Santorini, or Thira, is the top travel destination in Greece and among the most romantic travel destinations in Greek islands and the whole travelling world. Located in the Aegean Sea, in the Cyclades islands, Santorini was the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the world and what remains today is a submerged volcano and a caldera, as a complex of islands (Thira, Thirassia (or Thirassia), Aspronissi, Palea and Nea Kameni).
The volcano
This island’s complex was created precisely because of this intense volcanic activity of the earth! Twelve massive eruptions, one every 20,000 years or so, contributed to the creation of a caldera, destroying most of the volcano.
The last major explosion took place about 3,600 years ago (in the Minoan era), covering the three islands (Thira, Thirasia, Aspronissi) with ash, thus eliminating a prehistoric culture. The volcanic activity continued much more mildly, creating within Caldera the islands of Old and Nea Kameni. The island is thus a huge living geological museum, an ideal place to observe the processes of building and evolving a volcano.
Seeking romance
Santorini island is considered to be the most romantic travel destination in Greece. Loving couples are travelling every year to the sunny island to enjoy the famous sunset of Santorini. In fact, in recent years the island has established itself as a top travel destination for couples to hold their wedding ceremony or honeymoon.
Things to do in Santorini
Touring to the volcano, walking along the caldera path from Fira to Oia and shopping are the most popular activities on the island. Shops in Santorini island vary from small souvenir stores to international brands. Most beaches in Santorini are organized and have watersports centres with fun games. Diving centres also have their base in the beaches of Santorini, offering courses and diving trips to close islands, old wrecks and the volcano. Trekking paths are also available in the island.
A small tour of the villages of the island
The capital of the island is Fira. Built on the Caldera, 260 meters above sea level, with a splendid view of the blue waters of the Aegean Sea and the island of Nea Kameni. Fira along with Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia are spread out to the length of the Caldera enchanting the visitor, each in its own unique way. Other less famous but equally beautiful villages of the island worth visiting are Akrotiri and Mesa Vounos with their famous archaeological sites, the Tower, the Karterades, Emborios, Ammoudi, Finikia, Perissa, Perivolos, Megalohori , Kamari, Messaria and Monolithos. Some of them are more cosmopolitan, some quieter, others surrounded by huge vineyards, others dominate high castles with immense views of the Aegean, but they all have a special personality that will fascinate you.
The products of the land
Who does not know the unique local products of Santorini island? White eggplant, tomatoes, fava, capers and green cheese: all delicious ingredients of delicious local dishes that will be appreciated by lovers of good food! The island is also considered one of the country’s most organized wine tourism travel destinations.
Beaches
Discover volcanic beaches Let us not forget to mention the wonderful beaches of the island that could only be in harmony with its special volcanic character. Dive into beaches with black, red and white sand or colorful rocks, sculptured by the salt and wind rocks. A unique setting that you will not find anywhere else in Greece…
Santorini awaits you! It is certain that its intoxicating atmosphere where the blue of the Aegean blends with reddish rocks and the white of the houses will charm you! Let the energy flowing out of the volcanic landscape penetrate you and discover a special magic that really no image can capture.
How to travel to Santorini
There are two main ways to travel to Santorini, by plane and by ferry .
Flights to Santorini
The Santorini airport (JTR) accepts flights from all over Europe and Athens (ATH). So you can visit the island with cheap plane tickets either by direct flights or via Athens. Athens to Santorini flights are about 40 minutes. We give you a table of low-cost flight companies that they are operating in Santorini with cheap airfare, directly from Europe.
Ferries to Santorini
In order to travel from Athens to Santorini by ferry you have to move to Piraeus Port, 40 minutes close to Athens International Airport (ATH). From the port there are many ferries and high speed boats that are connected to Santorini with fairly cheap tickets. The trip is comfortable and unique experience. You have a lot of options depending on the tickets cost, your itinerary and what do you really want. Here are some search engines to choose the best deal for you.
Where to stay in Santorini
There are a lot of places to stay in Santorini, depending on your mood. If you want expensive and place with a lot of people, then it is a good place to stay in Fira or Oia. Another expernsive option but not so crowded and more romantic are Firostefani and Imerovigli. Cheaper places are Kamari and Perissa. Kamari is a good place to shop also. It is cheaper than Oia or Fira markets.
Weather in Santorini
Santorini has a semi-arid climate, with low total rainfall average, full sunny and strong wings that could be observed in the summer season. Total report for the santorini weather could be seen here.
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