Why should you definitely go to Santorini?
Evocative landscape, fascinating history, romantic atmosphere, unique local products and wines, constantly evolving gastronomy, high quality services. It is no coincidence that Santorini is one of the top travel destinations in the Mediterranean. You can see the many aspects of Santorini with Santorini Tours.
Visit to Akrotiri
On either side of the chapel of Agios Nikolaos, in Balos bay or Palos in, we will find two very beautiful deserted volcanic beaches. At the beaches and Agios Nikolaos we will go down from the main road to Akrotiri where we will see the second sign for the path 11. The trail is steep and needs a little attention.
The area here in the 19th century was a port through which the products of the area were distributed. Its ruined pier, as well as half-ruined buildings and caves will be seen on the small deserted beach west of the chapel. From the beach to the east continues path 11 along the coastline, to the organized beach and from there ascends to the main road of Akrotiri.
Thirasia
In the shadow of Santorini, Thirasia can offer the alternative to those who want authenticity, tranquility and solitude. This part, like Santorini, on the island of Strongyli, was cut off during the great eruption of 1,600 BC. and is part of the perimeter of the large caldera formed in the years after the eruption. Its geomorphology is very similar to that of Santorini, but in contrast, its tourist development remained for most of its visitors as part of the day trip of the tourist boats that depart from the port of Fira to visit the volcano in Nea and the Old Kammeni.
But the reality for those who want to really get to know the island and love it is fortunately different. So, we unreservedly recommend you to steal some of your time in Santorini and visit this beautiful island even for a while not as part of your visit to the volcano, but a day dedicated exclusively to it.
Visit to the windmills
The hill of Gavrilos is a low hill south of Emporio, on the ridge of which eight traditional windmills of the 19th century have been built, while there are also Byzantine ruins. The mills of Santorini were made of volcanic stones, water, soil and lime and their height reached about six meters.
The windmills have been characterized as historic and listed buildings, while a study by the municipality predicts for the future two of them to be restored and work like regular windmills, one to be turned into a museum of windmills, a fourth as a traditional cafe and the others as shops of traditional products. At the end of the ridge, at the top of the hill, the eight windmills start in succession. From the hill of the latter, we can enjoy the stunning view to the South of the island.
The castle of Emporio
Emporio is the largest village of Santorini and it certainly is worthy of your visit. The castles were fortified settlements, where the houses were built glued to each other, so as to form a single wall, and usually had a main entrance from the inside. The Venetian castle of Empori began to be built in the 15th century, around 1,450 AD. It was later extended beyond the fortified enclosure. It is one of the five castles of the island and the best preserved today, as it is inhabited.
An important ecclesiastical monument of the settlement today is the church of Panagia Mesani with its ornate bell tower, of the 16th century. Entering the fortified settlement from its impressive “Door”, it is worth getting lost in the labyrinth formed by its narrow alleys, where houses, small stairs and terraces, galleries and bridges are mixed. The castle is inhabited, so in our tour of it we must respect the privacy of its inhabitants. If we “climb” on a terrace we will enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding area and the hill of Gavrilos opposite the windmills. You can take a tour of Santorini!
Sunset in Oia
The sunset of Santorini is the most famous in the world! It is therefore self-evident for the visitor to be at the time of dusk in various parts of the caldera in order to enjoy this magical spectacle. In Oia and specifically in the Castle, a large crowd gathers every afternoon to enjoy the amazing spectacle of the setting sun.
Perched on every possible spot, on the edge of the settlement, visitors set up their cameras and wait patiently to admire the majesty of nature. The color combinations that result from the sunset are truly amazing and the spectacle compensates even the most demanding.
