Santorini
Santorini is one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea. It was devastated by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC, forever shaping its rocky scenery. The whitewashed, cubiform houses of its 2 main towns, Fira and Oia are attached almost hanging to cliffs, above an underwater caldera (crater), overlooking the sea and the small islands to the west.
VILLAGES
Santorini consist of 10 main Villages most featuring the traditional architecture and style, each having different points of interest.
Oia, pronounced “Ia”, being located 12 km north west of Fira, is a village world-famous for its amazing sunsets view at the venetian castle and its calm and quiet atmosphere. Here you will find the most beautiful and picturesque village of Santorini as the community has preserved the traditional architecture. Finikia and Ammoudi are two resident areas of Oia also worth to visit.
Fira is the capital of Santorini, therefore it gets very busy, especially in the summertime. Here you will find the main bus stations heading towards different destinations of the island, including Athinaios Port and Santorini International Airport. In Fira you may enjoy a day of shopping, find a wide range of restaurants, and during late night hours there are plenty of clubbing selections.
Firostefani is located on a walking expanse from Fira and offers a quieter and calming rhythm. It is a nice choice for a more relaxing lunch or dinner. Several restaurants on the Caldera cliffs offering tempting views to the volcano are ready to serve you.
Imerovigli built 3.5 km north west of Fira is a small village located on the caldera’s cliffside, offering an ideal combination of romance, views and leisure.
Messaria, the old industrial area of Santorini, is located 4km away from Fira town. Here you may find old abandoned and renovated mansions from 19th century as well as domed cave houses and churches. Nowadays, this is a domestic area with large population featuring supermarkets, medical services, shops and some restaurants.
Pyrgos differentiates itself from other villages of Santorini. It is a typical example of medieval architecture with narrow-complex alleys and passages, built on an amphitheatrical formation over the hill, with the old venetian fortress ruins overlooking Santorini. Pyrgos is offering unique views to the most part of the island. The main square of the village is the idyllic spot to take a rest after exploring the area.
Megalochori is a small village surrounded by vineyards located 6km away from Fira town. It structures an explicit central square with restaurants and narrow alleys surrounded by old houses and churches.
Akrotiri is the area where the most important archaeological site of Santorini remains. The pre-historic village of Akrotiri that dated back at the Minoan Time has been abandoned following earthquakes and was covered by tephra during the massive volcanic activity on 17th century BC. Later, the new village has been built on a small hill close to the archeological site and next to famous Red beach. The Lighthouse of Akrotiri is also one of the oldest Lighthouse in Greece built in 1892 aiding ships to navigate at the altitude of 58 meters.
Emborio is located 12km from Fira. On the surrounding hills you may see the remaining of the old windmills and Goulas castle. In the central village passing by narrow passages and beautiful cave houses sculptured underground you will find the ideal place to enjoy a walk and capture the noiseless moment. The coastal area of Emporio Village is where the famous black beach is situated, Perissa and Perivolos. In this area, shops, restaurants and beach clubs are welcoming beach life enthusiasts to spend their days and nights.
Kamari village has a more touristy character. The main pedestrian street and the surrounding alleys are widespread with hotels, restaurants, bars, souvenir and clothing shops. On the way to Kamari you have the opportunity for a stopover to four of the most significant wineries of the Santorini.
White Beach - The incredible White beach is only accessible by boat. The rocks covering the beach are pure white and the waters are transparent blue creating a magnificent site. Explore Mother Nature and her charms.
Red Beach - The Red beach is the definition of a volcano beach. Everything here is red. The imposing rocks as well as the alteration of sand and pebbles.
Kamari Beach - Kamari is a famous beach resort of Santorini situated 8.6 km southeast of Fira. The beach is covered by black sand while on the left side of the beach is an enormous rock called Mesa Vouno that rises from the sea. The beach of Kamari is offering a wide range of facilities like sunbeds, umbrellas and various types of water sports.
Perissa Beach - Perissa is a beautiful beach situated 11.7 km southeast of Fira It extends for 7 km on the southeastern side of Santorini. The beach poses unique characteristics, like black sand, crystalline waters and various beach facilities.
Perivolos Beach - The beautiful beach of Perivolos is the longest black beach of the island located on the southern end of the island, 10 km south of Fira and near Perissa.
Vlychada - Vlychada is an organized beach on the southern side of Santorini. It has a small marina where fishing boats, catamarans and yachts moor in summer. The area is characterized by the two large chimneys of the old tomato factory, which these days operating as an art and music festival facility.
Agios Georgios - Agios Georgios is a popular beach and one of the most tourism-friendly beaches on Santorini with black pebbles.
Monolithos - Monolithos is located 6 km east of Fira and is one of the most family-oriented beaches on Santorini. On the other hand, from time to time beach parties are organized with famous DJ's, offering the ideal scenery for party seekers.
Columbos Beach - Cape Columbo is one of the most isolate and quiet beaches on Santorini with no services available in this area. Organized parking space is not available, and a trivial hiking route must be followed to reach the shore. The Santorini’s underwater volcano is located here.