Greece: Travel Guide: Santorini

Greece: Cyclades islands: Santorini

Santorini is a volcanic island in the Cyclades group of the Greek islands. It is located between Ios and Anafi islands. It is famous for dramatic views, stunning sunsets from Oia town, the strange white aubergine, the town of Thira and naturally its very own active volcano. There are naturally fantastic beaches such as the beach of Perissa, maybe the best beach in Santorini, the black pebble beach of Kamari, white beach and red beach.

An alternative name for Santorini is Thira. Santorini is also a name for the family of islands surrounding Thira--once forming a single island prior to a major volcanic event in approximately 1500 B.C.E.

The small island cradles a rich variety of landscapes and villages. Visit traditional architecture in the small village of Mesa Gonia containing a mixture of ruins from the 1956 earthquake and restored villas as well as a winery at the foot of the settlement. Pyrgos is another notable village set inland with its grand old houses, remains of a Venetian castle and several Byzantine churches.

Fira is the fiery capital clinging to the rim of the caldera. Nine hundred feet above the port town, you can take a mule or a cable car up the zigzagging steps. A marriage of Venetian and Cycladic architecture, the white cobblestone streets bustle with shops, tavernas, hotels and cafes.

Walking along a path about 20 minutes will bring you to Imerovigli where you can take in the magnificent views of the island’s unique scenery from the tiny town.

Just above Fira at the highest point of the island is the quintessentially Santorininian town of Ia, also sometimes spelled Oia, with its whitewashed walls sunk into the volcanic rock and it’s blue domes rising above the sterling beauty of the stunning russet Ammoudi Bay. At dusk, the town attracts crowds of people venturing to see the sunset. Santorini's sunsets, as viewed from Oia, are reputed to be among the world's most beautiful.

Due to the spectacular and unique natural beauty of Santorini, many Greek singers have chosen the island, as the setting of their videos. Greek and also a Brazial TV series have been shot of Santorini, as well as some Holywood movies (eg. Tomb Rider II). Generally Santorini is a pole of attraction for Greek and international celebrities