SANTORINI
IS THE SUPERMODEL OF GREEK ISLANDS
ABOUT THE ISLAND
VOLCANIC HISTORY
Part of the Cyclades island group, Santorini (officially known as Thira, a name that encompasses the volcanic islets within Santorini’s orbit) sits in the Aegean Sea, roughly halfway between Athens and Crete.
The island and neighbouring islets hint at the fact that Santorini was once circular; it was known as Strongili (the Round One). Thousands of years ago a colossal volcanic eruption caused the centre of Strongili to sink, leaving a caldera (or crater) with towering cliffs along the west side – now Santorini’s trademark landscape.
CALDERA-EDGE
Santorini’s main towns are focused on the caldera-edge clifftops in the island’s west, with large clusters of whitewashed buildings nesting at dizzying heights, spilling down cliffsides and offering gasp-inducing views from land or sea.
Fira, the island’s busy capital, sprawls north into villages called Firostefani and Imerovigli, the highest point of the caldera edge, about a half-hour walk from Fira.
These three settlements draw most visitors, together with the stunning and quite exclusive village of Oia in Santorini’s north.
AWAY FROM THE CALDERA
Santorini’s east coast is lesser known than the celebrated, elevated west coast. Here, the black and red sanded beaches and resorts offer a very different drawcard.
East-coast towns such as Kamari and Perissa have a more traditional island holiday appeal: sunlounger-filled beaches, water sports, bars and taverna-lined promenades.
The island’s interior is dotted with vineyards and traditional villages that let you see beyond the tourist hustle. Make a stop in Pyrgos for great food and a wander through charming backstreets.
