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Santorini: A guide to your trip to the volcanic island

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One of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece and around the world, Santorini, offers ideal options to enjoy every moment of your vacation, including Santorini Tours. Thira (official name of the island), commonly known as Santorini, is located in western Greece, in the Aegean Sea and belongs to the group of islands, called Cyclades.

Thira consists of Santorini, Thirasia and the uninhabited islands, Old and New Kameni, Aspronisi and Christiana. The capital of the island is the beautiful Fira.

Name of the island

From ancient times until today, it has received 5 names (Thira, Santorini, Kallisti or Kallisto and Strongyli).

The current official name of the island comes from the Spartan commander Thira, who according to Herodotus, led the Spartan settlers to the island with the name Kallisti, which means the most beautiful (name of the island in ancient times).

In 1204, with the arrival of the Franks, the island will be named Santorini, in honor of a church of Agia Irini.

For many years the theory prevailed that the name Santorini came from the monastery of Agia Irini built by the Crusaders in Thirasia.

Today there are several indications that the name came from the early Christian church of Agia Irini, which was discovered by an excavation in 1992, in Mesa Vouno.

How Santorini was created

Thousands of years ago, Santorini was a volcanic cone called Strongyli, due to its circular shape. After the eruption of the volcano Riva, a large part of the island sinks, creating a caldera. During the Bronze Age, 1,600 BC would be one of the largest eruptions mankind has ever experienced. The so-called Minoan eruption sank the central part of the island, dividing it into three parts (Santorini, Thirasia, Aspronisi).

The explosion was so powerful that it destroyed the prehistoric civilization that inhabited the island. In 46 BC, magma emerges from the bowels of the earth, creating the foundations of today’s Palea Kameni. In 1570 the foundations of Nea Kameni will be created, which will triple in the last 150 years, taking its current form. Nea Kameni is a volcanic island in the center of the Caldera and is the most recently created section of land in the Mediterranean Sea.

Was Santorini in the past the lost Atlantis?

Excavations at Akrotiri have brought to light one of the most important prehistoric civilizations in the Aegean. Researchers believe that this ancient civilization could have been the lost Atlantis, as Plato’s descriptions speak of a circular island (Santorini before the eruption), which due to earthquakes and explosions, sank in the Sea and destroyed the Atlanteans. one day.

In Santorini you will find the museum lost Atlantis experience, the first museum of lost Atlantis in the world. It is located in Megalochori and is open from 9 in the morning until 9 in the evening. A unique experience that will convince you that Santorini was in fact the Lost Atlantis.

How to get to the volcano of Santorini?

Taking the cable car from Fira or going down the stairs to the old port. Then, with Santorini Tours you can take a trip to the volcano. Just the thought of being on an active volcano, raises the adrenaline to the heights.

Santorini belongs to the active volcanic arc of the Aegean together with Methana (Peloponnese), Sousaki (Peloponnese), Milos (Cyclades), Nisyros and Kos.

The volcanic complex of Santorini includes Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni, Columbus and the Christian islands. The complex has two active volcanic pores.

The one is located on the land of the island of Nea Kameni (last eruption in 1950) and the other, the underwater active volcanic resource Columbus (last eruption in 1650 AD) is located northeast of the homonymous cape.

Beaches of Santorini

Although Santorini is not famous for its turquoise beaches, it has some of the rarest volcanic beaches in the world. After the Minoan eruption, a layer of ash covered the east coast of Santorini. The coasts were extended by 2 km, resulting in a huge beach with black sand. This beach is divided into three smaller ones, Perissa, Kamari and Perivolos.

If you are looking for secluded beaches with impressive landscapes or family beaches with various sports activities, Santorini has the whole package. The island is famous for its romance but that does not mean that it does not have beaches with beach bars for frantic parties. The most famous beaches of Santorini are the red beach, the white beach, the monolith and Vlychada. You can take a tour of Santorini!

Varieties of Santorini wines

Santorini has one of the oldest vineyards in the world, which due to its unique, dry climate and the special composition of the soil, produces one of the most special and famous varieties of the Mediterranean, Assyrtiko. Santorini wines are characterized by strong aromas and intense flavors.

If you are a fan of sweet wine, we highly recommend Vinsanto. It is a sweet wine that is served as a liqueur and has stolen the impressions worldwide. Its vinification is made from sun-dried grapes.

Nychteri is a white dry wine whose fermentation process took place at night, which is why it got the appropriate name. If you are looking for a wine rich in alcohol, brusco seems to be the ideal one for you. Brusco is red wine produced from white and red grapes. The winery in Santorini has developed into one of the leading economic sectors of the island and Greece.

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Santorini: The most idyllic destination for summer 2021

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Santorini or Thira, is the most famous island in the Aegean Sea and the Cyclades and you can enjoy Santorini Private Tours with us. Santorini is one of the most famous tourist centers in the world, as it is famous for its sunset, the beaches with red and black pebbles, the caldera and its wine. Here are the main reasons to visit Santorini in Summer 2021.

You will see one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world

Santorini is famous around the world for its sunset. Many couples flock to the island in order to enjoy it. There are a lot of people at sunset, but it is definitely worth it. The most famous place that gathers the most people is the Castle of Oia. But for those who are not fans of chatter, there are more secluded places that we recommend so you can enjoy it in peace.

It is an experience that will be unforgettable! Another option is to see the sunset from Akrotiri, which is further away and quieter than Oia. In addition, for a more colorful sunset you can visit the beach of Vlychada, as its volcanic landscape changes colors at sunset. For those who choose the nearest destinations, there are Fira, Firostefani and Imerovigli.

You will try Santorini wine, one of the most delicious in Greece

Santorini is especially popular for its wine, especially for white. The volcanic soil of the island favors the vinification of wines with a special aroma and special personality, which of course are reflected in the taste. Vinsanto offers more than 50 varieties with the best of them. You can book a Santorini Wine Tour with Santorini Private Tours.

Other famous varieties that are worth trying are Athiri, Aidani, Mantilaria and Mavrotragano. There are about 13 vineyards that host for a small fee tasting wines and local food flavors that combine perfectly with the wine. Some wineries even function as museums, for the most theoretical and knowledgeable winemakers.

You will live a unique experience exploring the island

The most special and special experience that the island offers is the famous caldera which is the only habitable in the world. Arrange to see the volcano of the island up close. Of course, it is very hot and has a special smell due to the sulfur, but this makes it an even more intense travel experience. You can see parts of the active volcano that have split from the island to emerge at the other end of the Caldera, these are the islands of Palea and Nea Kameni.

Every day from the port of Fira depart boats for the volcano and the neighboring island of Thirasia which are worth boarding as it is a unique experience, to be above an active volcano. You will be as close as possible to the heart of the Atlantis legend. Of course, if you can not stand the heat and the sun, it is better to stay to admire the Caldera from a cafe on the island.

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You will swim on its colorful beaches

Santorini offers unique beaches, which you will definitely not have the opportunity to see anywhere else in Greece. It is not the island you will go to for its turquoise waters, but your baths will have the magic of the volcano. All the beaches have a special character with red, black and white sand, colored pebbles and sculpted rocks by the salt and wind.

The red beach

The red beach  is located very close to the archeological site of Akrotiri. Of course, it requires a two-minute descent which is definitely worth it to meet the color combination of red, white and black on its rocks as well as the dark blue of its waters. You can also visit it by boat from Akrotiri. It is the most famous beach of the island and that is why you will rarely find it quiet, unless you visit it very early in the morning, but it is worth visiting because of its uniqueness.

Black sand beaches

Perissa, 13 km from Fira and is easily accessible by car or bus. The landscape combines black volcanic lava with the sandy seabed and the deep blue of the waters. It is an impressive setting as the beach of Perissa is one of the largest and most famous of Santorini and is one of the most characteristic due to its morphology for a volcanic island. The beach is organized with sunbeds and beach bar and has received a blue flag.

Kamari beach located in the seaside village of Kamari is 10 km from Fira. It is one of the largest and best on the island, with the black sand making the perfect contrast with the turquoise waters of its sea. The beach has also been awarded a Blue Flag and is easily accessible by public transport or by car as it also provides ample parking. You can also visit the beaches of Perivolo and Monolitho which also have black sand.

White beach

It is more reminiscent of Milos and not so much Santorini but it is one of the most beautiful and famous on the island. It is only accessible by sea but it is really worth it.

You will spend perfect nights overlooking the Aegean

From the moment the sun sets and then, the island transforms from a classic and romantic to a more fun version. In Santorini you can find everything you really want, from relaxed bars overlooking the Aegean Sea and cocktail bars to clubs that operate until sunrise or even rock bars. In Fira, the heart of Santorini beats and there you can find everything you need. You can take a tour of Santorini!

Santorini, which according to mythology emerged from the water and according to some is the “lost Atlantis” is there waiting to explore it, discover new places and facts about it and love it for its uniqueness. Its white-blue Cycladic houses, in combination with the colors of its sunset, create a fairytale idyllic image taken from a movie.

It is perhaps one of the few times that the photographs one can take are nothing in front of what the human eye and mind can perceive. So stand in front of a beautiful view and enjoy the moment, looking at one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world!

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The 9 most impressive beaches of Santorini

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The 9 most impressive beaches of Santorini

Santorini has the reputation of the most romantic island with the most wonderful sunset in almost the whole world. There are the 9 most impressive beaches in Santorini that are worth visiting during your vacation on the island. Santorini Tours organizes personalized private tours to the beaches of Santorini, according to your preferences.

The beauties of the island are many, but the excellent beaches of Santorini are another feature that makes it stand out.But, without meaning that the rest aspects of Santorini can not pleasantly surprise you.

Red Beach

The most impressive beach that often stars in travel magazines and blogs is the famous Red Beach, which is located in the southern part of the island. The beach is of particular morphological interest as it is full of red and black volcanic rocks. Access is either from Akrotiri by boat or by car and then on foot.

The beach is organized. Features umbrellas, sun loungers and a separate canteen.It is a picturesque beach, one of the most famous on the island, although access to it is very difficult.

Perivolos

Perivolos is one of the most beautiful organized beaches on the island, very large in length and width, with fine sand and clear deep waters. It is essentially the continuation of the beach of Perissa, in the southeastern part of Santorini.It has intense tourist traffic, sunbeds, umbrellas, cafes, beach bars with loud music, taverns right by the sea and many water activities.

Βut at the same time it is an ideal beach for relaxation, since as the visitor moves away from the bars they find the peace they want. This beach is one of the largest in the island and can satisfy even the most demanding visitor. Perivolos is considered one of the most beloved beaches of Santorini.

Vlychada

Located in the southern part of the island, Vlychada has easy access, has a quiet canteen for essentials and sunbeds with umbrellas. It is long in length, with dark black sand and crystal clear waters that deepen very steeply. But if you move away from the canteen, you will enjoy your bath completely alone. In the surrounding area you will find a few taverns with delicious traditional delicacies, while if you sit until sunset, the sunset will compensate you for the stay.

White Beach

Anyone who visits the Red Beach of the island is worth going to the next beach, Aspri. As its name suggests, the beach is full of white rocks that are in stark contrast to its black sand. Ideally quiet in relation to the busy and neighboring Red Beach. You will need to go there prepared. It has minimal sunbeds and umbrellas and you will not find a canteen or tavern there.

Mouzakia

Mouzakia beach of Santorini is ideal for you who have your own boat, or the way to rent one. Mouzakia beach is located between Oia and Imerovigli. You can get there only from the sea but its crystal clear waters and relative tranquility will compensate you with the above. Santorini Tours can transport you at Mouzakia.

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Perissa

Perissa is the most economical solution for unforgettable youth holidays in Santorini. It is located in the southeastern part of the island, and has everything a visitor who is looking for intense fun, day and night. Its beach is one of the largest and most organized on the island, with thick black sand, steep waters, diving school , water park, facilities and trainers for water sports, camping, beach bars, sunbeds, umbrellas, hotels, taverns, etc. In Perissa the fun never stops. You can take a tour of Santorini!

Kamari Beach

One of the most cosmopolitan and tourist beaches of Santorini is Kamari, due to its close distance from the airport of the island. The beach has black sand, fine gravel and deepens sharply. It is particularly large in both length and length. There are many beach bars in every part of it, however, Kamari is also preferred by families.

The 9 most impressive beaches of Santorini

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Ammoudi

This is a port and not a beach. However, its waters are wonderful and there are many people from the island who prefer it for their swimming (apart from the food in the taverns on the sea). Access is a) on foot descending 200 steps or b) with mules if you are an adventurous guy, or c) a classic choice by car but then you will need to walk 200 m.

Although Ammoudi is not exactly a beach it is one of the most picturesque places of Santorini and attracts a lot of people who want to enjoy a Santorini meal and take a dip. It is a nice choice to see the sunset at 7, with crowds standing on the stairs or on the path that leads from the parking lot to the port.

Monolithos

Monolithos is a beach in the east of the island that is well known to locals and families. With black sand but also with very shallow waters, Monolithos has moderate tourist traffic. It is organized, and in addition to the beach bar travelers can enjoy local delicacies in one of the taverns along the beach.

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Why visit Santorini in winter?

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Why visit Santorini in winter?

The truth is that when we hear about Santorini, we have in mind the summer, the sun, the sea and the endless dives. So, why visit Santorini in winter? A very alternative form of vacation is to go at Santorini in winter, which Santorini Tours highly recommends it and will surely be unforgettable for you.

The island of dreams, as it is called worldwide, is re-established with winter colors, milder rhythms but with the same mysterious charm. Even in the winter months you will find ways to have a good time, eat nice food and find some of the nicest accommodation at lower prices.

Weather in Santorini in winter

The weather on the island was relatively good, the temperature in winter is around 10-15 degrees, but the humidity, however, is definitely an important issue, especially in the accommodation that despite the constant maintenance, is affected by it during the winter months. The wind is strong enough on some days, but all this is forgotten when you look at the view of the caldera.

Stay at Fira in Winter

Fira is the ideal place to stay in the winter, it is the capital of the island and the only place that has life throughout the day. Hotels, restaurants, cafes, have much lower prices than in the summer, so having the caldera on your feet will not cost a fortune. Everything that can be done in Santorini, will make it much more comfortable in winter, due to the fact that there is not a large number of tourists on the island compared to the summer when there is overcrowding.

See the magical sunset in winter

Return to Fira and rest to visit Oia later. Built on the north side of the island, 11 km from Fira, Oia is probably the most traditional settlement of the island and the place which is famous for its unique sunset. Every summer thousands of tourists from all over the world visit this place to admire the much-discussed sunset of Santorini.

A walk in the alleys of Oia, photographing the landscape, the countless blue domes and the magnificent mills that compose a dreamy setting. The time is approaching and everyone is heading to the spot with the best view of the sunset. Watching the sun disappear in the sea, you enjoy the unique beauty, all these colors it creates in the sky, you feel blessed for every day that goes by. You can take a tour of Santorini!

Why visit Santorini in winter?

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You will walk without obstacles the straits of Oia and the Caldera

These graphic white straights really steal your heart. So think of walking alone, gazing at the view that emerges at every turn and relaxing. Do the same thought now with the other 30 people in front of you, barking to shout to enter the tavern on the right and you to try to relax.The island as we said is famous for its sunset.

You can enjoy the famous sunset without having to wait in line to take a picture alone, without dozens of tourists next to you. In Santorini in winter, however, you will enjoy it without distractions. You will be impressed with how unique the colors are in the gray of the winter sky.

Relax at the Red Beach in winter

The Red Beach is behind a series of lava monoliths! Red Beach is one of the most famous, so you will rarely reach it without a lot of people, except in winter. Although the south catches it, it does not have big waves because it is a bay. Its special morphological character, make the Red Beach one of the most seductive beaches in the world.

You can stay in a “cave” hotel

Prices really have nothing to do with it. The island is expensive in summer and if you want a room with even a little view of the well-known parts of the island you will pay a lot. In winter things are different. You can find the suite you dream of at half price, or even at 1/3!

Seafood with winter essence

Santorini is famous for its fava beans and seafood. What is certain is that in winter you will enjoy them better on the one hand because the restaurants are not so crowded to serve on the other hand because the prices are better.

Dare to make a trip to a different, calmer Santorini, but one can only enjoy it from the end of November until March. When the island moves at a slower pace. A Santorini that is now in the top tourist destinations in the world for at least 15 years.

Visit the volcano in winter

You will climb to the volcano of Santorini with very favorable temperatures so the ascent will be much easier. Without the 35 degrees Celsius and also a lot of people. Also, you can visit the archeological site of Akrotiri and the Prohistorical Museum in Thira without be delayed by the crowds that exist in summer.

Trust Santorini Tours

In Santorini Private Tours, we can offer you a unique and customized experience. We will offer you a guide, transportation and information depending on the nature of the tour you will choose. Choose between archaeological tours, gastronomic tours, historical tours, volcano tours or create your own route!

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