Guide to santorini by travel12

SANTORINI GUIDE TRAVEL12

AN INSIDER'S GUIDE TO THE ICONIC GREEK ISLAND

O ia

Located on the north side of the island, charming Oia settlement offers breathtaking Caldera views. You will be surrounded by the iconic windmills, the pastel-hued houses and the narrow alleys, lost in the beauty of Santorini. The sunset views here, are second to none. Ammoudi harbor has many fish tavernas with excellent local food!

The Beauty of the Caldera The island's Caldera is a fascinating natural wonder. The volcanic explosion that took place over 3.000 years ago, re-shaped the Mediterranean topography. Rocks and cliffs reaching over a thousand feet over the sea level, formulate this amazing sight that has long been associated with the mysterious Atlantis. The Caldera stretches from the village of Oia in the north to Fira Town, the island's capital on the east. Those fascinating rock formations will captivate you with their raw beauty.

0 4 Â -

THE VOLCANO OF SANTORINI Located at the center of the Greek volcanic arc, the volcano of Santorini is fascinating. It first erupted in 1.650 B.C in what came to be one of the major explosions of the last ten thousand years. The last eruption was in 1953. Santorini owes its shape and raw beauty to those eruptions. There are four black lava islands, namely Aspronisi, Nea Kameni, Palia Kameni and Thirasia, located at caldera basin center. They are the youngest of the Aegean islands, a byproduct of twelve volcanic eruption occurring since 195 B.C.

THE RED BEACH One of the most stunning beaches, located at the southern part of the island. Sandy and pebbly, surrounded by reddish rocks it is definitely a must when in Santorini, regardless of season.

THE BLACK BEACH or Perissa is another extraordinary beach due to the black sand from the volcanic eruptions!

MUST-VISIT VILLAGES FIRA Perched on an imposing cliff on the west side of the island, Fira is the exciting capital of the island. There you can visit the Archaeological museum of Santorini, the museum of Prehistoric Thera, the Folklore Museum of Emmanuel Lignos and the church of Hypapante. FIROSTEFANI A picturesque village offering amazing views of the volcano. It is also a magnificent sunset spot! The best way to visit Firostefani is to follow the old cobblestone street from Fira.

IMEROVIGLI The same cobblestone street leads also to Imerovigli, a quaint village with the iconic whitewashed aesthetics and Caldrera views in full display

EBORIO A mountainous village located on the slopes of prophet Elias. It has a fortified medieval castle on the highest spot of the entire island. PYRGOS

AKROTIRI

A fortified mountainous village located centrally, surrounded by dominating churches and vineyards. Pyrgos is ideal for trekking enthusiasts.

Akrotiri is a mountainous village with remnants of the fortified castle surviving at the highest point. The archaeological site of Akrotiri was one of the most notable urban centers of the Aegean. From Akrotiri you can visit the Lighthouse and the amazing Red beach.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES THE ANCIENT TOMBS OF OCHENDRA located in the village of Exomitis, the Tombs are from the Hellenistic period and are carved in the limestone rock of Vlichada.

THE ANCIENT TOWN OF THERA the remnants of an ancient civilization that used to be a major urban center The main monuments of Thera include the Sanctuary of Artemidoros, the the admiral of the Protemaic Fleet The commercial Agora center, the royal Stoa with the Caesar's family statues, and the sanctuary of Apollo among others.

THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF AKROTIRI It is one of the most important archaeological sites of the Aegean, as it used to be a major urban center. and an important harbor of commercial activity. Excavations brought in light the remnants of an ancient settlement, involved in transporting volcanic soil. Scholars claim that the settlement dates back to the 5th century B.C and was destroyed by an earthquake in the 17th century.

CHURCHES AND MONASTERIES Nothing screams more Santorini than the churches with their iconic blue domes and the white crosses topping them. Santorini took its name by Santa Irene, the monastery in Thirasia island.

The Catholic Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, a real jewel in Fira Town The church of Hypapante in Fira built in 1827 The Church of Panagia Episkopi in Episkopi village The Church of Panagia Katefiani in Mesa Vouno village The Curch of Timios Stavros, one of the island's largest churches, located in Perissa village The Dominican Convent of Santorini in the Catholic neighborhood of Fira The Monastery of Agios Nikolaos, a female monastery located between the villages of Imerovigli and Firostefani The Monastery of Prophet Elias situated at the highest point of the island. The Monastery entails a museum dedicated to the folklore art and ecclesiastic tradition of Santorini.

THE GASTRONOMY Santorini has evolved over the years into one of Greece's most famous gastronomy destinations. This doesn't come as a big surprise, since the island has many local recipes and native ingredients. One must never leave Santorini without trying tomatokeftedes, deep-fried tomato balls that encapsulate the essence of the Mediterranean diet. Fresh fish is very important in the local cuisine. It's the quintessential ingredient for many recipes, like a so-called pie made out of spelts! Santorini is famed for its two P.D.O products, the cherry tomatoes and the white eggplants. Chefs turn those humble ingredients into fascinating dishes. Split beans called fava, are the second most iconic Santorini dish. They are served purĂŠed, garnished with thinly chopped onions, local capers and of course a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil!

THE WINES

What seems like a fruitless, volcanic island is

actually one of Greece's most notable wine terrains. Crisp Assyrtiko variety is exquisite. It feels like it is summer trapped in a bottle. Dessert Vinsanto variety, will entice you with its sweetness and delicate long aftertaste!

travel12

TRAVELING EXPERIENCES

VISIT OUR BLOG FOR MORE TRAVEL INSPIRATION & FOLLOW US @TRAVEL12.GR