Greek Island Guide: Santorini
Posted: August, 11 2014
Like Mykonos, Santorini is also part of the Cyclades. The island is known as one of the most beautiful of all the Greek islands and is among the most popular for tourists and travelers.
The Island
The cities of Fira, Oia, Imerovigli are all built into the sharp cliffs and hillsides of the island, providing magnificent views of the Aegean sea. The entire center of the island sunk into the sea 3,500 years ago as the result of a volcanic eruption. The remaining portion of the island is in a crescent shape that creates a vast bay.
Beaches
Red Beach in Santorini is a sight to be seen. Instead of white sandy beaches, Red Beach has red and black volcanic pebbles that lead into a hot sea. The beach is also steps away from the ancient site of Akrotiri, so you can get two attractions at once while you’re in the area. The beach is small, so it can be crowded at times, but this may very well be the only chance you have to see such a unique beach, so it’s worth fighting the crowds.
Villages
Oia is the most popular village of Santorini. It’s known for its quiet left and amazing sunsets and is among the most picturesque villages on the island. The village is situated on the top of an impressive cliff, offering amazing views.
The town has plenty of tourist shops, taverns, cafes, art shops and other shops. The Maritime Museum is also in Oia and features a small library, maritime artifacts, and the vestiges of a Venetian fortress.
Fira is the capital of Santorini and is much busier than Oia, but still just as enjoyable. The central streets of the town can be extremely crowded during peak tourism season. There are plenty of shops, jewelers, restaurants, cafes, bars and nightclubs. The Archaeological Museum provides for a great glimpse into the history and culture of the island and hosts many items from excavations in the town. There are also many churches and monasteries.
Imerovigli is considered a continuation of Fira, but is known to be much quieter and peaceful. It’s home to one of the most amazing balconies of the island and provides some of the most breathtaking views of the sea and coastline. Due to its calm atmosphere and amazing views, Imerovigli is known as an ultimate destination for romantics. The above photo may look like a snow-capped mountain, but this is actually a photo of Imerovigli. The white cap is actually clusters of white buildings.
Attractions
In the center of Santorini’s vast bay there are two small islands made of black lava. Nea Kameni is popular with tourists due to its healing hot springs. These springs of yellow water have high sulfur content and are recognized as therapeutic.
Tourists can visit the volcano that created Santorini’s crescent shape by taking one of the daily boat rides advertised in the villages. Tourists can walk right up the cooled black lava sides of the volcano that still steams to this day. Once on the shore of Nea Kameni, its about a 20 minute walk to see the volcano’s crater and other openings of sulfurous steam. From this vantage point, you can also see amazing views of Santorini’s coastline that is speckled with bright white buildings and cobalt blue rooftops.
Akrotiri Minoan is an archeological site situated close to Santorini’s famed Red Beach. The excavation of this site began in the 1870s where traces of an ancient settlement were unearthed. Archeologists believe the town was constructed around 4,500 B.C and was destroyed by an earthquake in the 17th century. A new town was constructed on top of the ruins and this town too was later destroyed by a volcanic eruption a century later in 1,650 B.C. The lava and ash from the eruption preserved the town and has left in nearly fully intact all these years later.
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