The Greek island of Santorini, site of a Bronze Age volcanic eruption that is said to be one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history, is a fascinating place to visit. Santorini is home to a thriving segment of the wine industry, and attracts a large number of tourists, especially in the summer time. The most memorable way to approach the island is by sea. As you sail into the caldera, red-and-black sheer cliffs rise directly from the water, their tops dusted by what at first looks like a sprinkling of snow. Then, as you get closer, the snow takes the shape of Cycladic buildings hanging precariously off the hillsides. Zigzagging lines across the rock face become recognizable as roads that lead up from the sea to whitewashed houses perching on the cliffs.
This island is also known for its excellent produce, and is the place that the world famous Santorini tomatoes originate from. If you’re planning to visit Santorini, here are some of the places that you’ll definitely want to check out.
- Caldera Views. The cliff area of Santorini, called the caldera, offers breathtaking views that must be seen to be believed. Towns with caldera views include Fira, Imerovigli, Firastefani and Oia. Oia, in particular, is known for its fabulous sunsets. These towns thrive on the tourist industry, and many visitors are drawn there every year for the stunning views. This natural area of Santorini is a great example of what unspoiled, untouched Greece looks like. Here you’ll see hotels that are literally built into carved out areas of the cliffs and offer unsurpassed opportunities to take in – and take pictures of — the spectacular views.
- Hot Springs. Several hot springs are located around Nea Kameni on Santorini. The mud on the bottom of the springs carries traces of sulfur and is believed to be very beneficial for the skin. Geologists say the springs around Nea Kameni contain concentrated iron and manganese, and these are said to be curative and have positive effects on the body. All in all, a swim in Santorini’s hot springs should have a rejuvenating and restorative effect on the visitor that chooses to indulge in them.
- Beaches: Red Beach. Santorini has several popular and beautiful beaches, but the Red Beach of Santorini is its most famous. Located near the excavation site of a Minoan Bronze Age settlement known as Akrotiri, the Red Beach attracts many visitors because of the red and black slabs of volcanic rock behind it. The reddish black sand is hot and painful to sit on, so you’ll want to have a beach chair of some sort. The Red Beach can be accessed by driving to it and walking through the lot, or you can reach it by sea in a caique, a small fishing boat that is used for transportation. The same caique that takes you to the Red beach can also take you to the nearby and equally impressive White Beach. Kamari Beach. On the east coast of Thira, Santorini’s longest beach runs for almost 5 mi/8 km. Made up of black sand and pebbles, it has rows of sun beds and umbrellas for hire and is overlooked by a string of midrange hotels, tavernas and bars. It’s also a good place to take the kids, with lifeguards on duty and pedal boats and banana rides available. Beach shoes are recommended, as the black sand gets very hot. Free. Located 5 mi/8 km southeast of Fira, Santorini Island.
- Walk. Take the stunning 8 mile/13 km cliff top path from Fira to Oia. The path follows a dramatic cliff-top route, affording unforgettable views of the caldera.
- Archaeology: Santorini has two notable archaeological sites: Akrotiri and Ancient Thira. Akrotiri, a former Minoan settlement, contains a labyrinth of well-preserved buildings. Ancient Thira gives visitors some idea of how the ancients once lived. Try to visit it in the early morning to avoid the midday sun.
- Boat excursion. Private or group sailing trip to the 2 small, uninhabited volcanic islands of Palea kameni and New Kameni, which still spout volcanic gases. Plenty of sail boat excursions also offer snorkeling and lunch. You can also rent jet ski’s, go parasailing or windsurfing.
- Memorable Meals. Book a table for two overlooking the caldera at romantic Ambrosia in Oia; feast on creative Greek cuisine at Koukoumavlos in Fira; taste local specialties at Selene in hilltop Pyrgos; indulge in fusion seafood at Sea Side by Notos on Perivolos Beach.
If you want to spend a half day sightseeing and then the rest of the time at leisure, here is a suggested itinerary:
Begin in the village of Mesa Gonia where you will visit one of the islands greatest treasures; the little Panagia Episkopi Church built in 1115 AD, during the Byzantine period and housing one of the three most priceless icons in the world. You will then be whisked up the hill to one of the more traditional villages, Pyrgos, which also boasts the ruins of a Medieval Venetian castle. The village is overlooked solely by the Mount Profitis Ilias and as one of the highest points of Santorini, offers a fantastic view of the crescent shaped island. Next we are off to a wine tasting at a family owned wine estate in Megalochori, where you have the opportunity to learn a little about and sip on some of the famous wines of Santorini. (Santorini’s volcanic soil gets credit for the island’s reputation for producing some of Greece’s best white wines, including Vinsanto, a dessert wine made from sun-dried grapes.) The Grand Finale of our tour sees you entering the gates of the ancient site of Akrotiri, also known as the “Minoan Pompeii” which was destroyed and covered by the ashes of an enormous volcanic eruption in 1450BC. The settlement contained sophisticated multi-story buildings and magnificent fresco paintings signifying the just how advanced the Minoans were at that stage.
Santorini is a perfect vacation spot for the traveler that is desperately in need of rest and relaxation. Its beaches, swimming opportunities, and aesthetic beauty make it an ideal leisure spot for anyone looking for a break from the usual busy pace of life.
Santorini Collage
