Photography - Ivan Andrejic
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Santorini Crescent-shaped Santorini (or Thíra), the precious gem of the Aegean, is actually a group of islands consisting of Thíra, Thirassiá, Asproníssi, Palea and Nea Kaméni in the southernmost part of Cyclades. Complex of Santorini islands is still an active volcano (the same as Méthana, Mílos and Nísiros) and probably the only volcano in the world whose crater is in the sea. The islands that form Santorini came into existence as a result of intensive volcanic activity; twelve huge eruptions occurred, one every 20,000 years approximately, and each violent eruption caused the collapse of the volcano’s central part creating a large crater (caldera). The volcano, however, managed to recreate itself over and over again. The last big eruption occurred 3,600 years ago (during the Minoan Age), when igneous material (mainly ash, pumice and lava stones) covered the three islands (Thíra, Thirassiá and Asproníssi). The eruption destroyed the thriving local prehistoric civilization, evidence of which was found during the excavations of a settlement at Akrotíri. The solid material and gases emerging from the volcano’s interior created a huge “vacuum” underneath, causing the collapse of the central part and the creation of an enormous “pot” –today’s Caldera– with a size of 8x4 km and a depth of up to 400m below sea level. The eruption of the submarine volcano Kolúmbo, located 6.5 km. NE of Santorini, on 27th September 1650, was actually the largest recorded in Eastern Mediterranean during the past millennium! The most recent volcanic activity on the island occurred in 1950. The whole island is actually a huge natural geological/volcanological museum where you can observe a wide range of geological structures and forms.
Fira Fira is the largest settlement and the capital of Santorini. To the west below Fira, there is Gialos (the old port) where the cruisers make ports and the cable car transfers visitors to the capital. Almost connected to Fira is Firostefani. During winter (for the locals) and summer (for the thousands of visitors), Fira is the epicenter of social life, entertainment, shopping. Hotels, rooms to let, clothing and accessories shops, goldsmith’s stores, galleries, gift shops, super markets, groceries, banks and ATMs, pharmacies, bars, clubs, restaurants, travel agencies are located in the capital. Here you will find some of the most important museums of the island such as the museum of Prehistoric Thera and the Archeological. The epicenter in the side of Caldera is the area around the Orthodox Cathedral. Outside of the Caldera most visitors will pass through the busy Theotokopoulos square where shops and banks are located. Also located near the square are the bus and taxi starting points. March 25th st. found here leads to Firostefani, Imerovigli, Oia. On the opposite side there is the main road leading to Pyrgos, Athinios, Megalohori, Akrotiri village and Akrotiri archaeological site, Emporio, as well as the beaches of the south and the south-east side of the island.
Imerovigli The village of Imerovigli is known as “The balcony of the Aegean�. It is built on the highest point of the caldera cliffs, about 300 meters above sea level. It is situated at the central part of the island, 3 kilometers from the capital of Fira. Its position provides a magnificent view of the famous volcano, the sparkling Aegean Sea and the sunset that is out of this world. The notable attraction of the village is the famous, immense rock called Skaros that lies on the seaward side. It is of paramount importance since it was one of the five fortresses of Santorini and the most significant one. It was once an observation post providing security from pirates. Today one can admire the remains left after the earthquake of 1817 and, of course, a striking view from the top. In Skaros, the symbol of Santorini, you can experience hiking as well.
The name Imerovigli comes from the words imera (day) and vigla (watchtower). Since it was at the top of the Caldera, it is possible that a lookout post for the pirates’ ships once stood here. Visitors admire the architecture of the picturesque and peacefull village, which attracts as it happens to all the other settlments on the Caldera- tourism of a high level. There are luxury hotels, cafes, restaurants and taverns, mini markets, travel agencies, rent a car and many more.
Oia For ages Oia was called Epano Meria (Upper Side), since it is built in the northern side of the island. It is an impressive settlement known all over the world for the magnificent sunset from its Goulas. In recent years the buildings have become hotels, restaurants, cafes, stores. The settlement is very popular and therefore from dawn till dusk it is filled with visitors. Nights in Oia remain peaceful though, and walking in the centre marble laid road, loitering the impressive and exquisitly lit buildings is a real pleasure. During the sunset, tens of people full of awe from the greatness they face, sit on roofs and balconies silently admiring one of the most rare spectacles on earth. In 1993, Oia was characterized as a traditional settlement by presidential decree, and the entire island of Santorini as an area of “exceptional natural beauty”. Oia suffered from the 1956 earthquake. During 1970 through the GNTO pilot program “Development and Utilization of Traditional Settlements”, Oia got its first sewage system, the weaving mill, and the original edifice of the Maritime museum. Churches, windmills and other buildings were restored. The GNTO project won awards at the 1979 Europa Nostra and the 1986 Sofia Biennale of Architecture, inspiring private initiatives for the restoration of buildings that are now used as hotels, restaurants, shops, cafés etc.Oia is now a model community with modern infrastructures. There are no aerial power and phone cables, as all cable networks are underground. There is also a seawater desalination plant, and units for the biological cleaning of waste water.
Santorini architecture As part of the Aegean style, traditional Santorini architecture exhibits an unusual freedom of expression as it incorporates the particularities of the island into the structured environment. The peculiarity of the ground allows for the creation of subterranean buildings under cultivated fields, buildings so closely connected to each other that you cannot tell where one property ends and where the other begins. The basic factor in the creation of the built-up space on the island from the Middle Ages until late 18th century had always been that of safety. This particular architectural morphology owes its existence to exclusively local factors: Social, financial, structural and geomorphological ones. Financial sources were limited, homes were built by unskilled workers (usually the owners themselves). Dwellings were cut in the volcanic lava in an attempt to cover life’s needs in an improvised manner lacking any intention of differentiation. As time passed, especially from the end of the 18th century onwards, survival demands had been overcome by certain population groups and it was time for the architectural forms to serve other purposes.
Religious monuments It is estimated that 600 churches and country churches were built on the island -most of them after the 1956 earthquake. 50 of these churches are consecrated to Virgin Mary. Most of them are characterized by folk architecture of a unique style. Big all-white surfaces in the form of cubes, parallelograms, octagonal prisms, spheres, and cylinders dominate. There are no architectural ornaments, while openings are few and small. However, there are also several big churches built in the end of the 19th century. Typical examples include Panagia (Virgin Mary) of Bellonias in Fira and Aghios Georgios (Saint George) in Oia, before the earthquake. They are based on Byzantine and Classical Greek architectural standards. Rock hewn underground and built are the most common types of temples. Rock hewn is one fourth of the island’s churches and have been built as the respective houses. They are small and simple, their spaces are cavernous and dark, they have no decoration but nevertheless excite the visitor as works of faith of the poor*. Built churches compared to Cyclades’ have the distinctiveness of totally adapting to the volcanic environment by craftsmen who maintained the tradition using strictly local materials. The simplest architectural type is the Basilica, single aisled, marble roofed or with a dome, two aisled (more rare type with Saint Irene of Perissa built before the 12th century as a typical example). Three aisled Basilica is Aghios (St) Nikolaos o Kissiras in Pyrgos.
Romantic getaway Santorini is considered to be the most sought after place for a romantic getaway in Greece, since there are not many places in the world where you can enjoy exquisitely clear waters while perched on the rim of a massive active volcano in the middle of the sea! The island has a growing reputation as a “wedding destination” for couples not only from Greece but from all over the world. A trip to Santorini with the other half is a dream for anyone who has seen at least one photo of the island’s famous Caldera and exchanging kisses beneath Santorini’s famous sunset is the ultimate romantic experience!
Iconic Santorini, a boutique cave hotel A timeless experience awaits guests of Iconic Santorini, a distinctive and unique boutique cave hotel literally carved from Santorini’s volcanic caldera wall. Centrally located away from the hustle and bustle of the cruise ship port of Fira, the picturesque village of Imerovigli is a pleasant drive from the famous sunset crowds in Oia. Combining breathtaking views, chic accommodations, delicious local cuisine, luxury amenities and authentic Greek hospitality, this exceptional and stylish Residence is a haven of tranquility and romance. Located in the picturesque village of Imerovigli, overlooking dramatic caldera views, the hotel is just a short walk to historical attractions, local markets, delightful restaurants and public transportation stops.
Iconic Santorini, a boutique cave hotel offers 19 lovely residences, tastefully decorated to honour the distinctive Cycladic architecture. This romantic retreat provides a choice of accommodation options, all with spectacular views of the caldera and historic volcano. The Iconic family ensures that guests are warmly welcomed as visiting friends in a residential setting, giving the feeling of being in the home of a Greek friend. The Guest Services Team are well experienced ambassadors of Santorini, always eager to put together bespoke itineraries of activities and sights for memorable island exploration. Each of the enchanting residences capture the true spirit of the caldera, where traditional cave accommodations combine the finest in contemporary amenities and authentic Greek-styling
Authentic local dishes are skillfully crafted using only the finest ingredients and products sourced by a passionate island chef. The kitchen is open and visitors are encouraged to pass by to see what is being prepared for the day and to learn a thing or two about the chef ’s family recipes, passed down through the generations. Iconic’s delightful daily breakfast has become a real talking point - served to the dedicated terrace space of each residence, an array of continental options are included as well as the cooked breakfast served family style. The best part of breakfast here is that it can be savoured whenever desired throughout the day, a true luxury for late risers, especially honeymooners and romantics. Visitors of Iconic Santorini are treated as individuals according to their preferences and are able to fully relax, while taking in the warm Hellenic hospitality of the dedicated staff. The goal of the Iconic family is to provide a truly timeless experience leaving visitors with unforgettable memories to cherish.
Astra Airlines There are a lot of ways coming to Santorini island, but one of the easiest and fastest is to come by air. If you are coming to Santorini from Thessaloniki, second biggest city in Greece, the best option is to travel with Astra Airlines, member of European regions airline association. Beside Santorini, Astra Airlines is operating flights on numerous islands around Aegean sea, but also continental destinations such as Athens and Thessaloniki among others.