Have you come across images of a white and blue Greek island where every corner looks like a dream and is all so picture-perfect? Are you already planning to visit this gorgeous island and want to know more about it? Relax, we're here to help you discover this island and the essential things you might want to know before you go there.
Santorini, which is locally known as "Thira", is a volcanic island with a circular shape, which makes it very distinctive. It is located in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km from central Greece. This archipelago is the result of a catastrophic volcanic eruption that took place 3600 years ago. The name "Santorini" was given by the Latin Empires in the 13th century in reference to Saint Irene.
The preferred time to visit this beautiful island is in May and September, which are the least crowded months, with perfect weather and long daylight. Santorini is a tourist destination very well known for its picturesque views and its white and blue colour scheme that makes it so amazing and unique. The summer months are extremely busy, which can be overwhelming. Thus, late winter or early summer, or even better, autumn, is in our opinion the best time to visit Santorini. Santorini has an international airport which is connected to and from major cities across the globe.
The cities of Oia, Fira, Imerovigli and Firostefani are the perfect witnesses of the glory and splendour of this azure beauty. These cities are located in the caldera of the island which is the volcanic hollow of the island. All 4 towns are located on the edge of the caldera, which makes the view of the sunset simply breathtaking. You can find your own place to admire the beautiful sunsets and the magnificence of this island.
The island of Santorini is filled with charming white houses and adorable cottages. There are three enormous blue-domed churches, emblematic of the beauty of the island. An interesting fact about Santorini is that it has more churches than houses. Oia is the most popular city of Santorini but Imerovigli is just as good but underestimated. Fira is the capital of the island and sprawls with its lively cafes, markets and amazing souvenir stores. The village of Firostefani which is located north of Fira makes up an amazing hike uphill along the narrow paths.
Many activities are offered to you on the island of Santorini. Wine tasting is a very popular activity on the island, as the island's wine is very famous. But in Santorini, the best activity is to go hiking or to walk across the islands to the 4 towns admiring the scenic views along the narrow paths. Be aware that the hike is long and can take you up to 3 or 4 hours and the trails can be quite rough too, but the beauty is splendid. You can also move around the island by renting cars, bikes and also use the public buses.
The food in Santorini is incredible. You can choose between cheaper food and very sophisticated dishes, all of which are delicious, whatever the price. Greek food, in general, is very popular and is considered one of the best cuisines in the world. Don’t forget to devour Greek salads and exquisite seafood from this island.
The beaches of Santorini are truly wonderful and add to the beauty of the island. The red beach is the most famous of Santorini because of its red volcanic cliffs and crystal blue water. Kamari beach is another beautiful beach, with its black volcanic sand and everything you need to relax. It has also been awarded the Blue Flag for its cleanliness and sustainable practices. The beaches have plenty of water sports available and are sprawling with amazing bars and cafes.
To sum up, the island of Santorini is a must-see destination if you love unusual destinations and experiences. Here you will discover Cycladic architecture and a very unique culture.
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