Best regarded as a popular destination when one considers touring the island of Greece, Santorini is a small area in the southern part of this country and is often referred to as the setting for the mythological city of Atlantis. This is because Santorini’s history has a lot of striking similarities to the legendary story. Santorini is an island that was hugely affected by a very destructive volcanic eruption that took place long before the birth of Christ and destroyed the civilization that thrived in it. Many of the debris from this catastrophe are still evident on the islands and are now converted into tour highlights and destinations.
Santorini’s total land area consists of only about 30 square miles. Called Thira in the Greek language, which connotes to “most beautiful,” it is a place that reflects scenes from a storybook, with Mother Nature is its prolific writer. It is no wonder Santorini is a favorite among those who are contemplating on holding a wedding ceremony or those who would like to enjoy their honeymoon here. The island has such an amazingly unforgettable appeal that a trip to Santorini is sure to be a memorable one.
Around the Island
There are actually three little islands in Santorini. On one end are villages that sit slightly above sea level that it almost looks like a surreal painting. Here you’ll find the villages of Thira, Firastefani, Oia and Imerovigli and this is where the commercial district is located. Many tourists troop to this place to shop for souvenirs or buy bargains. Around the area are magnificent churches and quaint Greek houses that give this place its unique and picture perfect beauty.
If Minoan ruins are what you are here for, your best bet is to go to Akrotiri, an authentic Minoan village where you can find not just an old historical fortress, but also many of authentic Minoan crafts and products. Reaching the top of the village, you will find a majestic view of the whole of Santorini Island, one that should be captured in your photographs. However, Akrotiri is not a popular destination for many visitors; the roads leading to this place is quite hard to travel through.
Black sandy beaches cover the area of Perissa and Kamari and this is why most visitors love to return to Santorini over and over — to swim, dive and have fun at the beach. There is even a diving center and a water park geared for children visiting the island. Around the area are numerous cafes, bars and restaurants serving authentic Greek cuisine or your usual favorites.
While in Santorini, you can either choose to enjoy and participate in the island’s exciting night life, in the bars located by the beach front; or spend a quiet romantic evening in the south most part in Thira. You can even enjoy a hot mud bath in Palia Kamini, which sits on a volcano nearby, or take a boat excursion across the waters, or just enjoy the breath taking view from above your hotel or tavern. But there is definitely more to this island than these.
Places to Visit
Architectural Ruins
Aside from visiting Akrotiri, there is another interesting tourist spot one can check out, especially if you’re interested with archaeology. Between the mountains of Perissa and Kamari, away from the buzzing beach life, are ruins and remnants of the Roman and Hellenistic empires dating back to the 3rd Century. The best time to visit this place is early in the morning, before the weather gets too warm for one to be able walk around. Some of the artifacts discovered here, as well as those in Akrotiri, are also found in the Museum of Prehistoric Thira.
Wineries
One thing that will surely not escape your notice is the seemingly endless numbers of grape fields in Santorini. There are many wineries here that allow a daily tour of their facilities (with free food and wine-tasting) and this makes a memorable experience for those visiting the place for the first time. One such popular winery is Art Space, built in the 1830s, which not only produces excellent wine but also showcases fine, collectible art pieces. Art Space is not only known for its art and wine, it is also a processing area for good and deliciously fresh Santorini tomatoes.
With everything that this place has to offer its visitors — the temperate climate, the historical ruins, the pristine beaches, the vibrant nightlife and the exquisite restaurants, wines and tomatoes — it is the volcano and the island’s impressive scenery that remains to draw a big number of tourists year after year. There is nothing quite like it anywhere: a place ruined by a very destructive force thousands of years ago is now converted into a heavenly place that must be on people’s “Wonderful Places to Visit” list.
do you know where I can buy nuts that we purchased in Santorini produced by Natex? They were sweet sesame coated peanut. DELICIOUS. I cannot find them anywhere on the internet, maybe you can help? Thank you
Comment by natalie — October 12, 2007 @ 9:01 am