Known around the world and one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, Santorini is a dream destination for many. See which Santorini attractions you can see in September with Santorini Tours.
Volcano
There is no other island in the world like Santorini and its uniqueness is mainly due to the volcano. It is one of the most important in the world, it was born from the sea and significantly influenced the geological form of the entire Eastern Mediterranean of course also the human life and activity in the area.
When the locals say volcano today, they mean the small island of Nea Kameni, in the center of the almost circular perimeter formed by Santorini, Thirasia and Aspronisi. In Nea Kameni, after all, one can see vapors emitting steam from the bowels of the earth, while only about 60 years ago, its most recent soils were formed, during the 1950 eruption.
Right next to it, Palaia Kameni is the island that was formed about 2,000 years ago, during the 47 AD eruption. Both islets of the volcano can be visited and one can even walk on them and reach the steams of Nea Kameni or swim in the warm waters of Palaia, where sulfur is released, coloring them yellowish.
Prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri
The prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri in Santorini is today one of the most important archaeological sites in the entire Mediterranean. The visitor can see a very representative sample of that settlement, which was destroyed by the volcano: Multi-storied buildings, some public and some private, with their courtyards fully exposed.
Public roads pass between them, while, based on the research, free spaces that functioned as squares emerge. Part of the drainage system is also distinct, while the way of construction of all the buildings is typical, based on the building materials of Santorini and complex techniques, which ensured both insulation from the weather conditions and anti-seismic protection, in such a sensitive area.
Caves
Caves in Santorini are the traditional houses that are built in the ground. They were the houses that the inhabitants built in a very simple way, in order to ensure as many advantages as possible, so as to avoid strong winds, extreme cold and extreme heat, and even disasters from raids or even earthquakes.
They are found in many villages of the island, as the volcanic subsoil, easy to work with, but at the same time very strong – the Theraic mortar is known for its strength – provided the solution and helped to create in Santorini architectural structures that there are few like in the whole the world. The small houses are intertwined with each other, so that the outer space of one belongs to another house at the same time and the result looks magically functional.
The labyrinth of streets, stairs, roofs, courtyards, doors and windows can cause chaos to anyone who doesn’t know, but it serves in the best way the people who live their lives in this place with seemingly so many adversities.
Kanaves
The Kanaves of Santorini are the traditional wineries of the island, where the famous wine of the Santorini vineyard, Vissato and other varieties are produced.
They are traditional buildings, which can be found in almost all villages as in the majority of them they were built next to the producer’s house, forming a single whole with the auxiliary spaces, the warehouse, and perhaps the stable.
They are primarily caves, so that the properties of the island’s volcanic soil and subsoil help wine fermentation.
Akrotiri Lighthouse
The Akrotiri Lighthouse is located at the westernmost point of Santorini, west of Akrotiri village.
It is considered one of the most beautiful structures of its kind in the entire Aegean and the view from the point towards the magnificent Santorini, the caldera and the volcano, Aspronisi and Thirasia, but also the unique sunset, in absolute tranquility and away from the crowds , makes many of the island’s visitors arrive there every day.
Also see: Fall in love with Santorini this September
Panagia Episkopi
Panagia Episkopi, one of the most important Byzantine monuments of Santorini, has never ceased to function and for more than 1000 years has received the prayers of the faithful to God.
It is located in the village of Episkopi Gonia, approximately in the center of Santorini and is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. In all probability it was founded in 1115 by Alexios Komnenos and its main structure is preserved intact to this day.
Prophet Ilias Monastery
The Monastery of Prophet Ilias in Santorini is the largest monastery on the island. It is built at an altitude of 567 meters on top of the mountain of the same name, in the south-eastern part of Santorini, at a distance of only 3 kilometers from Pyrgos.
It was founded in 1711 by the hieromonk brothers Gabriel and Joachim, who came from the village and until today it functions as a men’s monastery. There are also two collections, the Folklore Collection, with old furniture and objects, and the Ecclesiastical Collection, with great icons and dishes.
Cathedral of Santorini
The Cathedral of Santorini is located in one of the busiest parts of Fira and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The temple worshiped today by the faithful and seen by the thousands of visitors who gather in front of it, on the budi, that is, the low wall, especially at sunset, was completed in 1968, designed by Georgios Nomikos. The frescoes of the Santorinian painter Christoforos Asimis adorn the interior of this church, which is today the center of Orthodoxy on the island.
Five days in Santorini in September are ideal to visit its most popular villages, to see up close its impressive sights and its very special beaches, but also to visit both the volcano and Akrotiri.
