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Thira (Greek Θήρα, otherwise - Fira, Fera; also Santorini) is an island of volcanic origin in the Aegean Sea, part of the Cyclades archipelago. The area is 76 sq. km., the length of the coastline is 70 km. Fira, together with the islands of Thirasia, Palea Kameni, Nea Kameni and Aspro, is part of a group of islands in the form of a ring called Santorini (Santorini, Greek: Σαντορίνη) and which gives the second name to the island itself.

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MYTHS

According to Greek mythology, the island of Santorini is a lump of earth given to the Argonauts by the sea god Triton, the son of Neptune and Venus. Callisti is the name given to this island by the Argonauts.

There is another myth. Plato attributes the island to ancient civilization, which disappeared due to a sudden natural disaster. Historians of different times were interested in the myth, who determined the former location of Atlantis in different ways: in Antilles, America, on a number of islands of Gibraltar, in Malta. Some even considered Atlantis to be a figment of Plato's imagination. In recent years, scientists have come to the conclusion that the most likely location of the former Atlantis is Greece, and Santorini is the legendary continent of Atlantis, a happy place described in ancient Greek texts several thousand years ago, in the works of such ancient Greek writers as Solon and Plato.

In fact, modern Santorini is the fragments of an exploded volcano, covered with frozen lava. An unusual fate made it one of the most beautiful and mysterious islands of the Aegean Sea. Jacques-Yves Cousteau also put forward the version that Santorini is the remnants of Atlantis that went under water. This bold statement is based on his painstaking research and on the descriptions of Plato: “But later, when the time came for unprecedented earthquakes and floods, in one terrible day Atlantis disappeared, plunging into the abyss.”

STORY

The oldest population of the island, which appeared here around 3000 BC, was pre-Greek. The presence of the influence of Minoan Crete was established during excavations on Akrotiri, when a whole settlement with two- and three-story houses, decorated with frescoes that resemble the wall paintings of Minoan palaces, emerged from under a thick layer of volcanic ash. In 1967, Greek archaeologists discovered a pumice tunnel in Akrotiri, a Minoan city of the 16th century BC, as well as a Bronze Age city of 30,000 inhabitants. No skeletons, jewels or gold were found at Akrotiri, indicating that the city's inhabitants were aware of the impending disaster, possibly due to tremors. At the time of the existence of this settlement, the island must have been called Kallista (the most beautiful) or Strongyla (Round) due to its shape, since the volcano had not yet begun its destructive activity. 35 centuries ago in 1500 (1450) BC. An event occurred that decisively influenced the history of the ancient world. We are talking about a terrible volcanic eruption that was located in the center of the island, as a result of which most of the island plunged into the sea.

The tsunami waves caused by the eruption, the height of which allegedly reached 100 meters, hit the northern coast of Crete and destroyed the Palace of Knossos. This natural disaster may have led to the end of the Minoan civilization, one of the oldest and most highly developed in Europe. The catastrophe was completed by strong earthquakes and thrown out over considerable distances. volcanic ash. All that remains of ancient Strongyla is the currently visible crescent with a steep cliff more than 300 meters high in the western part and gentle beaches in the eastern part.

The Minoan civilization, which existed on Crete and Tyre before the great volcanic eruption, suddenly disappeared around 1600 BC. This phenomenon was seen as the result of an invasion of the island by Greek tribes. However volcanic eruption at Thira, which occurred during the same period, led Marinatos to suggest that the large eruption destroyed not only Thira, but also provoked a huge tsunami that wiped out the Minoan civilization of Crete.

After a large eruption that destroyed the civilization that existed on Santorini, the island was uninhabited for a long time. After this break, the Phoenicians were the first to settle it around 1000 BC. In the 11th century BC. e. The Dorians (Spartans) appeared here and founded ancient Thera high in the northern part of the island.

On the ruins of ancient Thira, during excavations carried out by German archaeologists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, graves and inscriptions were discovered indicating that the capital of a Doric colony was located here, starting from the 9th century BC. Ptolemy established the main garrison here to monitor the archipelago and made Santorini a naval base in the Aegean Sea.

In the 8th century BC, the Theban hero Tiras left Sparta, where he was the ruler, and settled in Santorini with a group of nobles. Subsequently, the island was named Thira in his honor. Herodotus wrote that at that time there were seven cities on Santorini, ruled by the monarch Grinnas, who, on the advice of the Delphic oracle, sent an expedition to Cyrene in Africa, where many Tyrians settled. During the war with the Persians, the Tyrians were on the side of the conquerors and in 476 BC they refused an alliance with Athens because they considered themselves Dorians. However, Santorini some time later became part of the Athenian state and was forced to pay 5 talents (ancient Greek monetary unit) as tribute. The Tyrians, dissatisfied with the domination of the Athenians, again submitted to Sparta and gained independence only through the Treaty of Antalcis. However, their independence was not fully recognized by the Spartans.

Island in the 1st - 10th centuries. Very little is known about life on the island during the period of Roman rule. After the division of the Roman Empire in 395, the island of Santorini became part of the Eastern Roman Empire.

In the 4th century AD, Christianity began to spread to the island, as evidenced by written documents found in the old Basilica of St. Michael in ancient Tire.

Island in the X - XVII centuries. The island was first named Santorini by the Arab geographer Edis, who traveled to the Cyclades in 1153. The island received this name from the local church of St. Irene (Santa Irina). Foreign sailors first called it Santo, then Santa Irina, which later became one word Santorini.

The island of Santorini came under the influence of Venice during the period of Byzantine rule, which ended in 1204. Santorini and 17 other islands were redistributed to the Dukes of Naxos in 1207. In 1269, Santorini was again captured by the Byzantine Greeks, but in 1296 the Venetians regained the island.

In 1400 - 1500 the inhabitants of the island suffered from constant attacks sea ​​pirates, causing the island's population to drop to 300 people. Fear of pirates was the reason for choosing places for settlements far from the coast, on steep cliffs or in valleys. Catholics, after their arrival on the island, influenced the inhabitants great influence and founded educational institutions, which contributed to the prosperity of the island.

In 1537, the Muslim pirate Barbarossa, with the help of the Turkish Sultan, attacked the Cyclades and handed Santorini over to the Turks.

Santorini in the XVIII - XXI centuries. During the period of Turkish rule, the island of Santorini had the largest merchant fleet in the Aegean Sea, and all of it (280 sailing ships) belonged to the population of the village of Ia.

The island of Santorini, along with the rest of Greece, gained independence in 1821. Captain Evangelos Matzarakis raised the flag of freedom over the island on May 5 this year. After the Greek War for Greek independence from Turkish rule, the Greek Constitution was signed in 1864.

In the XVIII - XIX centuries. main area commercial activities Santorini had winemaking. The merchant fleet was also of great commercial importance. Prosperous captains, shipping company owners, and international traders built clifftop mansions whose architecture was inspired by their travels to other countries. The construction of such houses in the 18th and 19th centuries was financed by shipping and the export of the famous wine from the island of Santorini to Russia, Russian wheat to France, as well as valuable products from France to the Mediterranean and Greece. Although tomatoes have not enjoyed the same demand abroad as Santorini wines, they are a unique product because... grown on rich volcanic soil, not who knows the rain, where moisture is formed only in the form of night dew or morning fog. They are served fresh, sun-dried or traditionally deep-fried. Despite his small size, they have a strong taste.

In 1864, Kapetanospito, a sea captain's mansion, was built in Santorini in the town of Oia, built on a triangular marble slab set on a red stone facade, engraved with a memorable date and the owner's initials "S.P.A." This is one of eight houses officially built right on the banks of the Caldera and are examples of traditional architecture protected by the state. This is how the famous architect Dimitris Philippides writes about this building in his book “Three Centuries of Greek Architecture: Composition and Decor” - “The black volcanic stone decorating the sea captain’s mansion, combined with slabs of white marble, forms the skeleton for the next tier. Contrasting with them is a simple plaster coating on the walls of the balcony and on the lower tiers. This style of decoration, brought from Western Europe, appears to have its roots in the Renaissance and is found nowhere else in Greece.” Afterwards, the owner of the mansion gave it to his daughter as a dowry for her wedding. Later, the inscription on the marble slab changed somewhat: “S.P.A.F.” The "F" was added by another owner. If in Egypt a new ruler could without hesitation erase the initials and hieroglyphs of the previous monarch, who was most often his father, here the previous owner and his family are highly respected and honored.

Often sea captains owned several types of property: a ship, a mansion in Oia and a vineyard in Phenicia. The ship was always ready to depart. The mansion in Oya was a gathering place for the whole family, receiving guests, the naval crew and new employees upon the captain's return from a long voyage. To make and store wine, the captain built special wine cellars in Phenicia - “ditches”. A reduced version of the “ditch” was built in the captain’s mansion for ease of wine storage and prestige. Sea, wine, trade, tomatoes and the volcano are the main attractions of Oia and continue to be for many years. Entering Capetanospito, a sea captain's mansion built in 1864, you will feel the atmosphere of the past and the simple values ​​of the time.

In the mid-19th century, the pearl of Santorini - Oia was one of the largest cities in the Cyclades, the population of the city was about 10,000 people. The main industry was the fleet. The beginning of the decline of this area of ​​activity coincided with a reduction in maritime transport. Many of the inhabitants of the island moved to Piraeus or abroad, including Russia.

It was not possible to find any information about the island for the first half of the 20th century, with the exception of a report about volcanic activity on the island in the 20s and reports of the occupation of Santorini during the Second World War by Italians and Germans, the occupation lasted until October 18, 1944. However, there was also a message contradicting the previous one, that when during the Second World War all of Greece was under the rule of the Nazis, Santorini remained free. True, Admiral Canaris once brought his submarines to the island, but that same night the awakened volcano sprayed fire at them without touching the island. The death of the submarines was attributed to the action of the new formidable Russian weapons... I don’t know which of them can be trusted, so I’m posting both.

The 1956 earthquake caused death and destruction, and many residents fled the island. and only a few years later the inhabitants began to return to the island again. At that time indigenous people There were about 400 people on the island. During the 60s, the island's dilapidated buildings were sold off for a pittance to Greeks and foreigners who were able to recognize their value.

Nowadays, the volcano can be seen emitting steam and greenish-yellow dioxide.

WEATHER

Sunny summers and warm winters are ideal climatic conditions for tourism. Santorini has a long hot season and a short rainy season. The rainy seasons generally occur in November and February. Humidity is relatively high (in fact, it is the main source of water for vegetation). Temperature fluctuations are slight throughout the year, and snow represents rare occurrence. Temperature on the island of Santorini: in spring 17° - 22°, in summer 22° - 40°, in autumn 25°C - 17°, in winter 17° - 7°. Quite strong winds, as a rule, come from the north (primarily the Meltemi wind in August), but southern winds are sometimes also very sharp.

WHAT TO SEE

The capital of the island is Fira, located on the edge of a steep cliff, at an altitude of 260 m above sea level. The combination of stunning scenery with a volcano and famous Cycladic architecture makes Fira one of the most picturesque places in the world. In the city you can see blocks of houses of different eras, business centers (Agora), theaters, sanctuaries, the home of Ptolemy the Benefactor, graves of the archaic and classical eras, ruins of buildings of the early Christian period, hot springs. The village can be reached by car from Athinios, the ferry port, or by walking or riding a donkey from the small harbor of Fira along a picturesque cobblestone road that rises in a white zigzag line along the rock. Those who prefer modern means of transportation can use the cable car. Construction, a lot of people and noise have significantly changed the local flavor. However, a walk through the narrow streets of Fira will give you an unforgettable pleasure. White houses with arches, terraces and balconies with amazing views, domed churches, taverns, bars and shops with many visitors will enchant you. In the capital you can also get acquainted with:

1. Ayiu Mina Church — it was built in the 17th century on a mountain plateau. Its beautiful white bell tower and huge blue dome are visible from almost anywhere in the city.

2. Archaeological Museum , which exhibits interesting finds from prehistoric eras, including a large collection of vessels from the 7th and 6th centuries. BC, including the famous “Fere vessels”, and a small collection of sculptures and portraits from the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman eras.

3. You can also visit Museum of Prehistoric Thira , where excavations from Akrotiri and other places on the island, dating from the Neolithic to the 17th century, are exhibited in four thematic sections. BC

4. Dominican convent. The Dominican convent, located in the Catholic Quarter in the center of Fira, is home to twelve nuns from different countries. The monastery chapel of the Rosary is a fine example of island architecture, rich in Baroque elements.

— The most ancient Orthodox church of Santorini, Pangea-Episcopes located near Pyrgos, the former capital of the island. This temple is famous for its ancient frescoes and the miraculous icon of the Mother of God “Sweet Kiss”. Pyrgos itself - picturesque city ok so ancient fortress. Little Pyrgos, with its cobbled streets and countless churches, has been favored by artists.

— Archaeological reserve of Akrotiri . The most significant archaeological reserve of Santorini, 2 km from the village of Akrotiri, on the southwestern tip of the island. It is not for nothing that this territory is called “prehistoric Pompeii”. Under a thick layer of pumice and “Firian soil,” Professor Spyridon Marinatos discovered in 1967 an entire Minoan city with two- and three-story houses decorated with frescoes that resemble the wall paintings of the Minoan palaces of Crete. The most important of these frescoes are “The Sea Voyage”, “The Coming of Spring” and “Boxing Boys”. Vessels, pithoi, bronze utensils and furniture found inside the houses were also found here in large quantities. This city was completely buried during a massive volcanic eruption ca. 1450 BC Currently, the ruins are kept under a large roof that lets in daylight.

— Monastery of Elijah the Prophet (Profitis Ilias Monastery) is located at the highest point of the island of Santorini, at an altitude of 566 m above sea level. From here you can see the neighboring surrounding islands, and on a clear day - mountain peaks the islands of Crete, located more than 100 km away. On the peak rising just below the monastery of Prophet Elijah, you can see Ancient Thera. Unfortunately, radio masts and a NATO radar installation spoil the view of the magnificent bell tower of the monastery.

The islanders hold this monastery, founded in 1711 by two monks from Pyrgos, reverently because it housed a secret school where Greek language and culture were taught during the dark ages of Turkish rule. There is a museum at the monastery where you can see a model of a secret school in a monastic cell, a model of a traditional carpentry and blacksmith's workshop, as well as religious objects. The future of the monastery is in doubt because there are very few monks left in it. Every year on July 20, the monastery hosts a big festival-fair.

— . This temple was discovered during archaeological excavations and dates back to the Dorian era - approximately 21st century BC. The gates of the temple are better preserved than anything else, but despite this, the temple is impressive in its size and architecture.

- And I- a village built on the steep slopes of a cliff located in the northern part of the island, above the Caldera, opposite the volcano. Those who have been here say that the sunset seen here mysterious place, the most beautiful. In Oia you can visit the wonderful maritime museum, where the variety of maritime treaties, agreements, models and photographs is incredible. There is also Oia Castle, an unusual and graceful structure with its own history.

— Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni — islands of volcanic origin, where volcanic craters are located. There is a complete absence of vegetation, there is solidified lava and a specific smell of sulfur all around, and the earth is still warm in many places. The volcano is active; it was last active about half a century ago, but did not cause serious damage. Scientists monitor volcanic activity and can predict an eruption a year or at least several months before it begins.

— Imerovigli village , declared a protected architectural area, from where a magnificent panorama of the entire region opens, and the medieval settlement of Pyrgos. It is located 3 km north of Fira at the highest point above sea level at an altitude of 300 m. A small passage connects Imerovigli with the conical rock of Skaros, on which are the ruins of a Roman fortress, which was built by the Roman patrician Scaurus. During the era of Roman rule, he was the ruler of the island. Later, the fortress housed the residences of Venetian rulers and a Catholic bishop.

— Beaches of Santorini. Since you will not find beaches similar to Santorini anywhere in the world, they, in themselves, are an attraction of the island. Thanks to the activity of the volcano, the beaches here have acquired unique colors that are difficult to find anywhere else. Therefore, the beach sand here is black (Kamari, Armeni, Ammoudi, Baxedes, Perivolos, Perissa, Monolithos, Kokkini Amos), red and green, which is completely unusual for sand. One of the most mysterious islands of the Aegean Sea, Santorini, is beautiful and unusual. Having been here, you will agree that it fully justifies its ancient name - Kallisti, which translated into Russian sounds like the Most Beautiful.

GUILT

On Santorini, the unique rocky soil, rich in everything except moisture, allows for the cultivation of low-growing vineyards, but producing unique grapes. It has a rich taste, which is successfully transferred to wine. But the process of growing grapes in conditions of constant summer heat, strong winds and lack of rain leads to less and less wine being produced. But while there are still dedicated winemakers in Santorini, tourists feast on a variety of dessert, dry and semi-dry red and white wines.

The most popular wine in Santorini is Vinsanto, with citrus, fig and coffee aromas. This dessert wine is dark bronze in color, sweet, but has a dry wine aftertaste. To produce it, the harvested grapes are dried in the sun for another two weeks, and only after that they are sent to the press. This wine is aged in barrels for 4 years, and only after that is bottled. The price of this wine depends on its age, that is, the older it is, the more expensive it is. Although they say that with age this wine changes its taste, losing its sweetness. Well, maybe this is exactly what is appreciated!

If you buy other local wine (Athiri, Assyrtiko, Argyros, Kamarini are popular), then it is better to do it not at the winery, but in simple shops - it’s cheaper there, but you have to charge at least 6-8 euros per bottle. You can buy it from the islanders, it will also be inexpensive, but the quality is excellent. If you visit a wine museum (for example, near Kamari), a tasting of three wines there will cost 5 euros, plus a tour of the cellars.

The grape in Santorini is considered the most important of all plants. And the Greeks still hold Dionysia at the end of the wine berry harvest. Such a holiday in honor of the god Dionysius is not ostentatious, but real! And they also seriously nail horns over the entrance to the house so that the bull protects the home from an eruption.

HOW TO GET THERE

The flight from Moscow to Heraklion is about 3.5 hours, then 4.5 hours by ferry or an hour by speedboat. Another way to reach Santorini is by ferry from Rethymnon, in which case the journey will take about 4 hours. It is better to buy ferry tickets several days in advance, this is especially important during the high season. There is another way, somewhat unusual for ordinary tourists: from Athens by plane local airlines, the flight lasts about half an hour.

Among the waves of the Aegean Sea is located one of the most mysterious islands in world history - Santorini. Its name is shrouded in mystery, because some claim that Thira (the second name of the island) is the lost Atlantis, while others believe that it is Pompeii of the Aegean Sea.

The island owes its appearance to a volcanic eruption in the distant past. Such a bright appearance of Santorini made it the most famous of the islands of the Cyclades archipelago. It is located not far from Crete, but is strikingly different from all other territories - again, thanks to its geological morphology. It was formed due to the eruption of a volcano, which is now dormant.

According to old legend, the island arose from a lump of earth that was dropped by one of the thieves of the Golden Fleece, the Argonaut. This land was presented to the hero Euphem by Triton himself. In the third millennium BC, the descendants of Argonaut, the Phoenicians, inhabited the island. They created a great civilization here. The island got its name Fira because of the round shape it had at that time.

A millennium and a half later, a volcanic eruption of incredible power occurred. Lava devastated Fira, most of the territory went under water. Because of this event, the shape of the island changed to a crescent moon.

The territories have been empty for many years, however, new culture began its development. A new awakening of the volcano in the 15th century led to an earthquake that wiped out the Minoan civilization, and with it all living things. Archaeologists managed to find evidence of the existence of a great culture. However, there is still debate that it is quite possible that this was the famous Atlantis described by Plato.

Scientists claim that it was the finds from the island of Santorini that helped solve the mystery. The Greek Sp. began archaeological research. Marinatos. The excavations carried out by him made it possible to discover palaces, frescoes and vases, their style reminiscent of the features of the Minoan civilization. The items found were hidden by a massive layer of ash from the eruption. This makes it possible to say that the culture died due to volcanic lava, which was covered by a powerful tsunami from above. A huge wave subsequently spread to many islands, destroying everything that came in its way.

Excavations tell scientists that the volcano erupted here about 12 times. This event occurred approximately once every 20 thousand years, as evidenced by the soil layers of Santorini.

Such volcanic activity led to the formation of the Caldera underwater. This cauldron-shaped depression appeared when the top of the volcano collapsed. The next eruptions were much less powerful, they occurred in the 3rd century BC (at the same time Firasya separated), as well as in the 2nd century BC (this eruption led to the appearance of Palia Kameni).

Nea Kameni appeared later than all the Mediterranean islands; it arose from lava. All territories are united into the Cycladic archipelago. The islands have experienced a lot: after each new volcanic layer and complete destruction, they were restored, culture developed anew, and houses were rebuilt. The last eruption occurred in 1956, when Santorini again experienced terrible events. And again the island came to life, the inhabitants restored the damage, the villages began to make noise again - life went on as usual.

Santorini - the most romantic island in the world

Santorini occupies a special place among the most romantic places in the world. This island is one of the most beautiful Greek lands and is popular among travelers choosing Mediterranean resorts. The population of the tourist island is a little more than 15 thousand people. The main occupation of local residents is winemaking. They grow vines, which is facilitated by fertile soils and a favorable climate. Volcanic ash, which is a natural fertilizer, played an important role. Main city The islands are Fira, about one and a half thousand people live here. Santorini, which has an area of ​​76 square kilometers, has a coastline of 70 kilometers.

Fira is a picturesque town. Cape Akrotiri located here will forever be remembered by everyone who visits this place. History buffs will appreciate a walk through the ancient village of Ia. You can get to the capital from the coastal town of Skala, the path will not be easy: several hundred steps on foot or a ride on a cute donkey. However, you can significantly simplify your journey: a rail funicular runs along the route.

The narrow streets of Fira, numerous arches, cozy houses of local residents - the tourist will definitely be pleasantly impressed by the walk. The view from here deserves special attention: the endless sea stretching far beyond the horizon, the black rocky islands (Kamenes), which can be reached by boat - the landscape seems to have been painted by a generous artist.

The western territories of Santorini will surprise even experienced tourist. Sheer cliffs, as if growing out of the darkness, are completely covered with snow-white houses. Steep cliffs west coast sharply contrast with eastern beaches, stretching along the entire coast. The dark sand of some beaches sometimes reaches a rich black color, while others are covered with pebbles. Already at the entrances, a variety of soils of all colors and textures becomes noticeable: red, brown, almost black. Thanks to this feature, the island is a favorite place for volcanologists. Scientists come here to study volcanic processes, the composition of lava, and the reasons for the formation of volcanoes. Tourists can also get involved in the topic by visiting the geological and volcanic museum, where even specialists will not be bored.

The extraordinary beauty of the island is made up of bright details: the wonderful sea, the unusual color of the sand, the wild landscape, and unique historical monuments. On a moonlit night, Santorini, strewn with lights, is stunningly beautiful. The 300 steps of the staircase are illuminated by lanterns, creating a path leading from the hill straight to the sea.

The island gives you the opportunity to feel peace and, at the same time, a powerful force hiding in the depths of the sea. Danger lurks here, but the air is saturated with a certain threat, which gives the island a unique charm. The history of destruction and rebirth of Santorini is a true miracle for every tourist who comes here.

The most beautiful island in the world

Santorini is considered one of the five most picturesque islands in the world, moreover, it leads it. The famous Bali from Indonesia, the beautiful Canadian Cape Breton, Boracay and the incredible Great Barrier Reef follow behind the Greek resort.

Recently, the island has received many prestigious awards from various travel magazines, tourism organizations, and popular media, entering the rankings best places for relaxation. Santorini's recognition as the pearl of Greece is well deserved. This is the place chosen by newlyweds going on a honeymoon or people who want to spend time on a cruise. The ideal vacation period starts from the end of March and lasts until the end of November, while all locations are busy with tourists.

The explosion of the Santorini volcano in 1627 BC led to the formation of three islands: Thirasia, Thira and Aspro. Fira is the largest of them. The second largest is Thirasia. Its population is 268 people, and the capital is the city of Manolas. The smallest island, Aspro, is uninhabited.

The island of Palea Kameni is of interest to travelers. It also arose due to volcanic activity in 46-47 BC. The unabated volcano changed the outlines of the territory and its size many times. Nobody still lives here, but it’s worth coming here for the beautiful Church of St. Nicholas. The volcanic island offers the opportunity to heal: there are many hot springs here.

Nea Kameni appeared already in our era (1570), which was facilitated by the eruption of a volcano, although it was already underwater. Its close location to Palea Kameni and its small size gave the island its name Mikri Kameni (that is, “small”). Continued volcanic activity increased the size and shape of the island.

Beaches of Santorini

Local beaches are the ideal place to escape from the madness of the pace of life, relax under the hot Greek sun, relax with children, in company or even alone. Once here at sunset, the traveler will see a unique picture that can make everyone fall in love with this place. The most famous beaches– this is Red and Kamari.

The coastline of Santorini is colorful and rugged. Here, dark volcanic sand alternates with red scoria and black pebbles. The waters of the sea are no less diverse: blue, green, turquoise, azure, almost black.

Perissa Beach is located near Mount Messa Vouno. You can get here by bus, car or water taxi. 7 kilometers of coastline covered with black sand attracts tourists with its beautiful views. There are various taverns, attractions, nightclubs, and diving centers here, allowing you to relax to the fullest.

Winds on Perissa are a rare phenomenon. The clearest sea is always calm, but there are some drawbacks. There are slabs of solidified lava hidden under the water, so it is important to be careful when entering the sea. Running in is dangerous; you should carefully feel the bottom to avoid slipping. The beach is equipped with showers, toilets, sun loungers and umbrellas.

Kamari Beach is a favorite among travelers, and for good reason. Vast territory, clean beach, clear sea - everything is created for a wonderful holiday. The surface consists of black sand and pebbles. Kamari is a unique Greek beach where you need to come for the whole day. Children and adults will find something to do here: younger tourists will try out various attractions, and there will also be animators waiting for them. Adults can enjoy active beach games, restaurants and taverns serving delicious local cuisine, and souvenir shops. The black beach of Kamari is worth visiting once and then looking forward to new encounters with this place.

The southern coast of Santorini is famous for Perivolos beach. It is located near Perissa. The advantages of Perissa include convenient access to the sea, which is suitable for families with children. The wide area accommodates the necessary amenities: sun loungers, umbrellas, changing rooms, showers, toilets. Lovers active recreation Water sports equipment can be rented, and children will enjoy the playgrounds. There are eateries around the beach where everyone can taste traditional dishes prepared from fresh ingredients. The hot summers of Santorini are softened here by the cool waters of the Aegean Sea. In the evenings, Perivolos hosts discos where you can have fun all night long.

A Martian landscape awaits tourists on Vlychada Beach, which occupies southern lands Santorini. Sharp rocks, black surface (pebbles and volcanic sand), turquoise sea waves rising high above the surface - there is something for everyone. Vlychada will appeal to lovers of secluded relaxation, romantics, even nudists (they live on the right side of the 2.5-kilometer beach). The smooth entrance and well-organized territory are undoubted advantages, but the private yachts moored nearby interfere with the peace.

Among the most famous is the Red Beach, also called Kokkini Paralia. There are archaeological excavations and museums nearby, which is convenient for versatile recreation. Get here easier with a car, but you will have to walk a short distance. The rocky slope offers a beautiful view of the beach, worthy of photographs. The greenery of the sea contrasts sharply with the brick outlines of the rocks; such a landscape cannot be found anywhere else. During the tourist season, the beach is developed necessary equipment. It is covered with porous pebbles. It is important to note that you should not wear light-colored clothes here, as they may stain.

Eros Beach is a place of unity with nature. More than 6.5 kilometers of space in the southern lands of Santorini are considered a glamorous location. There is silence and peace here, there is no wind, so you can completely relax in the arms of nature. There are no noisy establishments on the beach itself; you can grab a bite to eat by going up to the taverns serving Mediterranean gifts. The purest blue water would be ideal for swimming, but the atmosphere is spoiled by sharp stones near the water. The only way to get here is by car.

White Beach hidden in the bay, so only those who have chosen the sea route will be able to discover this place. Boats and boats depart from Red Beach and drop tourists off into the water, because there is no equipped pier here. The depth of the beach is shallow; volcanic slabs are scattered right along the shore. It is possible to rent sun loungers, umbrellas, and also have a snack from a local shop. Secluded and very romantic place suitable for newlyweds. An interesting walk through the local caves or along the White Beach area, covered with sand and large pebbles.

Caldera is the name of a crater formed after a powerful eruption with the collapse of a crater filled with water. The beach got its name from its proximity to this sinkhole. Also nearby is the village of Akrotiri, where archaeologists are conducting excavations nearby. Despite the apparent modesty of the infrastructure, there is everything you need here: taverns where you can have lunch, sun loungers, umbrellas, what is important is convenient entry into the water, as well as pleasant black sand mixed with pebbles.

Another place for a secluded getaway nearby is Mesa Pigadia. The beach is surrounded by steep white cliffs, and the territory is divided into two parts: sandy and pebble. Few tourists come here, although the water at Mesa Pigadia is clean. Winter period – best time for a gastronomic journey: fishermen stop off the coast, bringing the freshest seafood to local restaurants and taverns.

Katharos does not boast of amenities, except that it is convenient to enter the sea here. Suitable for those who are staying in the north-west of Santorini and do not plan to go far. This beach is famous for Katharos Lounge, a local restaurant that attracts guests from around the world. The food served at Katharos Lounge is considered the best in Greece.

More details

Attractions

Capital

Fira certainly deserves special attention. The first thing every tourist sees when arriving here cruise ship– this is an old port. He warmly welcomes his guests. From here, small ships carry hundreds of travelers every day who want to visit the neighboring islands. There are two ways to get to the old port: by funicular and by donkeys. We recommend using the first option - it’s much faster and safer. In addition, the funicular offers a magnificent view that you can enjoy during the descent.

Fira is diverse with its colorful churches, which you can easily visit and admire all the beauty of the sacred monastery. Here is the Baroque Catholic Cathedral, built in 1823. The earthquake of 1956 completely destroyed many buildings. The cathedral also suffered from a terrible natural phenomenon. 14 years later it was restored. The Orthodox Cathedral of Fira, built in 1827, is a masterpiece of local architecture. The square located in front of the temple allows you to enjoy all the beauties of the volcano Caldera. The cathedral is a very popular attraction among tourists. It can often be found on postcards and pictures. For lovers of historical exhibits, there are two museums - Prehistoric History and Archaeological. There are various antiquities found during excavations (ceramics, jewelry, etc.) on display. Art lovers should take a stroll through the Medieval district of Francomahal, which is replete with buildings from the 17th century, the most famous of which is the Gizi Palace. The palace hosts various art exhibitions and master classes. And every August a popular folk art festival is held here. Even just walking along the streets you can come across a large number of ancient ruins, curious and interesting fragments, burial places from different times.

Antique Thira

The modern capital of lost Atlantis is located on the west coast. But it wasn't always like this. In ancient times, Fira was the name given to the ancient southern city. It was a busy settlement with numerous buildings, thriving in the 8th-9th centuries BC. Unfortunately, from ancient capital Only ruins remain. A walk through the ruins takes tourists back to the distant past. On the vast territory there was an ancient amphitheater, a sports stadium, temples, baths, market square, residential buildings. The Column of Artemis, the Temple of Dionysus, the sanctuaries of the Egyptian gods, the caves of Hermes and Hercules are the most ancient architectural monuments. Fragments and foundations of these buildings can still be seen today. The town is located on a mountain with an incredibly beautiful view. Of course, this place is fascinating with its history.

Venetian fortress in Oia

Fans of stunning sunsets visit the village of Oiyu in droves. The Venetian fortress is an ideal location for a photo shoot. Couples in love constantly admire the rays of the setting sun here. The fortress, dating from the 14th-15th centuries, is dedicated to St. Nicholas. Its main purpose was to protect the settlement from enemy attacks. She performed her defensive function perfectly. Despite the fact that the fortress was captured, it has been perfectly preserved to this day. Don't forget to visit this extraordinary place and enjoy the scenery of the Aegean Sea.

Wine Museum

The unparalleled wine museum is the pride of Santorini. It was created by the Koutzoyannopoulos family on the territory of a private winery in 1870. It took the family 21 years to build this unique place. Bottles of wine are stored under ideal conditions thanks to its unique location: underground, in a 300-meter labyrinth natural cave at a depth of 8 meters. Here you will touch the art of winemaking, immerse yourself in the history and life of Santorini winemakers. Grapes have always been and remain the most important agricultural crop of the island. Archaeologists have found traces of grape fruits dating back to the 15th century BC. e. The museum displays rare original exhibits and equipment of winemakers, which transport the tourist to another era. Visitors become immersed in all stages of wine production, learn its features and secrets. The tour, accompanied by an audio guide available in 14 languages, costs 10 euros. At the end of the tour, visitors are invited to taste the best wines, which can be purchased as a souvenir or gift for loved ones.

Maritime Museum

In the northern town of Oia, there is a fascinating Maritime Museum, founded by Greek merchant navy captain Antonias Dakaronias in 1956. Today, its exhibits are housed in an old mansion, restored after the earthquake. Thanks to developed trade relations and its own fleet by the 20th century. Santorini found itself at the peak of economic development and prosperity. The museum fully presents the history of the Greek fleet. The exhibition is varied and interesting. It represents models of both ancient and modern ships, ancient naval equipment, fragments of ships, marine gear, crew uniforms, compasses, drawings, maps, sailors' chests and much more. Of particular interest are personal belongings and portraits of prominent navigators. The collection highlights surviving photographs of ship crews, ceremonies for the launch of new ships, the construction of shipyards, and schoolchildren in naval uniforms. Its own library stores historically important documents, specialized literature, and ship's logs.

Archaeological reserve of Akrotiri

The archaeological reserve is the remains of an ancient Bronze Age settlement, which were discovered by archaeologists a couple of decades ago. The original name of the settlement is unknown, so it was named after a nearby village. Due to a fatal volcanic eruption, the city was destroyed, ending up under a pile of ash. During the excavations, no remains of the inhabitants were found. This indicates that the residents managed to leave the area before the terrible event began. In the last century, archaeologists have unearthed buildings, furniture, dishes, frescoes and other ancient artifacts. During the excavations, a precious gold item was discovered - a figurine of a mountain goat. The found artifacts are exhibited in museums in Greece. Some of them can be seen in the Museum of Prehistoric Thira. Excavations near Akrotiri are still ongoing.

Lighthouse Faros

Beautiful views of the Aegean Sea, the volcano caldera, and the Cyclades archipelago can be seen from the Pharos lighthouse. During the day it is deserted, which makes it possible to fully enjoy all the beauties of the surrounding area. In the evenings, people go up to the lighthouse to watch the sunset. You can get to it through the village of Akrotiri, following the road through the olive grove. The lighthouse itself is not particularly beautiful. But once you see its views and enjoy the silence of nature, you will want to come back here again. The lighthouse was built in 1892 in the shape of a pyramid. Initially it ran on kerosene, later on electricity, and nowadays it is automated. Every 10 minutes, the lighthouse sends a white signal to sailors, which is visible from a distance of 24 nautical miles.

George Emmanuel Argyros Mansion

The mansion of George Emmanuel Argyros is the most important architectural monument in the neoclassical style. The mansion was significantly damaged in the 1956 earthquake and was abandoned for 3 decades. Now the building has been restored and is open to tourists. The first floor of the mansion is occupied by an incomparable hotel. The top floor is made into a museum. It displays paintings, furniture, kitchen utensils, icons, decorative ornaments and other handmade objects produced in the 19th century.

Church of Panagia Episkopi

The Church of Panagia Episkopi was built at the end of the 11th century near the village of Exo Gonya by order of Emperor Alexios I Komneos. The Orthodox Church is dedicated to the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the 20th century, the holy monastery was classified as a protected cultural monument. History preserves the memory of terrible escapes to the Sanctuary, fires, and earthquakes. According to legend, sacred place protects the Virgin Mary herself. The church is small, but very beautiful. Inside it resembles a labyrinth. The floor shimmers with a variety of marble slabs. The furnishings of Panagia Episkopi are imbued with antiquity. Its interior consists of historical objects. The walls are hung with ancient icons. The most valuable is the Panagia Glykofilouza “Sweet Kiss of the Virgin Mary,” which depicts the Virgin Mary and Child. The icon was painted in the 12th century. The marble iconostasis consists of fragments from the same period. The church is decorated with various ornaments and frescoes. An unusually beautiful panorama of the eastern part of the island opens here. Tourists feel peace and tranquility here. The dizzying landscape and the combination of the aroma of mint and basil create complete spiritual harmony. In the summer, the Feast of the Assumption is celebrated in Panagia Episkopi. Holy Mother of God. In the evenings, folk festivities take place here.

Colorful beaches, fairy houses and streets, unique antiquities and a unique atmosphere - this is what attracts tourists from all over the world to Santorini. Are you ready to see the most romantic island in the world? Then you have come to the right place: we have walked around and studied it inside and out and present to you a guide to Santorini, where the most important and detailed information. Close Yandex, today you will no longer need it.

Guide to Santorini Island (Greece): beaches, attractions, prices, weather and much more

Our guide to Santorini is the ultimate useful information, which we were able (yes, we were able to!) fit into this short article. She will help you plan your trip to Santorini in Greece from start to finish. Here you will also find links to our other articles, in which we talk in more detail about everything you will need on your trip. Bookmark this article, so that you can always return to it when planning your vacation. Santorini is waiting for you!

Guide to the island of Santorini in Greece: contents of the article

What is Santorini: history with geography

Let's start our guide to Santorini with a little information. And the certificate is from a small opening. It turns out that, from a scientific point of view, Santorini is not an island. Santorini is a whole ring of five islands: Thira, Thirasia, Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni and Aspronisi. A long time ago, in place of this ring there was one big island. But in the middle of the 2nd millennium BC, a terrible volcanic eruption occurred on it, which destroyed the advanced Minoan civilization of Crete and broke the island into those same five “shards” in the shape of a ring. The largest of these islands is crescent-shaped and is called Fira (or Thira), which is what everyone calls Santorini for simplicity. And at the epicenter of the eruption, the famous Caldera arose - a crater filled with the sea off the western shores of Fira, against which tourists love to take pictures.

The island of Santorini (let’s call it the largest of the five “shards”) is located in the Cyclades archipelago of the Aegean Sea, 230 km southeast of Athens. Area – 76 sq. km., population is just over 13,000 people, of which 2,000 live in the capital of the island, which is also called Fira. Other large settlements are Oia (the most beautiful streets and sunsets here) and Perissa (located by the longest beach on the island).

Santorini is famous for its churches (there are many hundreds of them on the island), beautiful streets, gingerbread houses with blue shutters and colorful volcanic beaches. All this, combined with a touch of romance and a complicated history, has made the island of Santorini the most popular in Greece, and at the same time one of the most expensive.

A favorite activity for tourists: grab a comfortable spot overlooking the Caldera and the islands, stock up on something refreshingly strong and read our Santorini travel guide! Or something else interesting 😉

When is the best time to go to Santorini and the weather on the island

Like all the Aegean islands, the tourist season in Santorini lasts from late May to mid-September. Peak season in Santorini is July-August: at this time the temperature is highest here, the most high prices to hotels and the largest crowds of tourists. The best value for money holiday in Santorini is at the end of May, June, September and October. At this time, the weather is very comfortable, the sea is still (or already) warm, and hotel prices are noticeably lower than in peak months. And there are fewer tourists than in July-August.

However, it is impossible to imagine Santorini without tourists at all: even in winter travelers from all over the world come here! Of course, there are much fewer of them than in the high season. But you can explore all the local attractions with feeling, sense, and order and take advantage of the unique opportunity to walk around the island without the tourist crowds. Yes, the water is cold in winter and you can’t swim (although some manage to do so). But still, the weather is quite comfortable, and the average daily temperature from December to February does not fall below 15 degrees.

How to get to Santorini from Moscow, Athens and the Greek islands

As already mentioned, Santorini is one of the most popular islands in Greece. At the same time, there are no direct flights from Russia to this island (we hope so far). Therefore, there are two ways to get to Santorini from Moscow or St. Petersburg: either by connecting flight with a transfer in Athens or Thessaloniki (price starts from 120 euros), or by flying to Athens and transferring there to a local airline or ferry.

Ferries from the Athens port of Piraeus to Santorini run several times a day, travel time is from 5 to 8 hours, the price starts from 20 euros. A ferry service connects Santorini with many other islands of Greece: Milos, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, etc. We have described in detail all the ways to get to Santorini in our articles:

Ferries connect Santorini not only with the mainland, but also with many other islands. The handsome ship in the photo is ready to take off from Milos in Santorini, and we are with it.

Where to stay in Santorini? Overview of the island's cities and towns

Santorini is a small island, half the size of Milos. At the same time, there are many cities and towns that are noticeably different from each other. And not only in terms of cost of living. The answer to the question “Where to stay in Santorini?” First of all, it depends on the purpose of your visit. If beaches are a priority, then there is one answer, if you are interested in a budget and eventful vacation, then another, if you come with children, then a third... Therefore, it is very important to know what the settlements of the island are and what their differences are. We discuss the cities and towns of Santorini in detail in a separate article:

There are hundreds of hotels in Santorini to suit every taste in different cities and towns. Which one to stay in depends primarily on the purpose of your trip, and our guide to the island of Santorini will help you decide.

Santorini hotels: what you need to know and how to book rooms

When booking hotels on the island of Santorini, remember three main things.

1. The most expensive hotels in Santorini - in the “elite villages” of Oia and Imerovigli. The cheapest ones are in the coastal villages of Perissa and Kamari, as well as in Karterados (a village a 15-minute walk from Fira).

2. You should look for hotels in Santorini not only on Booking, but also on special hotel search engines. In all our travels, we look for hotels not only in Booking.com, but also on Hotellook.ru. It compares prices in different booking systems and shows the best options. Then it takes you to the booking system website (Booking, Agoda, Ozon.travel, etc.), where you book a hotel.

2. If you want to save money, book apartments with your own kitchen. There are plenty of such hotels in Santorini. They may cost a little more than “regular” rooms without a stove and refrigerator, but you will seriously save on food. As you know, prices for food in cafes in Santorini are steep. But products in stores are inexpensive. At the same time, no one forces you to prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner every day: even a cup of coffee with sweets or a sandwich on the veranda of your room will cost several times less than in a local cafe. And if you cook such “complex” dishes as scrambled eggs or sausages...

Travel Guide to Santorini Island, Greece. The photo shows our hotel in Karterados. We only stayed in apartments, so we saved a lot on food.

The most beautiful beaches of Santorini

All the beaches of Santorini are unique; they do not have the yellow sand we are used to. Since Santorini is a volcanic island, the beaches here are also volcanic, and therefore colorful. They are mainly covered with coarse black sand, and there is also a white and red beach. Which of Santorini's beaches are definitely worth a visit, and which can be ignored? You will find answers to these and other questions in our articles:

Vlihada is not only the most beautiful beach Santorini. It is also the least crowded and “wild”: sun loungers and umbrellas are only at the entrance, everything else is at your disposal. A guide to the island of Santorini from Uehali.com is highly recommended!

Sights of Santorini

The main attraction of Santorini is the island itself, its fabulous streets and houses, stunningly beautiful sunsets and a unique atmosphere. At the same time, Santorini has many natural and architectural attractions that are a must-see. Ancient cities have been preserved in Santorini; there are very interesting excursions, museums and, of course, temples. There are many hundreds of churches here, and among them there are especially remarkable ones, with an interesting history that resembles an action-packed movie.

In general, Santorini has a huge number of attractions. Therefore, the main problem of any tourist and the main task of a Santorini travel guide is to identify the most interesting activities and places. The task is not easy, but doable. Especially when you have useful articles on this topic at hand:

Classic photo of Oia, Santorini during sunset. It is this picture that adorns postcards with views not only of the island, but of all of Greece.

Public transport, taxi, car rental

Main transport hub Santorini – bus station of Fira, the capital of the island ( place on Google maps). From here you can get a fairly inexpensive bus ride to all the main cities and towns of the island, as well as to the airport and New Port. By public transport you can get to all the beaches of Santorini (except for White, the only way there is by sea). The price of a bus ticket is from 1.8 to 2.5 euros, depending on the distance. Buses in Santorini run according to a schedule, which is posted at each stop. Details and all useful links are in our article:

Taxi in Santorini not cheap. If you should book it, it would be for a trip from the airport or ferry port to the hotel or back. For example, a taxi ride from the airport or port to Fira, Kamari or Perissa costs from 50 euros, to Oia - from 70 euros. You can order a car on the Russian-language website Kiwitaxi.ru .

Car rental in Santorini very widely developed. The starting price is from 40 euros per car per day in June or September and from 50 euros in July or August. You can rent a car both on site and on the website Rentalcars.com, which compares the prices of all rental companies.

Fira bus station is the main transport hub of Santorini. From here you can go to different cities and beaches of the island.

Prices for Santorini for food, hotels, travel, excursions

Santorini is considered the most expensive island in Greece. And of course, the main expense item here is accommodation. Here's how much one night in Santorini hotels costs during high season (links take you to Booking.com, where you can find prices for dates relevant to you):

Food prices in Santorini restaurants are also quite high. But in stores, food costs about the same as on other islands of Greece or on the mainland.

• Breakfast in the cafe – from 5 to 12 euros.
• Greek salad in a cafe - from 9 to 12 euros.
• Main dishes in restaurants - from 10 euros.
• Moussaka in a cafe - from 14 euros.
• Homemade wine in a cafe (0.5 l) – from 5 euros.
• Chicken legs in the store (1 kg) — from 3 to 5 euros.
• Pork pulp in the store (1 kg) - from 4.8 to 6 euros.
• Sliced ​​bread – from 1 to 2 euros.
• Apples and pears (1 kg) — from 1 euro.
• Beer Mythos and Amstel in the store (0.5 l) - from 1.4 euros.

Read more about the cost of food and everything else in Santorini in our articles:

The most beautiful photos of Santorini island

And finally, our guide to Santorini will be decorated best photos of this island that we brought from a trip to Greece. And although in this article you have seen a lot beautiful photos, Santorini is a place that you want to admire forever.

Evening Oia is a visiting card not only of the island of Santorini, but of all of Greece. Such photographs decorate not only our guide to the island of Santorini, but also almost all websites about Greece.

Perfectly white houses with perfectly blue shutters are a recipe for perfect Greek minimalism, which attracts millions of tourists from all over the world.

Santorini is a volcanic island, so there are no “regular” yellow sand beaches. The photo shows the famous black beach of Perissa, the longest on the island.

A stunning view of the sunset and the volcanic Caldera is exactly what tourists come to Santorini for and are willing to pay thousands of dollars for a hotel room.

Santorini is the number one destination in Greece according to Tripadvisor. And this is true. Acropolis of Athens pales against the background of this extraordinary island.

Santorini is actually a group of islands in the Aegean Sea. The group includes the islands of Thira, Thirasia, Palea Kameni, Nea Kameni and Aspro. The population of Thirasia is very small; Palea Kameni, Nea Kameni and Aspro are generally uninhabited, so the main island of Thira is simply called by the name of the archipelago.

Volcano Santorini

The main attraction of the island is the Santorini volcano. Arriving in Santorini, it is simply impossible not to visit the volcano - the island is the volcano. The exception is Santorini Peak, but more on that later. The volcano is active. The island shakes regularly. The last serious earthquake here occurred in 1956.

Until 1500 BC the island had a round shape and was called Strongyla. The Santorini volcano, which was located in the center of the island, had a height of 1.5 km. About one and a half thousand years BC, an event occurred that decisively changed both the history of the ancient world and the shape of the island - an eruption with a force of up to 7 points on the eruption scale. As a result of the eruption, the crater of the volcano collapsed and a huge caldera (crater) was formed, which was immediately filled with the sea. The sea surface area of ​​the caldera reaches about 32 square meters. miles, and the depth is 300-400 m. All that remains of ancient Strongyla is the currently visible crescent with a steep cliff of more than 300 m in the western part and flat beaches in the eastern part.

This is what Santorini looks like today. In the very center there is an island-crater (Palea Kameni), surrounded by a flooded caldera and individual islands. Source: Wikipedia.

After the volcano's mouth was filled with water, it evaporated and a huge explosion occurred (the effect of a steam boiler), which caused a huge tsunami, presumably 100 to 200 m high, that hit the northern coast of Crete. The consequence of the tsunami was the decline of the Minoan civilization. The disaster was completed by strong earthquakes and volcanic ash thrown over a considerable distance. A tsunami several tens of meters high destroyed everything that was on the islands of the Aegean Sea, Crete, coastal Greek settlements, northern Egypt, everyone who lived on the shores Mediterranean Sea, and stopped the development of civilizations for a thousand years. There is a version that it was this tsunami that destroyed Atlantis.

If you look closely at satellite image, then the mountain is clearly visible on the right. This is the peak of Santorini. It has nothing to do with the volcano and was here before it. It has exactly the same structure and origin as all the other islands of the Cyclades archipelago.

From the side of the island, the caldera is framed by steep slopes. It is on these slopes that the top attractions are located - the cities of Fira and Oia.

Sheer cliffs around the caldera of the Santorini volcano. The dark island in the center is a crater.

Santorini conditionally greek island. This can be seen in the architecture, culture, names and Catholics. The name of the island itself is of Latin origin - Santa Irini (in Greek it would be Agios Irini). Obviously Latin names are also found among settlements - Emporio, Perissa, Messario, etc.

Carter of Santorini volcano. Oia is visible in the background, and further away is the island of Ios.

I'm very skeptical about crowds of tourists, but this island was built for that. We spent five days on the island and didn’t have time to see everything.

Transport in Santorini

Volcano Santorini

Ruins of a Minoan city on Cape Akrotiri

Akrotiri is the name of excavations at the site of a Bronze Age settlement attributed to the Minoan civilization. The excavations are named after a modern village located on a hill nearby. The original name of the ancient settlement is unknown. It was buried under a layer of ash after a volcanic eruption around 1500 BC, leaving it remarkably well preserved. According to experts, before the city was covered with volcanic ash, a strong earthquake occurred, and therefore residents managed to leave their homes in time.

The Akrotiri Museum is one of the most civilized places in Santorini. It's clean, neat and everything is thought out. The infrastructure is very reminiscent of the pyramids of Guimar in Tenerife. The only thing I didn't like was the paid parking (3 euros). We have never seen any other paid parking in Santorini.

The Akrotiri Excavation Museum is a branch of Tenerife in Santorini.

Shortly before the completion of the excavations in 2005, the roof that covered the entire excavation area collapsed, killing one of the visitors. The excavations were not damaged, but after this the site was closed to the public. In June 2008 it was announced that Akrotiri would be closed to tourists until at least 2010. I don’t know exactly when they opened, but the museum is open.

Red Beach

Red Beach is located very close to Akrotiri. The beach is like a beach, only red. For such a popular and organized beach, the parking and approach are surprisingly poor. Poor aunties have difficulty making their way over stones and other gullies. The parking lot near the beach resembles the average Novgorod courtyard.

Black Beach

Black beach is everywhere in Santorini. A volcano is a volcano. There are beaches with very small pebbles - they are called sandy. They are located in the beach villages of Perissa and Kamari.

Surprisingly, beach holidays are developed in Santorini. Beach villages and beaches here are so-so; if you want a beach, go somewhere else (better not to Greece at all).

Santorini Peak

Santorini Peak is the highest point on the island. There is a NATO radar at the peak and the peak itself is closed to visitors. However, almost at the very top, there is observation decks. From the peak the entire archipelago is clearly visible.

Highlights

The name “Santorini” also goes to the miniature archipelago, which, in addition to Santorini itself, includes 4 more small islands. This group of islets, formed as a result of a powerful volcanic explosion, is a miracle of nature, and Santorini itself has been one of the most popular and prestigious resorts Mediterranean.

It is not easy to stay here in the summer months - the hotels are overcrowded, but tourists vacationing in Greece consider it a matter of honor to at least visit the legendary island on a tour. Those who settled here for a week or two leisurely travel around the ancient island, the area of ​​which is very small - only 76 km². But in this small territory there is a huge number of incredibly beautiful corners: ancient villages spread out in terraces on picturesque mountain slopes, magnificent beaches with black, red, white volcanic sand hidden in cozy bays, cliffs soaring into the sky, to whose peaks steep paths lead. The stunning sunsets of Santorini, captured countless times by master filmmakers and eminent photographers, are a symbol not only of the island itself, but of the whole of Greece.

There is something for everyone in Santorini. Lovers of history and archeology can visit the excavations and find out how people lived here 4 thousand years ago; inquisitive tourists will be interested in visiting the ancient churches, visiting museums; divers will find along the local coast great places for diving. Newlyweds from different countries often choose the island of Santorini for their wedding tour, and some couples come here to get married in one of the snow-white Orthodox churches. Cheerful and colorful wedding processions in the narrow streets of Santorini can be seen quite often.

Couples with children love to relax on the island. Suitable beaches for them are located on its east coast. Many restaurants have a special children's menu, and some have playgrounds where children are entertained by animators, giving parents, without regard to little naughty children, the opportunity to enjoy the excellent dishes of Santorini cuisine.

History of Santorini Island

In the 3rd century BC. e. The territory of the island of Santorini was inhabited by people whose culture was formed under the influence of Minoan Crete. The presence of representatives of this pre-Greek civilization here became reliably known in the century before last, when during excavations under a four-meter layer of volcanic ash, archaeologists discovered entire blocks of two-three-story houses, the facades of which were decorated with bright frescoes reminiscent of the wall paintings of Minoan palaces.

At that time, the island supposedly had a round shape, and in its central part there was a cone-shaped volcanic mountain with a height of 1000 to 1500 m. It was probably due to its geometric shape that in ancient times Santorini was called Strongila (Round).

Between 1645-1500 BC. e. happened on the island violent eruption volcano and earthquake that caused a tsunami. This natural disaster became one of the reasons for the death of the Minoan civilization and a disaster for the entire Mediterranean. Judging by the fact that no unburied human remains were found during the excavations, the population of the island managed to leave it before the fiery lava and basalt boulders erupting from the volcanic vent began to crush everything in its path. The earth's surface collapsed into the voids formed in the depths of the volcanic mountain after the eruption, and the central part of the island turned into a giant caldera, which was immediately filled with sea water.

For almost two centuries, life on the island froze, but already in the 13th century BC. e. The Phoenicians settled here. During these times the island was known as Kallisti. The Phoenicians were replaced by the Dorians. It is known that at the end of the 12th century BC. e. King Tiras, a descendant of the legendary Cadmus, a hero of ancient Greek mythology, ruled here. During this period, the island received a new name - Thira.

After the Peloponnesian War, Tire came under the rule of the Athenians. From the 1st to the 4th centuries, the Romans ruled here, followed by the heirs of the Roman Empire - the Byzantines. At this time, Christian beliefs took root on the island.

During the Christian era, the island received its current name - Santorini. This name was first mentioned in the records of the Arab geographer Muhammad al-Idrisi, dating back to 1153. Presumably, the island was named by the Crusaders after the Church of St. Irene that stood here at that time.

Since 1487, Santorini was under the rule of Venice, and from the end of the 16th century - under the control of the Ottoman Empire, although maintaining fairly broad autonomy.

In 1830, Santorini became part of the independent Greek state, liberated from centuries-old Turkish rule.

Greek flag over the island

Nature and climate

Travelers arriving to Santorini by air need only look out the window of an airliner to understand why in ancient times the island was called Strongyla (Round). Today it does not have a complete circle outline, but it is easy to imagine it, looking at the caldera filled with sea waters, which on one side is surrounded by the broken rocks of the island of Santorini like a crescent, and on the other, as if closing a ring, by two islands. One of them, Thirasia, is the second largest in the Santorini group of islands. The other, Aspronisi, is the smallest. If Thirasia and Aspronisi, like Santorini itself, were formed after a volcanic explosion that occurred in the second millennium BC. BC, then two islands located in the center of the caldera, Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, arose as a result of underwater volcanic eruptions that occurred much later. As a result of seismic shifts of the earth's surface, the islands changed their size and outline more than once.

10-Flooded caldera of an ancient volcano

Santorini does not boast lush vegetation; its pride is its fantastic volcanic landscapes, which distinguish the island from other picturesque corners of the Mediterranean. The sheer cliffs of its western coast rise from the bottom of the caldera, reaching a height of 150-400 m. They form a grandiose wall consisting of rocks of black and red colors, replacing each other in layers. On the bend of the cliff, closer to the center of the island, is Thira, the central city of Santorini, in the north is the picturesque town of Oia, in the south is the village of Akrotiri, at the foot of which beaches with coarse white, red and black sand are hidden in cozy coves.

The landscape of other areas of the island is different from the topography of the steep western coast. Basalt boulders created by hardened lava stretch along the central part of Santorini from north to south. This rocky plateau gently falls to the eastern coast of the island, bordering coastline, on which there are pebble and sandy beaches.

The beauty of Santarini is dramatic: the external serenity of nature is deceptive, because under the thickness of sea water that filled the caldera, molten magma bubbles, separated from the sea by a thin layer of solidified lava. The fact that the volcano is not sleeping is reminiscent of the smoke that sometimes rises from the ground crater of the volcano located on the island of Nea Kameni. The last eruption occurred here in January 1950, and new cataclysms are not at all ruled out.

But the people of Santorini are true fatalists. They calmly cultivate the fertile volcanic soil, growing grapes, vegetables, fruits, carefully paint their houses with white and blue paint, decorate them with cute flower pots with blooming bougainvilleas and warmly welcome guests.

The tourist season here lasts from April to October. In April, sunny weather sets in on the island, the air warms up to +20 °C, and daredevils can even swim: the coastal water temperature this month is +16 °C.

In May, the thermometer rises to +22 °C, and in the summer months, which are the peak season, the temperature ranges from +28 °C in June to +35 °C in August. The water warms up to +25 °C.

September (especially its first half) is as hot as August. The weather remains warm in October: +23...+26 °C. This month is the best time for those who like to relax in a calm environment, because the influx of tourists in October decreases significantly. In November, the air temperature drops to +18 °C and the rains begin.

In winter, Santorini is relatively warm: +12...+16 °C, but the weather is capricious, it is often windy and rainy.

Santorini in winter

Traveling around Santorini

The most exciting panoramas of Santorini will open up to you if you decide to get here by sea. As you approach the island, you will be able to see ascetic cliffs literally rising from the depths of the sea. As soon as the ship enters the caldera, they will gradually surround you, luring you with their romantic, mysterious, but somewhat gloomy appearance. Particularly amazing views open up at dawn and sunset.

Tourists arriving in Santorini by ferry are greeted by the busy port of Athinios, in the harbor of which snow-white yachts rock on the azure waves. The bright colors of this cozy coastal corner contrast sharply with the steep bare rocks painted in black, gray and red, as if calming and reminding that Santorini is not only a miracle of nature, but also resort center. In the port area there are hotels that receive an endless stream of guests during the tourist season. Buses depart from here, taking travelers to different parts of the island.

Cruise ships usually stop at the roadstead, and travelers are taken to land by boats moored in the old port of Mesa Gialos. From here, the main city of the island, Thira, located above the curve of the caldera at an altitude of approximately 260 m, can be reached in different ways. If you have luggage with you, use the cable car. The carriages depart every 20 minutes from 6:40 to 20:00, the cost is 5 €. Please note that cable car open from May to September and you may have to wait in line for about half an hour.

If you are light, you can climb 588 steps to the city. It will take you an hour and a half. You can also take a fun ride on a donkey, mule or horse, which will take you to Thira in 20-30 minutes. This pleasure costs approximately 8 €, but you can bargain. This method of travel is not dangerous when the road goes up, but before heading into reverse direction, down, think carefully: the hooves of animals often slide on a surface that has become almost polished over time. steep road, made of stone. The feeling is not pleasant!

Thira

Located on sheer cliff Tira will greet you with white, toy-like houses with blue or terracotta shutters, which are chaotically scattered around mountain slope. Its central square, Feotokopoulo, is always lively and noisy, and is surrounded by restaurants, shops, souvenir and jewelry shops. From here the distances to the cities and towns of Santorini are counted. There is also a bus station and a taxi stand here. Organized excursions around the island traditionally depart from the square.

In Tire it is interesting to see the famous Christian churches, Catholic and Orthodox: the Dominican monastery, snow-white, crowned with a blue dome, the Church of St. Minas, which is a symbol of Santorini, the Cathedral (of the Presentation of the Lord). Opposite the cathedral are the famous Doors of Thera, open to the sea, sunlight and wind. After passing through them, you will find yourself on a platform with stunning views of the caldera and the volcanic island of Nea Kameni.

It is worth a look at the Archaeological Museum, which displays a rich exhibition of artifacts found during excavations on the island of Santorini: elegant marble figurines (3rd millennium BC), antique sculptures, decorated with skillfully painted amphora.

The Megaro Gisi Museum, located in a beautiful building built in the Venetian style, is also of interest. Here you can see works of contemporary artists, a collection of ancient maps, engravings and photographs of the island.

The main town of Santorini is the center of evening entertainment. There are countless bars, taverns, restaurants, and discos located here. Most of them have open areas with beautiful views. During sunsets, many establishments perform classical music, effectively enhancing the visual perception of the luxurious action of nature.

Thira imperceptibly merges with the picturesque resort village of Firostefani, located along the curve of the caldera. This quiet fairy-tale city borders it with its white houses, among which rises the Church of St. Gerasimos, surrounded by thick cypress trees.

Behind it is the village of Imerovigli. This place received its name, which translates as “day watch,” due to its strategic position on one of the most high points calderas. Once upon a time, watchmen peered out into the sea from here, looking for the sails of enemy ships.

From the tourist area of ​​the village there begins a path with steps leading to the top of the Skaros rock. This walking route, by the way, is quite difficult, but the trail is laid in such a way that from any point you can see magnificent panoramas of the caldera, Thira, and small villages scattered on the slopes of the cliff.

In the 13th century, the Venetians founded a fortress on the rock, and for several centuries Skaros was the capital of the island. Today, only ruins remain of the fortifications. There are steps leading down from the top of the rock, and going down them you will find yourself at the original Teoskepasti church, partially built into the rock.

10 km from Thira is one of the most picturesque corners of Santorini - the village of Oia. The first mention of this village dates back to 1650, but historians believe that its age is more respectful. Snow-white houses of the city, churches with blue domes, ancient mills clustered on the edge of the abyss, as if supporting each other, and literally hang over the caldera, clinging to the high cliff.

Oia is a fine example of traditional local architecture. Its colorful houses are hidden in niches carved directly into the rocks. They are interconnected by courtyards, steps, and are surrounded by flowers of bougainvillea and jasmine.

The village of Oia is also famous for its numerous churches, each of which has its own patron saint. The most visited temple here is the Orthodox Church of St. Sozont (Savior), built in 1680.

On the main street of the village, Kapitanskaya, lined with marble slabs, there are rows of cafes and small shops selling jewelry and souvenirs. The street will lead you to the Church of St. George, the image of which is depicted on many postcards, pages of tourist brochures, and postage stamps. The church was erected in 1811, and the building materials for it were stones and fragrant cypress wood. There were once many of these trees on the island. This is reminiscent of seven giant cypress trees growing near the temple. Captain's Street encircles a steep slope in tiers and leads to the ruins of the Venetian fortress, from where impressive panoramas open up.

To the south of Thira are the villages of Mesaria (where the lion's share of Santorini wines are produced), Votonas, Esko Gonia, where you can see beautiful ancient temples. Next is the town of Pyrgos. It is located at the foot and on the slopes of Mount Prophet Elijah. Pyrgos is an example of a fortified Cycladic village - its streets follow the contours of the mountain and encircle it like a ribbon.

Belfry in Pyrgos

There are many ancient churches in Pyrgos, the oldest of which is the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, built in the 11th century. Most of the local churches were built in the 16th-17th centuries.

At the top of the mountain of Prophet Elijah is located monastery with the same name, which in its appearance more closely resembles a well-fortified bastion. The construction of the monastery began in 1711 and was built in two stages, completing work in 1857. It was under the jurisdiction of the Patriarch of Constantinople and was famous for its wealth. Theological and tribal schools operated here, where local children had the opportunity to study Greek.

Today, religious relics and rare manuscripts are kept within the walls of the monastery. It also has a rich ethnographic collection.

History buffs should definitely visit the archaeological reserve " Ancient Thira"and excavations of Akrotiri. Ancient Thira is located 15 km from the modern capital of Santorini, on the southeast coast of the island. It is located on a mountain rising 400 m above sea level. By car or bus along a picturesque serpentine road you can only get to the parking lot, and then you have to climb on foot or riding one of the ubiquitous donkeys for 25 € per person. You will have to pay 14 € to enter the excavation area. The reserve is open for tourists from 10:00 to 14:45. Take warm clothes with you, as it can often be very windy at the top of the mountain.

Upon entering you will see the small Byzantine church of St. Stephen from the 4th century. Walking through the ancient city, you can see the temple of Artemis, carved into the rock, the temple of Dionysus, the sanctuary of Apollo, the ruins of an ancient theater and Roman baths, the altars of the temples of the Egyptian gods that stood here in the Ptolemaic era.

The archaeological site of Akrotiri is located in the south of Santorini, near the village from which it takes its name. Excavations are being carried out at the site of a Bronze Age settlement, founded here, as scientists believe, in the third millennium BC. e. After a volcanic eruption that occurred between 1645 and 1500 BC. e., the village was covered with a multi-meter layer of ash, thanks to which its buildings were well preserved. They first became known in 1866, when the volcanic soil of the island of Santorini began to be used to strengthen the earthen bed of the Suez Canal.

In 1967, an international group of researchers, led by the famous Greek archaeologist Spyridon Marinatos, discovered here the ruins of an ancient city with the remains of three-story buildings, on the facades of which beautiful frescoes, complex drainage and sewer systems, household items, and furniture were preserved. Scientists often make sensational discoveries here that allow us to better understand the history of antiquity. Some claim that the legendary Atlantis was once located here. Entrance to the excavation area will cost 12 €.

Beaches of Santorini

Original colorful beaches Santorini has become famous throughout the world and is among the top ten best beaches on the planet. Paradoxically, they owe their beauty and originality to a catastrophic volcanic eruption and a devastating earthquake. Rocks and volcanic ash erupted from the depths of the earth turned into sand of amazing colors, and shifts in the earth's crust formed a uniquely beautiful coastline relief.

The depth of the sea in the waters of Santorini reaches 400 m in some places, so the water here is pleasantly cool even in hot August. The color of the sea water is also amazing. Depending on the time of day, it becomes either turquoise, then deep blue, then emerald, or blue-black.

Azure sea in Santorini

One of the most popular beaches on the island is Kamari. The once modest village has now become a fashionable international resort. The beach is located 10 km southeast of Thira, in a flat area. It stretches for 8 km and is awarded Blue flag. The entrance to the sea here is steep, so parents should closely monitor their children. On Kamari, black volcanic sand is mixed with pebbles; by midday it becomes hot, so it is difficult to walk here barefoot; you need beach shoes.

The beach has all the conditions for active recreation: badminton courts, beach volleyball, mini-football. There is a diving center. There is a children's area with attractions; kids can have fun in the company of animators. There are many cafes and taverns on Kamari, as well as souvenir shops.

For 6€ you can rent a pair of sun loungers and an umbrella. Hiring a boat will cost 3-4 €, and the rowers will take you to one of the neighboring beaches.

On the southeastern coast of Santorini there is another famous beach- Perisa. It is located near the village of the same name, at the foot of Mount Mesa Vuno. The sand here is coarse, dark gray asphalt in color. Stone slabs formed by lava stretch along the water's edge. Vegetation has grown on their surface, which creates the impression that they are covered with velvet or velor. You need to enter the water here with caution so as not to slip; besides, the bottom here is rocky, and the shore immediately drops into the depths.

The cost of renting two sun loungers and an umbrella on this beach is 8 €. There is a diving center on the beach where you can rent equipment.

Perisa Beach is protected by a mountain, so there is no wind here. However, this is a rather noisy place: there are many bars, restaurants, nightclubs, discos, and artists often perform here.

Perisa Beach

Monolithos Beach, also located in the southeast of Santorini, not far from the village of the same name, is perfect for families with children. The local black sand is fine and soft, the entrance to the sea is long and gentle. Kids can have fun on the playground, and their parents have access to... volleyball court, cafes, taverns.

At the southern tip of Santorini, near the village of Akrotiri, is the Red Beach. This is incredible picturesque place got its name due to the red-red rocks and red pebbles bordering it. The bright colors of the coast combined with the equally expressive turquoise color of sea water create a simply fantastic picture worthy of an artist’s brush.

To enjoy this beauty, you will have to take a path through the rocks from the parking lot, so you must have appropriate shoes. Many people come here on boats and boats from neighboring beaches.

Despite the somewhat difficult access to the Red Beach, it is impossible to be alone here, sometimes you can’t even find a place to sunbathe. Many have to settle on stone islands located a few meters from the coastline.

Here good places for scuba diving. In the evening, aesthetes from all over the island come to the beach to admire the magnificent sunset.

In a secluded bay, not far from the Red Beach, there is a romantic White Beach with white sand and pebbles. Surrounded by magical-looking white rocks, it attracts lovers here, providing an opportunity for privacy. Traveling here also puts you in a romantic mood, since the beach can only be reached by sea. By the way, there is no pier here, and vacationers have to disembark from the boat directly into the blue coastal waters. You can rent a boat for 5 € in Akrotiri. The beach infrastructure consists of a small food tent and sun loungers.

The secluded beaches located in the picturesque bays of the northern coast of Santorini are incredibly unique. However, all of them are difficult to access, and tourists have to follow steep paths to get to the sea. You can set off on foot, or riding a donkey or mule. Many travelers arrive at local beaches by boat. This part of the sea area offers ideal diving spots.

Excursions to the islands

To experience the reality of a natural disaster that happened four thousand years ago, go to the island of Nea Kameni located in the caldera of Santorini. Here, near the ground crater of a hidden volcano, from which light smoke periodically rises, emitting a hydrogen sulfide smell, it will be easier for you to imagine how dramatic events unfolded on the island thousands of years ago.

Nea Kameni is uninhabited, there are no sources of fresh water, the vegetation is very sparse, but the volcanic landscape of the island cannot leave anyone indifferent. A rather steep path will lead you to the crater, bordered by lava formations of the most bizarre shape. You will have to walk about one and a half kilometers, so beach flip-flops are not suitable for such a trip.

The sea water off the coast of the island surprises with its unusually rich green color. This is due to the fact that thermal springs erupting from the bottom of the sea favor the growth of seaweed, which, as a rule, is brightly colored.

In the water area neighboring island There are even more such springs in Palea Kameni, and the water here is not at all attractive in color, with a hint of rust. However, it has healing properties, and mooring a sea excursion ship near the island with mass bathing of tourists in the coastal waters is an indispensable component of an excursion to the caldera islands. Many people do not respond very well to such entertainment after they realize that they will no longer be able to wash expensive swimsuits and swimming trunks.

By visiting the island of Thirasia, a fragment of the ancient island of Strongyla, you will learn what Santorini looked like before the invasion of tourists. True, you will only succeed within the framework individual travel, when you have the opportunity to spend the morning or evening hours here, or decide to stay on the island for a week. Every day around noon, tour groups land here, and you can forget about peace and tranquility. But it cannot be said that local residents are not happy about this, especially those who own taverns and guest houses.

The main town of the island, Manolas, is located 200 m above sea level, and its main difference from the villages of Santorini is its completely peaceful atmosphere.

Excursions to the islands usually depart from Mesa Gialos, the old port of Thira. You can go on a trip by ferry or traditional boat - caique with an individual guide (cost from 10 to 30 €). Additionally, you will need to pay an environmental fee of 2 € for visiting the island of Nea Kameni.

You can go on a tour of the Santorini islands on the glass-bottomed Calypso ship. During the sea tour, he will pass the water area where volcanic reefs are hidden under the sea waters. Peering into the depths of the sea, you will be able to understand at what depth the crater of the treacherous volcano lurks. An excursion to Calypso will cost 20 €.

Excursion ship "Calypso"
Transparent bottom of the ship "Calypso"

Cooking

The basis of recipes for traditional Santorini dishes is local products. agriculture. The island's volcanic soil gives them a unique taste, and the climate allows them to harvest two crops of some crops per season.

Miniature Santorini tomatoes have unusual flavors. They are dried, used to prepare original tomato paste, but most importantly, they are used to produce the signature dish of Santorini, known as tomatokeftedes - savory vegetable cutlets.

A special variety of legumes is grown on the island. They are used to create the most popular vegetable and meat dishes, without which not a single meal is complete. Local white eggplants are also good. They are fried over coals and served with herbs and a sprinkle of crushed hard cheese.

Restaurant with sea view

Slightly sour and creamy, goat milk cheese called “chloro” is the pride of local cheesemakers and is very popular among gourmet tourists.

All restaurants, bars and cafes in Santorini offer excellent local wines. You will not taste such wines anywhere else, because grapes grown on volcanic soil have a unique taste.

As for meat dishes, you should try the beef dish “stifado”, dried pork ham “apoksti”, rabbit meat with egg sauce, and delicious homemade sausage.

No one will tell you how many taverns, bars, beach grills, cafes, restaurants there are in Santorini except the Greek tax service. Most of them attract not only excellent cuisine, but also the opportunity to enjoy amazing panoramas from their terraces.

Greek wine

For 25 € you can have dinner for two if you order salads, a cold appetizer, one hot dish and a bottle of local wine in a cafe or tavern. A heartier dinner, consisting of two hot dishes, and a little more alcohol will cost 35-40 € for two. In trendy upscale restaurants, prices are usually twice as high.

Where to stay

The island of Santorini has a reputation as an expensive resort, so the cost of living in local hotels is slightly higher than in hotels on other Greek islands.

Since many tourists come to the island to admire the magnificent panoramas of the caldera, hotel owners quite rightly include this opportunity in the room price. In Tire, for example, a room in a three-star hotel without a view of a natural landmark will cost you from 50 € per day, and if you want to enjoy a magnificent panorama, you will have to pay from 90 €.

In the village of Oia, where artists from all over the world come to capture sunsets, accommodation prices are the highest in Santorini. But in the cities of Peris, Kamari, Perivolos, where there are no “postcard” views, you can rent a room for 36-40 €.

Accommodation in four-star hotels costs from 120 € per day, in five-star hotels – from 270 €. The most discerning travelers can stay in luxury villas by paying €500 per day.

Regardless of the number of stars, all hotels on the island of Santorini are cozy and comfortable, and the staff is very friendly. A common complaint from customers is that the Wi-Fi network is slow and unstable, but this happens throughout the island due to traffic congestion.

Shopping

On the streets of the resort towns of Santorini, shops crowd each other, selling souvenirs, clothes, shoes, and accessories. Local leather goods - bags, belts, wallets, gloves - are of good quality and have affordable prices. In Santorini you can buy beautiful gold and silver items. They are sold both in expensive salons and in small shops.

Among the best souvenirs, which can be purchased on the island of Santorini, are a couple of bottles of excellent local wine. Let it be, for example, “Vinsanto”, created from dried grapes. However, you will have a wide choice for tasting. Souvenirs popular among tourists are ceramics in the Greek style, bracelets and beads made of volcanic pebbles, clothes with national ornaments, handicrafts made by local craftsmen from volcanic lava and beautiful olive wood.

Transport

It is pleasant to walk around the picturesque corners of Santorini on foot, but if you need to get from one village to another, you can use the bus. This type of transport connects all settlements of the island. The fare, for example, from Thira to the village of Oia is 1.8 €, from Thira to Perisa – 2.4 €.

Many people prefer to travel around the island by taxi. It is convenient to call him by phone. A trip from Thira to any point in Santorini will cost you 16-19 €. At night, you need to pay an additional 2 € for each passenger.

You can rent a bicycle, but this option is suitable for tourists with good physical fitness, as the terrain is winding and hilly. Daily rent bicycle – from 35 €/day.

Traveling around the picturesque island by car is exciting, but somewhat risky. It makes sense to rent a car if you want to drive, for example, from the west coast to the east, or cross Santorini from north to south. Highways The streets here are excellent, but in the villages and towns the streets are very narrow, with sharp turns.

The cost of renting an economy class car from one of the world-famous rental companies will cost from 105 € per day. You can rent a car from local rental companies for almost half the price. The cost of gasoline is about 1.8 €/liter.

In Tire and resort towns there are a lot free parking, but free space is in full swing tourist season difficult to find. In a paid parking lot, daily parking costs 2-4 €.

Some sections of roads on the island are toll roads. Drunk driving is punishable by a fine, which can range from 200 to 2000 €.

Many tourists like to travel around the miniature cities of Santorini on donkeys or mules. This is not to say that this pleasure is cheap, but you can bargain.

How to get there

Santorini Airport is located 6 km from Thira, near the village of Kamari, but it is not connected by direct flights to Moscow and other Russian cities. You will have to make a transfer in Athens, from where airliners depart daily to the island.

From the airport you can get to your desired location by bus (about 2 €), shuttle bus (10-15 €) or taxi (15-20 €). A taxi ride from the airport to Thira will take you about 20 minutes.

Many greek cities– both island and mainland coast – are connected to Santorini by ferry service. You can also get here by speedboat. Most ferries arrive to the island from the capital port of Piraeus. Travel time is about 4 hours, cost is from 40 €.

The journey from the capital of Crete, Heraklion, will take you from 1 hour (by boat) to 4.5 hours (by ferry), cost - from 65 €. It will take more than 7 hours to get to Santorini from Rhodes by ferry.

 

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