Santorini Tourism Information
Santorini , Cyclades Islands.

The island of Santorini is the southernmost of the Cyclades group of islands in the Aegean Sea located between Ios and Anafi about 200 km south east from mainland Greece. The Santorini group of islands comprised from Thera, Therasia, Aspronisi, Palia and Nea Kameni, was formed after a volcanic eruption. This eruption caused the sinking of the middle of the volcano leaving a caldera of high hills 150 to 300 meters height and the creation of a giant lagoon. Their total area is 96 square kilometres with a coastline of 70km and a population of 13,000 during the summer. The island is also known as Thera (Thira in Greek) and it was also called Strongili and Kalisti until it was given its name by the Venetians in reference to Saint Irene. The capital of the island is Fira located at the west side with 1,600 inhabitants. The island’s harbour, Athinios, is placed in the lagoon and there are no other ports outside this perimeter.

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According to archaeological findings Santorini was inhabited since the middle of the 3rd millennium BC. Excavations started on the island in 1967, by the Professor Spiridpon Marinatos at Akrotiri, have shown that there was a Minoan colony outside of Crete. At that time the island was called Strongili (the Round One) and this civilization flourished from 3000 to 2000 BC and reached its peak in the period 2000 to 1580 BC when an enormous volcano eruption entirely buried the island. The centre of the island sank and a big part of it was destroyed. All traces of life disappear from the island until the end of the 13th century BC when the Phoenicians settle in Kallisti (the Prettiest One), that’s how it was called because of its beauty. The Phoenicians stayed for five generations and then they were followed by the Lacedaemonians around 1100 BC and renamed the island to Thera from their leader Theras. Thera became a stopping point for the travellers between the East and West and the Phoenician alphabet was adopted. During the Peloponnesian war Thera stood at the side of Sparta against Athens as expected. During the Hellenistic period the island became an important naval base because of its strategic position. As with other Greek territories Thera was occupied by the Romans and after the fall of Constantinople the Duchy of Naxos was founded and Thera was the seat of one of the Bishops of the Duchy. During the Frankish rule the island suffered from the pirates raids and during the Venetian reign Thera was renamed to Santorini (from Santa Irene). The arrival of the Turks stopped the piracy and developed trade with great harbours of the time such as Alexandria and Odessa. During the Greek revolution in 1821 Santorini participated in the fight for independence and in 1830 it became part of the Independent Greek State. The earthquake of 1956 brought economic disaster and many people migrated. At the end of the 70’s tourism began to develop and gave an end to the economic crisis.

Santorini owes its shape to the activity of the volcano in prehistoric times. Around 1500 BC there was the most violent eruption, known as the Minoan eruption that caused a big part of Strongili to sink and destroyed completely one of the most prosperous pre-historic settlements of that period. Magma and ash were blown up to a height of 36 km above the island and created a huge crater that filled with sea water forming the Caldera as we know it today. The islands that created after this eruption were Santorini, Thirassia and Aspronisi. Much later, milder eruptions gave birth to the islands of Palia and Nea Kameni, Palia Kameni was born between 46BC to 725AD while Nea Kameni was born between 1570 to 1950 making it less than 450 years old. In 1956 the last activity of the volcano was recorded and an earthquake brought many catastrophes on the island.

Today the Caldera offers amazing views from the villages situated on the cliffs especially during the sunset. There are daily cruises at the volcano, the tourists can touch the solidified lava, smell the sulphur in the air, swim in the green hot springs in Plia Kameni where the water reaches 43 degrees Celsius and experience the magic through the senses.
The Minoan eruption was so violent that it was the main cause of the distraction of the Minoan civilization in Crete 70 nautical miles away. The explosion was so powerful that created gigantic tsunamis that reached the island of Crete.
Atlantis, the mythical land that disappeared without a trace, stands for mankind’s oldest dreams and myths. Many people have named their own Atlantis on earth. But according to Greek philosopher Plato (427-347BC) a most likely candidate is Santorini. In Plato’s dialoges Critias and Timaeus, Atlantis was a circular island inhabited by gifted and civilized people and a very prosperous land, which disappeared in a single night of distraction. Archaeological and Geological facts reveal likelihood between the Minoan eruption of Santorini to the vanishing of Atlantis.

Scientists and Geologists believe that most of the twelve plagues that occurred in Egypt, described in the Exodus section (dates back in 1447 BC) of the Old Testament, are a consequence of the eruption of Santorini’s volcano. After the eruption high velocity dust storms could have reached Egypt turning days into nights, alteration of air pressure caused erratic animal activity and the drawn waters, forming the Caldera, could have let Moses crossing the Red Sea.

Two civilisations have left their mark on Santorini island, one from the prehistoric times and the other an ancient city of the Greek civilisation.
The Santorini Akrotiri: is one of the most important archaeological sites of Greece and maybe one of the world’s most important. It is a whole city buried under lava and ashes discovered in 1967 by the archaeologist Spyros Marinatos. It flourished around 3000BC and was ruined after the eruption of the volcano in 1500 BC. The ancient city is very well preserved with many findings and an excellent drainage system that showed how advanced the Minoan civilisation was. The visitor must definitely see Akrotiri ‘The prehistoric Pompeii of the Aegean’.
Ancient Thera: are the ruins of a Dorian settlement of the 11th century BC that can be found in the area called Mesa Vouno between Kamari and Perissa. The excavations started in 1860s by a German expedition and there are ruins of houses, gymnasium, agora, theatre from Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods.
The Santorini Catholic Cathedral: is a colourful baroque church with an elegant bell tower that was restored in 1975 after suffering from the 50’s earthquake. The church is dedicated to St. John the Baptist and is located in the centre of Fira. It is worth admiring from afar and inside.
The Santorini Orthodox metropolitan Cathedral: is located in the centre of Fira overlooking the sea. It was first built in 1827 but it was rebuilt after the earthquake. It is a modern but beautiful church with rolling arches creating a courtyard, an impressive bell tower and a nice mosaic dating from 1975.
Panagia Episkopi: it is located near Mesa Gonia and has survived many invasions and earthquakes. It is worth visiting as the marble temple is carved and combined with wax decoration which is very rare and the paintings date back to 1100.
The archaeological Museum: it is located in Fira and it houses findings of the island’s history. It has a collection of inscriptions, sculptures and vases from different periods and a visit is recommended.
The Museum of Prehistoric Thira: is a spectacular museum with findings of a great interest from the excavations of Akrotiri. Marvellous frescos can be seen such as the House of Ladies with the details of how they were made and luxurius vases from different parts of the Aegean. The music is square and can be explored within 45 minutes.
The Nautical Museum: it is located in Oia and it houses all kind of marine objects from knots, oil lamps, models of ships, uniforms etc. from the history of the island especially the 19th century.
Megaron Gyzi: is located in Fira in a beautiful old mansion and exhibits maps of the Cycladic islands, old photographs of how Santorini was before the earthquake of 1956, manuscripts and exhibition of paintings of known Greek artists.
Archontiko Argyroy: it is located in the village of Messaria, it was built by George Argyros a prosperous landlord in 1888. It was badly damaged by the earthquake but after 35 years it was renovated in 1985 to its previous glory. On the first floor there is a museum with antiques and collection of artefacts and the guestrooms are known for their ornate decor. The visitors fell in love with this neoclassical mansion and the romance in the air that surrounds it.
Skaros rock: is located in front of Imerovigli village with breathtaking views of the azure Aegean Sea. Skaros used to be a very important fortified settlement and its fortress offered protection to its inhabitants. The volcanic eruptions caused damages to Skaros and the evacuation of the settlement started at the beginning of the 17th century. Today the only thing that can be found on Skaros rock is the little chapel of Agios Ioannis Apokefalistis where many couples around the world come to have their wedding ceremony and spend their honeymoon in the picturesque village of Imerovigli.

Fira: is the capital of Santorini situated on the west site of the island on the top of a 260 meters cliff offering a panoramic view of the volcano. It has 1600 constant inhabitants and is 10km away from the port of Athinios. The town is typically Cycladic with small white houses with blue doors and windows and sun bathed verandas separated by small paved alleys, blue-domed churches and narrow streets. The visitor can stroll around the alleys, shop at the traditional and modern shops, walk to the quieter side of the town, relax and enjoy the wonderful view of the island. In Fira can be found the Archaeological museum, which houses items from the excavations in Akrotiri, many churches and monasteries and Megaron Gyzi, for those who want to understand the culture of the island. From the old port in Fira, Gialos, there are boat trips around the volcano and Thirasia. The visitor can go to Gialos by teleferic or by the traditional way-the donkeys. Either way the experience remains unforgettable. Fira has some of the best hotels in Greece where celebrities stay during their visit but there are all sorts of accommodation for every pocket. In Fira there are many locations where people gather to admire the spectacular sunset and later on the distant lights from the villages and the dark outline of the volcano. Fira is the cradle of nightlife and clubbing with numerous discos and bars.

Imerovigli: is a quiet and peaceful village and the extension of Fira situated on a higher hill. It has a great panoramic view and during the old days its inhabitants were informed for the arrival of pirates. Imerovigli is a ‘balcony’ to the Caldera with luxurious apartments and swimming pools hanging over the cliff and romance spread in the air. In front of the village is Skaros rock where the visitor can walk at the evening hours and enjoy the wonderful sunset.
Firostefani: is the link between Fira and Imerovigli, built on the highest point and offering spectacular views of the volcano and the capital. There are few shops, restaurants and luxurius hotels providing high quality services.
Oia: is located on the north side of the island 11km from Fira and is by far the most picturesque and quiet village in Santorini. Oia is built on the top of an impressive cliff with a stunning view over the volcano of Palia and Nea Kameni and Thirassia island. Its authentic beauty attracts many artists and Oia is full of art galleries. It is built in a traditional way with blue domed churches, small white houses, some of the carved into the rocks, sun bathed verandas and paved alleys. Oia is less commercial than Fira but there are all short of shops, accommodation and lots of bars and restaurants hanging from the cliff and offering breathtaking views of the magnificent sunset. In Oia the Maritine museum can be visited and the vestige of a Venetian fortress. Ammoudi is Oia’s small port that can be reached by 300 steps and from there small boats go to Thirassia island. Oia is ideal for relaxing vacations, romantic dinners, walks through the alleys and unforgettable views.
Cape Columbo: is a quiet and isolated beach located southeast of Oia. The beach is a long strip of dark sand with a high cliff on its end. It is ideal for those seeking privacy.
Megalochori: is a traditional unspoiled rock village 5km south of Fira in the interior of the island. It exists since the 17th century and has an authentic architecture. It’s the centre of agricultural production and winery. The visitor can take a tour and taste the marvellous varieties of wine as well as the Boutari wine distillery. Many visitors choose to stay in Megalochori as it is close to Fira and to the beaches of the south east coast.
Kamari: is situated on the southeast 10km from Fira in the opposite side of Perissa with the enormous rock in the middle. It is much more crowded and populated than Perissa but the settlement lines the beach and in the ancient times used to be a seaport. There is a large variety of hotels, tavernas, cafes and bars and all facilities and watersports on the long black sandy beach. From Kamari a caique goes to wild island of Anafi and the beach of Perissa and a path leads to Ancient Thera.
Akrotiri: is a nice village unspoilt by tourism 15km from Fira built around the walls of the Venetian castle. In Akrotiri is the most important prehistoric settlement and few minutes away is the famous Red beach. The village has an atmosphere of old times and it is worth stopping to see the beautiful houses and admire the tremendous views. A small caique goes to the Red beach, White beach, Nea and Palia Kameni.
Red beach: is one of the most famous beaches of Santorini near the ancient site of Akrotiri. It is composed by huge red and black volcanic rocks and red pebbles widely known as an extraordinary physical phenomenon. The beach is fully organised but because is small it get really crowded. Snorkelling is recommended. The beach can be reached by car or by the sea from Fira and Akrotiri. Looking along the rock the beach turns white and that’s how the next beach is called. The White beach can be reached only by the sea with caiques departing from Akrotiri and Fira.
Pyrgos: is a beautiful mountainous village built on the top of a hill with a panoramic view of the whole island, 8km from Fira. It used to be a fortified Venetian town surrounded by its castle built in the 15th century. It was also the capital until 1800. The village has impressive architecture with the stone houses and the labyrinth of narrow streets. The monastery of Profitis Illias is built on the top of the hill where a collection of icons and ethnographic material is exhibited. In Pyrgos there are many churches, Agia Triada, Metamorphosis tou Sotira, Theotokaki, Eisodia tis Theotokou and others. The breathtaking sunset cannot be missed.
Messaria: is a traditional lively village, 4km southeast of Fira. The village is surrounded by vineyards and is famous for its exceptional wine. In Messaria a large portion of the island’s wine is produced and there are two distilleries where visitors can taste the fine wine. The architecture of the village is traditionally Cycladic with noble mansions and a number of churches in a very small area. Messaria has many hotels and many beaches lie on its feet.
Monolithos: is a beautiful beach on the eastern coast north of Kamari beach 9km from Fira. It’s a long grey sandy beach with crystal clear waters and some trees at the back for those who seek shade. The beach is quiet ideal for families with football and basketball courts as well as children’s play area. There are also some hotels, restaurants and cafes.
Emporio: is a village on mainland Santorini 11km from Fira. The village’s characteristic is the old windmills on the hillside and the blue domed churches with their large bell towers in the centre of the town. It used to be the island’s commercial centre and today is one of the biggest villages. Emporio is situated near Perissa beach and for this has many hotels and supermarkets. 
Perissa: is a tourist resort situated on the south east 15 km from Fira. It is a newly built settlement and that is why the architecture is so different from the villages on the cliff. Its characteristic is the very long black sandy beach and the enormous rock called Mesa Vouno rising from the sea with a great night view when the rock is lit. It is created for tourist purposes and is populated only during summer season. From Perissa a small path leads to Ancient Thera and the 16th century chapel of Agia Irena. Perissa offers many hotels and rooms to let, a selection of tavernas and beach bars. It’s ideal for people who love beach parties and happenings, hours of sun bathing just five min. from the hotel and endless fun.
Perivolos: is a beautiful beach with azure waters at the southern part of the island near Perissa beach 10km from Fira. Perivolos beach is referred to as Black beach due to the black pebbles and the unique colour. The beach is fully organised with watersports, windsurfing, scuba diving etc. and is preferred by the celebrities who visit the island every year for its party atmosphere. Numerous cafes, bars and restaurants with excellent fish food can be found on the beachfront.
Vlychada: is perhaps the most impressive beach on the island located on the east coast. Its characteristic is the imposing white rock formations with extraordinary shapes and that it never gets too crowded. Because of the reflected sunlight off the rocks visitors get a tan quit fast on Vlychada beach. It is quite long with sunbeds and umbrellas and a really nice feel to it. It’s ideal for couples.
Vourvoulos: is a quiet village 2,5km from Fira on the northeast. The village is not on the tourist map and that’s why it is very quiet and there is only one hotel and few rooms to let. The beach of the village is very nice and small with nice turquoise waters. It is the ideal place for people who want to stay unseen and enjoy the view, the sea and the plain.
Finikia: is a traditional rock village just 2km from Oia. It is a small village with some of its houses curved into the rocks and a couple of blue domed churches. It has an impressive stone gate and is very colourful. It used to house the farmers who cultivated the plain when Oia was a prosperous town and today its villagers are still farmers and in the tourist business. There are few small hotels and rooms to let.
Karderados: is a small inland village with impressive architecture 2km from Fira. It was built inside two rivers so that the roof of the house’s were at the same level with the pavement and that made it invisible. Today the new buildings are on the hillside and there are few hotels and rooms to let for cheaper accommodation. The area around the village is full of vineyards and walking in the village take you back in time.
Mesa/Exo Gonia: are small agricultural villages with some wonderful churches, the most famous is the Byzantine church of Panagia Episkopi. Visitors can see here the unspoiled site of the island and enjoy the warmth of the people and a good meal.
Therasia: is the island opposite of Fira. The landscape here is very wild and of old times with cactuses, burning sun and wild herbs along the way from the port to the villages of the island. The houses of the village’s are painted with lively colours of turquoise, pink, green and yellow in contrast with the wild landscape.

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