Santorini is the last of the Cyclades islands to the South. The closests islands are Ios, Folegandros, Sikinos to the North, Anafi and Amorgos to the East and Crete to the South.
We refer to it as one, but actually it is a complex of five islands. Santorini (Thira) is the main island and around it Thirasia and Aspronisi (parts of the ancient Stroggili) and the two volcanic islands Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni.
It was one island named Stroggili (circle in Greek) until about 1645 BC, when the volcano in the middle of the island erupted and Caldera was created. The two volcanic islands appeared much later from various eruptions starting from 157 BC until the last one in the 20th century (1950).
Many reasons made this island famous worldwide and more or less we all have seen a picture of it (it was that picture the travel agency used for Greece). There is a talk about the connection between Thira and mythical Atlantis. Also Jules Verne made Santorini famous with its books “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” and “The mysterious island” where captain Nemo and his crew watch the volcano eruption. He was one of the visitors and scientists that came to Thira during the eruptions of 1866 – 1870 and wrote the well known book just after it. It is realy the mysterious island, the volcano rules, the caldera view is the most breathtaking one on the planet!
Santorini is connected to Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Crete, Rhodes, Kos and all the major Cyclades islands (Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Sifnos, Milos, Tinos, Syros) by boat and Athens and many countries direct by plane.
The crescent shaped island of Santorini was born in the Bronze Age from the powerful blow of nature. The famous Santorini Island is a renowned vacation place with cluster of volcanic islands. As far as viewing the sun set is concerned Santorini is the one of the most prominent places in the earth that leaves an unforgettable and unique impression upon the visitors. The Island is surrounded by Small towns and villages. Most of the buildings are colored with dazzling white and the color of doors, windows and church domes are blue.
In Santorini you will find the frequently stepped and snaky narrow streets. The economy of Santorini Island is greatly depending upon the Tourism, Wine, tomato export, nuts export and volcanic soil delivery of to the cement industry. Santorini is a must see Island varied in size and characteristics, the ruinations, amazing landscape, beautiful beaches, white Villages, the spectacular sunset and the cliffs of the volcanoes are must to attract visitors from all over the world. This Island is also regarded as Thira. No needs to be worried about the accommodation, as all fascilities are available for you in budget. For your easy accommodation there are luxury hotels, resorts, apartments and villas. Beautiful and popular beaches of Santorini Greece: The beaches of Santorini beautify this island greatly. To take the charm of beaches during your staying in Santorini, You should know few of the very popular and magnificent beaches in Santorini Island as follows:
Kamari Santorini black beach: This beach is one of the most popular, crowded and highly developed beaches situated 10 kilometers south east of Fira. It is a long, impressive and stretches up more than five kilometers with black sandy beach and crystal clear ocean water. The black beach of kamari is well organized to allure international visitors with all kind of modern facilities such as various types of water sports, sun chairs and umbrellas. You will also find a large number of taverns, cafes, hotels, rooms, restaurants and bars along the beach.
Perissa Santorini black Beach: The Perissa black beach resort is located at the 15 kilometers south east of the Fira with crowded tourist and long black sandy beach. The beach is extended for 7 kilometers. The significant of perissa is that it is protected from the summer Aegean winds. Perissa is very different from other villages, which built with the soul purpose to welcome the tourists. It also offers accommodation facilities, sea sports facilities, fine dining at the sea front taverns and bars. It is well connected with the rest of the Island via public buses. Access to this beach is possible by public buses, by foot, by rent cars or private cars and motor bikes Akrotiri Red Beach in Santorini: The Red Beach is one of the most popular and exquisite of the beaches in Santorini which is situated near the ancient site Akrotiri. It is famed as red beach because of the impressive red lava cliffs and the sparkling red sands. You can find foods and drinks at near by hotel. This place is accessible by cars and then by walk.
Monolithos beach: This beach is situated at the eastern part of the island and close to the Kamari black beach with dark sand and deep blue crystal clear water. It is very quite and offers a very few hotels and rooms, cafes and restaurants. The Monolithos beach is very beautiful with children play area, basket ball court and footballs pitch. This place is better accessible by cars and public buses run frequently in summer.
Santorini is connected to Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Crete, Rhodes, Kos and all the major Cyclades islands (Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Sifnos, Milos, Tinos, Syros) by boat and Athens and many countries direct by plane. Santorini is essentially what remains of an enormous volcanic explosion, destroying the earliest settlements on what was formerly a single island, and leading to the creation of the current geological caldera. Its spectacular physical beauty, along with a dynamic nightlife, have made the island one of Europe’s tourist hotspots
