Santorini is one of the most beautiful islands in the world and rightly characterized by many as the diamond of the Aegean. You may explore Santorini with Santorini tours.
The geological specificity of Santorini is unique and breathtaking. Its rich history and cultural heritage attract crowds from all over the world.
Santorini is one of the most important tourist destinations, not only in Greece but also in Europe.
Santorini is located in the South Aegean Sea, north of Crete, and is the southernmost island in the Cyclades.
The island
Santorini is the southernmost island of the Cyclades and is located between Ios and Anafi. Its area is 76 sq.km. and the length of its coasts 69 km. The perimeter is about 36 nautical miles. It is 128 nautical miles from the port of Piraeus and 63 nautical miles from Crete.
The volcano
It is a complex of the islands of Thira, Thirasia, Aspronisi and the volcano (Old Kameni and Nea Kameni, in which the crater of the volcano is located). It is included together with Methana, Nisyros and Milos among the active volcanoes of Greece.
The history of Santorini
The name Thira was taken from the mythical settler Thera of Sparta, who settled on the island around the 10th century BC. and founded the homonymous city in Mesa Vounos.
The name Santorini was given to the complex of islands by the Venetians and is mentioned by the Arab geographer Edrisis, in 1153. It is a portmanteau of the words Santa Irene, which he got either from the church of the same name on the plain of Thirasia, or from the church of the same name early Christian basilica in Perissa, which is not preserved.
Thira, Thirasia and Aspronisi are remains of the prehistoric round island. They surround a deep basin-shaped sea basin, in the center of which Palia and Nea Kameni emerged. This basin is called Caldera or Caldera, according to international geological terminology. It has dimensions of 8X5 km and a depth that reaches 370 m.
Santorini as a destination for 2023
Santorini is the only island complex in which the settlements are not built at sea level, but on the edges of the inner walls of the Caldera. It is also one of the few places in the world where architectural ensembles of cave houses in the volcanic terrain are preserved. The Caldera and the entire complex of the islands of Santorini have been designated as of special natural beauty.
The main island, Thira, has a crescent shape and is located in the easternmost position of the complex. Its western side is made up of the walls of the Caldera that keep alive the image of its geological history and capture the different phases of volcanic activity. There are 13 villages in Thira and 3 in Thirasia. The capital of the island is Fira, a name that came from a corruption of the word Thira and has prevailed.
From the 1980s until today, thousands of couples from all over the world choose Santorini to get married, or to spend their honeymoon. It is estimated that every year the ceremonies exceed 500. Orthodox weddings are usually held in churches overlooking the Caldera such as the Cathedral of Fira, Agios Minas, the Church of the Resurrection in Imerovigli, Agios Georgios and Panagia Platsani of Oia. Catholics choose the Cathedral of Fira.
Known for its romantic sunsets, picturesque scenery and Cycladic Architecture, Santorini is the perfect destination for travelers and tourists who want to live an unforgettable experience!
Fira
The capital of Santorini, Fira, located in the center of the island, dominates the Caldera opposite the volcano. The view is breathtaking and the sunset here is famous all over the world.
In the picturesque cobbled streets of the city, visitors have the opportunity to wander and admire the huge variety of souvenirs, clothes, handmade carpets and textiles that hang elegantly in the shop windows.
A prominent place in the market of Thira is occupied by the “road of gold”. Elaborate jewelry made of gold, silver and other precious metals adorned with precious gems in unique designs inspired by Greek history emits enticing sparkles to would-be buyers. The gold market, perhaps the largest in Europe, is a living part of Thira. Visitors from all over the world invest here in “golden memories”.
Around the central square of Thira and at a distance of a few meters, there are the Police Station, the Port Authority, the Hospital, Pharmacies, Post Office, Public Services, Banks, Tourist Offices, all willing to make your holidays unforgettable. Here is also the central Bus and Taxi Station that will take you to all the villages of the island, the beaches, the port and the airport.
Museum of Prehistoric Thera
It was inaugurated in 2000 and you will see the mobile finds from the excavations at the Archaeological Site of Akrotiri, such as the original wall paintings, but also finds from excavations in other places of the island. You will find it behind the Metropolis of Ypapanti. The Archaeological Museum of Thira remains closed as the New Museum is under construction.
