Why Visit
Santorini island, located on the southern side of the Aegean Sea, is among the most popular Greek islands, along with Mykonos and Crete. The island got its name in the Venetian times and refers to Saint Irene. The event that marked its history and nature is the enormous volcanic eruption of 1,650 BC. This eruption changed the circular shape of the island and created the famous caldera, on top of which picturesque villages were constructed along the centuries.
The tsunami of the eruption destructed the Minoan civilization of Crete Island and made the Minoan town of Akrotiri in Santorini disappear. For this reason, this fabulous place is related to the myth of Atlantis. The last volcanic eruption in Santorini occurred recently in 1956.
The caldera villages are incredible with their traditional architecture, the paved streets and the breathtaking view to the sea. The village of Oia, in particular, is also famous for the romantic sunset. Book a hotel at the caldera and the experience will be unforgettable.
On the southern side of the island, there are large beaches to enjoy a day in the sun. Kamari and Perissa are the best organized beaches (famous for their black sand), while particularly popular for the volcanic geology is the Red Beach. Close to the Red Beach is the Minoan Site of Akrotiri, which was covered in volcanic ash by the eruption of Thira. This volcano can be visited by boat tour from the old port of Fira.
In our guide to Santorini, you will find all the important things to see and do on the island, as well as some activities off the beaten track.
The island is also know for the fabulous red and black beaches on the southern side, the archaeological site of Ancient Thera, the traditional ride on donkey, the cherry tomatoes that are cultivated only there, the delicious wines with spicy volcanic taste and of course it is famous as the most romantic destination forweddings.
History
According to searches and excavations made in the inhabited sites of Santorini, the first human presence on the island is situated back to the Neolithic Period. Santorini hosted an important civilization around 3600 BC. Discoveries made in an important city near Akrotiri and the famous red beach show the existence of an ancient Minoan colony. The city was very similar to those found in the island of Crete, with many wall ornaments and pottery showing naturalistic landscapes of animals and humans of the same ancient Minoan style.
In Ancient times, Santorini Island was known as Stongili, which means "round" in Greek. Strongili was the victim of an enormous volcano eruption in 1,500 BC. The eruption was so huge that many consider it to be the main cause of the destruction of the great Minoan civilization on the island of Crete, situated 70 nautical miles away. The specialists believe that the explosion was so strong that it created gigantic waves that reached the shores of the surrounding islands and Crete. After the explosion, the centre of Santorini sank, and the many earthquakes that followed destroyed a big part of the rest of the island.
In some ancient myths, the destruction of the island is closely associated to the legend of Atlantis. According to history, Phoenicians settled on ancient Thera around 1,300 BC and stayed for five generations. Then, around 1100 BC, the island was occupied by the Lacedaemonian. Around 825 BC, the inhabitants of the island, then named Thera, were using the Phoenician alphabet. In the 7th and 6th centuries BC, Thera had commercial and trade relations with most of the islands and cities of Greece. During the Hellenistic Period, Thera, because of its central position in the Aegean, became an important trade centre and a important naval base, due to its strategically perfect position.
Between 1200 AC and 1579 AC, the island was under Byzantine rule and the church of Episkopi Gonia is founded. In 1204 AC the island is surrendered to teh Venetian Marco Sanudo and bcomes part of the Duke of the Aegean. The name of the island was given by the Venetians after the Santa Irini, the name of a catholic church. During that time there is a strong battle between Venetians and pirates. During the Turkish rule ( 1579 - 1821) the island succeeds in trading development with the ports of Eastern Mediterranean. The period that follows is quite prosperous.
Due to the wars in 20th century, Santorini's economy declines and the inhabitans abandon the island due to the catastrophic earthquake in 1956. The tourist development in Santorini begins in the 1970s and today it is one of the best tourist destiantions in the world.
Museums - Archeological
The museums of Santorini give a complete view of the island's history and culture throughout the ages covering the archaeological aspect, the prehistoric Thera, the naval history and the wine production.
The one that comes first in the list of the local museums is the Archaeological Museum in Fira. The museum provides a great collection of findings which offer a throwback to the flourishing periods of Santorini. The main exhibits are sculptures, statues and inscriptions from the Archaic to Roman times and pottery from Geometric era. The second most important place to visit in Santorini is the Prehistoric Thera Museum which is home to masterpieces of art from the prehistoric period. In Fira, there is also a private Folklore Museum with interesting traditional costumes and other folk items, including items connected to atraditional wedding.
Outside the village in Oia is the Naval museum which displays a nice collection maritime items and rare documents. The beautiful Megaron Gyzi lies in the Catholic neighborhood in Fira and showcases some fascinating engraving from 16th to 19th century. In Messaria there is a nice wine museum providing an insight to the wine traditions of Santorini. If you are interested in the musical tradition in the ancient years you shall visit the Museum of Musical Instruments in Oia.
Beaches
Red Beach, Kamari, Perissa, Agios Georgios, Cape Columbo, Monolithos, Perivolos, Vlychada, Vourvoulos, White Beach
Religious Monasteries and Churches
Santorini is famous for the much photographed blue domed and colorful churches that can be seen in the entire island. Each church bears witness to a unique history and has a feast to celebrate, upon which great festivals take place in the villages. Religious plays a significant role in the life of the locals.
The largest church of Santorini is the Orthodox Cathedral located at the centre of Fira. It was founded in 19th century and its interior is adorned with striking frescoes. In close distance is the Catholic Cathedral dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. During the Byzantine times was built the famous church of Panagia Episkopi that has survived many invasions and is well-preserved up to this day. In the catholic neighborhood of Fira lies the Domenican Convent, a place with unique insight of the art work that prevailed in Santorini during the medieval times. Today it is inhabited by 12 nuns.
Between the villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli you will find Agios Nikolaos monastery. Inside the complex is an ecclesiastical and a folklore museum. On a hillside above Perissa beach is the chapel of Panagia Katefiani, worth visiting for its fabulous location. The Monastery of Prophet Elias offers an ideal trekking route, passing through the rocky lansdcape of Santorini and the best view, located on the island's highest spot. Churches of great interest can be found in the smaller villages as well.
