Interesting Facts

- Owing to chemical content in the soil due to volcanic eruptions, the islands' fresh fruits and vegetable produce include the zuchinni, white eggplants and the world famous cherry tomatoes, which requires minimum water to sustain growth.

- Until 1500 BC, Santorini was round shaped, but with the volcano eruption, the central part went under water. The aftermath of the eruption saw huge tidal waves wipe out the Minoan civilization and leave the island covered with volcanic ash, which made it almost unfit for anything to survive.

- In the center of Santorini are two volcanic islets, the Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni. They happen to be a visible part of the active volcano crater that has now sunk below water.

- At an altitude of 566 meters, there is a monastery, which serves as a home to the Prophet Elijah. Incidentally this is place is the highest point on the island.

- The last time the islanders faced a volcanic eruption was during 1950 in Nea Kameni, at the northern end. The reaction created a new dome and saw incessant lava flowing all over the place.

- The island is almost dry barring the few existing springs, which provide a minimal water supply. As such, the islanders use drills or harvest rainwater to meet daily water needs. Almost all houses have a cistern to collect water. Initially the locals let in leeches in their water tanks to rid it of virus, but have now moved on to using chemicals to purify it. Interestingly, most houses are built up on the cistern so as to prevent others from stealing their water.

- The island has an area of 76 square kilometers. Santorini is only 18kms in length and its width varies between 2 to 6kms through the island. The island is a constellation of thirteen villages.

II. Destinations And Sightseeing

A. Phera or Phira

It is the capital of the island and is located right on the edge of a Caldera. Phera is extremely beautiful with Cycladic domed churches, sunny terraces and stepped alleys set up against a background of the deep blue sea and the volcano. By alighting 600 steps you can go to the bottom of the Caldera, which leads you to the harbor of Phera. While the descend may prove to be comparatively easy, the way back may tend to get long and tiresome. You can either choose to use the ‘teleferic' or the traditional transportation of ‘donkeys' to assist you while ascending. It is also famous for its lively and dynamic nightlife that carries on till early morning. The town has many houses, which are constructed in the typical 18th century style. These houses have survived in spite of being rocked by a major earthquake that destroyed most of the town in the year 1956.

B. Imerovigli

The village of Imerovigli is situated right above the town of Phera. Most of the houses in the village have not been rebuilt after the damage caused by the last earthquakes. This village offers an incredible view of the sunset and is considered to be the best place to stay while visiting Santorini. Traditional houses that provide an excellent view of the volcano can also be rented out while staying in Imerovigli.

C. Oia

The entire village of Oia is built high up on the rim of the Caldera. It is one of the most picturesque villages and lies to the north of Santorini. It was considered to be the commercial hub of the island and housed all the rich people of the place.

The village is famous all over the world for the beautiful sunset that can be viewed from here and you are advised to carry along your cameras. Visiting the village of Oia is an experience that you wouldn't want to miss on your trip to Santorini. You can also visit Ammoudi (beach), which is situated at the bottom of the Caldera.

D. Acrotiri

The Acrotiri is a nice place to tour while visiting Santorini. Remnants of the prehistoric city have been preserved within its surroundings. The ancient history of the vicinity is revealed within its incredibly preserved houses and beautiful wall paintings. Houses in this city are exactly the same as they were 3500 years ago. You can also enjoy dining in splendid ‘tavernas', which have been carved within the rocks. You can also board a small traditional boat (kaiki) that will take you to ‘Kokkini akti' and ‘Aspri akti', which stand for ‘Red beach' and ‘White beach'. The same boat can also take you to the remnants of the old volcano called ‘Palea kammeni'.

E. Perissa

Perissa is famous for its black sand beach. The sea has a dark blue color, which when combined with the impressive and inaccessible rocks of Mesa Vouno make up a picturesque landscape. You can also go up a steep pathway that leads from Perissa up to the remains of Ancient Thera. On visiting this city you can enjoy the nice and easy nightlife and choose to stay in one of the small hotels.

F. Monolithos

Situated near the airport, this is perhaps the only beach that has white sand. After spending a good time at the beach you can also visit a couple of tavernas and taste the local specialties.

G. The Museum of Prehistoric Thera

Mitropoleos

The museum has a number of interesting artifacts that have been unearthed from Akrotiri. It also hoards incredible wall paintings that are now put on display in the museum. One of the most impressive artifacts in the museum is a golden ibex figurine that dates back to the 17th century and measures around 10cm. There is a nominal fee that is charged for the ticket and this covers your visit of the museum and the archaeological museum as well.

Open: Tuesday-Sunday 8:30am to 3:00pm.

H. Ancient Thira

The Dorians inhabited this area in the 9th century BC, the excavation sites at Ancient Thira consist of Hellenic, Roman and Byzantine ruins. These ruins include temples, houses with mosaics, theatres and a market place.

Open: 8:30am - 2:30pm

I. Pyrgos

The streets of Pyrgos follow the outline of the hill and surround the village like a belt. It proves to be a typical example of a fortified Cycladic village. It is one of the biggest villages in Santorini, and offers a spectacular vista of the entire island.