience and a collection of rare ancient objects.