Santorini A Greek excursion in pictures.

Santorini is one of the Cyclades is ands in the Aegean Sea. Back in 1450 BC, a massive volcanic eruption caused the middle of the isle to collapse. It left a steep-edged crater known as a caldera peeping above the waves, which today is a spectacular sight from the island’s clifftops. Greece’s hot weather means a long summer season during which to enjoy the views. The whitewashed, cubiform houses of its 2 principal towns, Fira and Oia, cling to cliffs above an underwater caldera (crater). They overlook the sea, small islands to the west and beaches made up of black, red and white lava pebbles.

Santorini is Greece at its traditional best. Thira, the capital, is a popular place to stay – it’s perched on top of the caldera rim overlooking the Aegean. And the northern town of Oia, which also has a spot on the caldera, is the best place to see the island’s famous sunsets.

The east coast

Stay on Santorini’s east coast, which doesn’t face the sunset, and you might find your money goes a bit further. Plus, from Kamari and Perissa, it’s only a 20-minute drive to Thira, where you can watch the sun go down –so you get the best of both worlds. Kamari and Perissa line up some great beaches with silky black sand – a legacy of the island’s volcanic past. Kamari’s sweep boasts Blue Flag status, while Perissa comes with a good helping of watersports.

Santorini’s volcanic sands

You won’t find beaches in the usual colour in these parts. Instead, striking black pebbles and dark-grey sands circle the island. And they’re framed by steep, craggy cliffs that were shaped by Santorini’s volcanic beginnings. Just so you know, Thira, one of the island’s main resorts, is perched high up on the caldera, so you won’t find any beaches there.

The big beach

Kamari is one of Santorini’s most popular places to stay, and that’s largely down to its beautiful Blue Flag beach. A dark mix of sand and pebbles, it’s over five kilometres long. It caters for holidaymakers with a backdrop of ice-cream parlours, bars, and restaurants serving up fresh-from-the-net seafood.

Despite the fact that only 15.500 residents live in the island, over 2 million tourists visit Santorini each year.

Images - SantoriniView

The northern village of Oia (pronounced “ee-a”) is undoubtedly the most popular place to watch the sunset in Santorini. One prime spot can be found near the old castle to the west.

Travel

Above: Katikies Hotel - Santorini. Featuring caldera-view balconies, the bright-white minimalist rooms have free WiFi, flat-screen TVs and iPod docks, along with minibars and Nespresso machines. Suites come with separate living areas; some are bi-level. Upgraded suites offer whirlpool tubs; some provide balconies with hot tubs and private pools. Butler and 24-hour room service is available. Overlooking the Aegean Sea, this luxury hotel is 11 km from both Mouseío Proïstorikís Thíras and the volcanic Santorini eruption.

There is so little rain on the island of Santorini during the year, with the result that wine is more abundant than water. There are over 100 varieties of grapes in Santorini.

Santorini is a showcase for Greece’s high-end culinary scene; it’s where up-andcoming chefs and those at the top of their profession are creating dishes so amazing, they rival Santorini’s stunning views.