Holidays in the Greek Island of Santorini
Hotels in Santorini, Greece
It has been said that the sunsets in Santorini are the best in the world. From the Caldera breathtaking views of the volcano & neighbouring islands. From the east, miles of dark sandy or pebbled beaches. Everywhere one sees small domed churches and remnants of days gone by.
The world famous island of Santorini is the southern most island of the Cycladic group in the Aegean Sea, and is located 63 nautical miles north of Crete.
Santorini is a group of islands in the south Aegean sea: Thera, Thirassia, Aspronisi, the Christiana Islands, Palia Kameni (Hot Springs) and Nea Kameni (Volcano).
Santorini is one of the great natural wonders of the world, and its main attraction is the landscape and seascape of the island itself. The configuration of the present, roughly semicircular island is the result of an enormous volcanic explosion which occurred probably around 1630 bce, literally blowing the top off the island and changing what had been a typical half-submerged mountain of an Aegean island into a flooded crescent caldera, in the middle of which a few small smoking islands still bear witness to volcanic activity.
Visitors can take a walk on Palia and Nea Kameni, touch the solidified lava, swim in the warm green waters at Palia Kameni, see the smoke coming out of the crater, smell the sulphur in the air.
There are several villages on Santorini Island.
Fira - the main stunning cliff-perched town, featuring all that Oia has, but much more overcrowded.
Kamari - black pebble beach
Oia or Ia - for unforgettable sunsets, probably the most charming place on the island
Pyrgos - highest point on the island; picturesque monastery and streets, can compete with Oia
Perissa - Nice, well-organized beaches and good Greek fish taverns.
Megalochori -Traditional village with a lot of old white cycladic churches.
Akrotiri -Visit the archeological site of Aktotiri (due to an accident the facilities are closed to the public).
Mesaria - The centre of the island. There is a small market on the road every morning with fresh fish. Do not miss the Argiros Estate to see a 19th century house fully rebuilt.
Monolithos- Nice beach and a few good taverns. Very good for children, as the water is shallow.
Vlichada - a small village and a beach
Also there's Thirasia, a village on the nearby island with the same name--visited by fewer tourists. There are daily excurisions to the Kameni (volcano) Island which also reach Thirasia island.
There are naturally fantastic beaches in the Greek Island of Santorini. Such as the beach of Perissa, maybe the best beach in Santorini, the black pebble beach of Kamari, white beach and red beach.
