Santorini, also know as Thera, is the crown jewel of Cyclades, attracting thousands of visitors every year. During ancient times, Santorini was an important cultural center of Greece, and the many different tribes and peoples settling on the island had changed its name many times, from ‘Kallisti’ (the beautiful one) and ‘Stroggyli’ (the round one) to ‘ Thira’ and finally ‘Santorini’.
In Prehistoric Times, in the 17 th century BC, a violent volcanic eruption occurred, altering the shape and morphology of Santorini forever and creating the impressive natural features, the endless beauty, that we admire today.
Born from an explosion and formed out of lava, mystic and idyllic, Santorini is the only inhabited caldera in the world and a must go destination for everyone.
Museum of Prehistoric Thira
Located in Fira, The Museum of Prehistoric Thera exhibits findings from the prehistoric times that have been excavated from Akrotiri, the Ancient Thera and other areas on Santorini. Exhibits include ceramics, marble statues, Minoan frescoes from Akrotiri, tools and weaponry.
Archaeological Museum of Santorini
The Archaeological Museum of Santorini is located in the capital of the island,Fira. It hosts sculptures, ceramics, statues, small vases and findings from the ancient cemetery of Thera.
Archaeological Site of Akrotiri
This fascinating archaeological site was first discovered in the late 1960s but its buildings date back to the 16th century B.C. This former Minoan outpost was destroyed by a volcanic eruption and was buried underneath volcanic ashes, but thanks to years of excavation enough of the site has been uncovered to allow visitors to explore.
Megaron Gyzi
The Museum hosts six permanent collections: Authentic engravings with maps, landscapes and dresses – Old theraic public and private historical manuscripts – Paintings with Santorini as theme – Paintings, donated by L. Pintos couple ) – Old photographs of Santorini – Santorini΄s strata.
Santozeum
Three-dimensional life-size reproductions of the wall paintings that were found in Akrotiri are exhibited at Santozeum Museum in Fira. The reproductions depict almost every wall painting of Akrotiri and offer a unique opportunity to be observed in their total.
Folklore Museum
The Folklore Museum is located in Kontochori, Fira, in a cave-house built in 1861. The museum displays workshops of carpenters, barrel makers, shoemakers and blacksmiths as well as an original old winery, a gallery with works of local current artists and document archives.
Naval Maritime Museum
This museum is located in an elegant mansion in Oia and houses nautical instruments, shipping documents, aquarelles, parts of ships and a small libary.
Red beach
This is one of the most beautiful and famous beaches of Santorini featuring red & black volcanic pebbles.
White beach
The cove right next to the Red beach is known as the White beach. It is covered by black, gray and white sand with large pebbles, surrounded by huge white rocks. Getting there is only possible by boat from Akrotiri Beach or Red beach.
Black sand beaches
The beaches of Perissa, Agios Georgios, Kamari, Vlychada, Exo gialos, Katharos, Columbo, Monolithos, Mesa Pigadia are the beautiful and unique black sand beaches of Santorini. All have clear blue waters and most of them are organised. Relax on a sun lounger and enjoy the warm greek sun.
Traditional Settlements
Explore the traditional settlements of Finikia, Akrotiri, Emporio & Pyrgos. Admire the traditional Architecture of the island and the well preserved venetian castles of these traditional villages.
Old port of Fira
Just below the town of Fira, there is the port of Gialos, commonly known as the old port of Fira. Till few decades ago, this was the main commercial port of the island. Presently, it serves only the many cruise ships that arrive on the island, and the excursion boats to volcano and Thirassia. The downhill location of this port makes it tiring to get up and down Fira. This is why the most common way is to take the cable car or experience a donkey ride (more traditional way). Walking the route is about 20 min uphill (587 steps).
Wineries & Winetasting
In Santorini, you will find some of the most prestigious wineries of Greece. Visit a winery and meet the special grape varieties of Assyrtiko, Athiri & Aidani. Taste the distinctive Santorini wines and the famous Vinsanto learning about the unique Santorini vineyard.
Gastronomy
Santorini has already a name of itself in the world of taste and is considered by most, a gastronomy destination. Explore its gastronomic treasures at at the traditional taverns or restaurants and taste its unique products such as fava (split peas), white aubergines, round zucchinis. Join a cooking lesson and experience the art Mediterranean cuisine.
Sunset
Santorini is one of the best places on earth as far as sunset viewing is concerned. All the visitors fall in love with the beautiful sunsets that can be savored from many vantage positions in the island. Although the sunset at the Oia Castle is the most famous on the island you can admire a spectacular sunset also at Fira, Firostefani and Imerovigli.
Wine
The production of wine dates back to the time of the Bronze Age in Santorini. After the devastating volcanic explosion, circa 1650 BC, the island was covered with volcanic ash, lava and pumice stone. This catastrophe created the foundation for perfect soil conditions which now produce very distinctive wines.
The vines are cultivated in low basket shaped crowns, close to the ground for protection from the strong winds. Coming off the sea, the nocturnal fog brings needed water to the vines during the hot summer nights and together with the refreshing northerly winds provide excellent growing conditions for the creation of the superb AOC Santorini wines.
Sailing Trips & Cruises
Sail with a yacht, traditional boat or a catamaran in the caldera and the surrounding islands, the ideal opportunity to explore and admire the scenery and island’s beauty from a totally different perspective.Visit the Volcano and Thirassia Island, swim at the Hot-Springs and enjoy your dinner on board watching the sunset.
The silence of the east meets the serenity of the west and creates a divine melody of colors, a nice idea is to watch the sunset on board. The boats sail in the middle of the sea and the passengers enjoy the sunset, music, local wine and food complete this unique experience.
Hiking
A famous hike is the walk from Firostefani to Oia. Follow the trail on the back side of the Hotel and reach Oia in 2 hours and 30 minutes. The walk brings you along the rim of the Caldera and gives you fabulous views of the lagoon and the cliffs. The ideal time for this hike is just after sunrise or late in the afternoon, when the sun is sinking into the sea.
Scuba Diving - Water sports
The volcanic geological background of the island offers great chances for diving and water sports activities.
