What to see in Santorini, a small group of islands located on the southern edges of the Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea, of which the main one gives its name to the archipelago.
Tourist information
These islands were formed following volcanic eruptions over the course of millennia, the decisive phenomenon occurred between 1600 and 1500 BC, when an imposing and devastating volcanic eruption caused the sinking of a part of the original island 400 meters below the surface of the sea, with effects on the whole eastern Mediterranean.
The apocalyptic event triggered the decline of the Minoan civilization and, many centuries later, it is assumed that it fueled Plato's fantasy in the tale of Atlantis.
Santorini is a rocky island characterized by dark colored beaches, with the cities located high on the cliff, reachable in various ways, climbing hundreds of steps, riding on donkeys or by a cable car.
It has the shape of a horseshoe, whose high and rocky internal part jumps overhanging the sea, while on the external side it slopes down to the beaches of volcanic origin.
To remember the beaches of Perissa, Red Beach, Monolithos, Kamari, Mesa Pigadia and Perivolos.
Mount Profitis Ilias, with its 567 meters, constitutes the highest point of Santorini.
The island has an airport, located about 5 km from the capital Fira.
It is also connected with Piraeus, and the other islands of the Aegean sea, through maritime connections departing from the new Athinios port, where ferries and fast ships dock.
The old port welcomes only cruise ships and pleasure boats.
What see
– Santorini, called Thera in ancient Greek, corresponding to the largest original island.
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– Thirasia, a small island that was originally part of the main island.
– Aspronisi, a large rock belonging to Santorini.
– Palea Kameni, an islet formed following the eruptions of 1573.
– Nea Kameni, an active volcano that emerged after the eruptions of 1712.
In particular, the islands of Santorini, Therasia and Aspronisi arise on the edge of the caldera filled with sea water, in the middle are the islands of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni.
Among the places to visit, Fira and Oia are very beautiful places, typical examples of Cycladic architecture, Oia in particular is famous for its wonderful sunsets.
Do not miss a visit to Akrotiri, also reachable via a path that goes up from Perissa, corresponding to the ancient capital of the island.
Covered by volcanic ash, it was brought to light by archaeologists, almost intact as Pompeii, with the difference that there are no human remains, so the inhabitants are presumed to have been saved before the catastrophic volcanic eruption.
