Santorini - The Lost City of Atlantis or Simply a Perfect Travel Destination

Santorini is one of the most beautiful islands in the Aegean. This volcanic island with the caldera and small islands of Nea Kameni where the sleeping but still functioning volcano resides and Palia Kameni where the hot springs are located, make the Santorini one of the most popular and unique in all of Greece.

Situated along the edge of the cliffs are clusters of square, white washed houses. These are the villages of Fira, the capital of Santorini, Oia and Firostefani to name but a few. This is where many visitors to the island head to in order to enjoy the spectacular sunsets. For the photography lovers there are endless views and photo opportunities to behold.

For water sports lovers scuba diving and snorkelling are on hand for visitors to enjoy. There is also water skiing and windsurfing. There is even a Water Park at Perissa for all the family to enjoy, with water slides and a playground for the children, while mum and dad can make use of the sun beds.

Accommodation on the island is as diverse in style as it is in rates. You can find super luxury villas, top quality spa hotels, through to standard cheaper but good value accommodation, meaning that there is something for every traveller.

For eating out there is a great choice of places to choose from. There are tavernas that offer traditional Greek food, as well as a variety of international cuisine. Numerous wineries can be found on Santorini, with an exceptional selections of wines to be sampled. They offer guided tours at several of these wineries and tasting the wines is a great experience.

Santorini has its own airport that is located about 8 km from Fira. It caters for domestic and charter flights.
Ferry boats from the port of Piraeus (Athens) take 5 hours or alternatively you could travel by hydrofoil. There are also ferry and hydrofoil connections to other nearby islands.

Car rental is available for those who wish to explore and unearth the secret beauty spots by themselves. There is also a frequent bus service available on Santorini.

Villages of Santorini
There are many villages made up with the characteristic whitewashed homes designed in the Cycladic style, and these are very impressive, especially the ones situated along the edge of the caldera.

Fira is the main town of Santorini and is about 10 km from the main port. Fira is a very beautiful town, and one where you can enjoy walks along the winding paths, passing a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants. The views from here are very impressive.

Oia is the next village along. Here is where some of the most stunning sunsets are viewed, and is the most photographed place on Santorini. In 1956 part of this village was destroyed by the earthquake, though it has since been reconstructed. The vividly coloured homes that appear to be clinging to the cliffs make this a very stunning place.

Imerovigli and Firostefani are two more villages within walking distance and have beautiful views of the sunset.

Akrotiri is a town 10 km south-west of Fira. It is an important archaeological area with impressive ruins, and an interesting museum. Akrotiri is a traditional village close to the famous red beach.

Emporio is another traditional village, and is located 8 km south of Fira. There is a castle on top of a hill, a vast vineyard and some old windmills, making it a very picturesque part of the island.

Beaches in Santorini
Some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean are here on the island of Santorini. The beaches you will find here are not golden beaches but are black, grey, red and white sandy beaches.

The legendary Red beach is located 12 km south-west of Fira. It has red and black volcanic pebbles and warm water. Perissa beach is a volcanic black sandy beach and is located10 km south-east of Fira and is a popular tourist resort. Although black sand may not sound very nice, when the sun shinning on it, it is almost magical with the sparkling specks glistening like diamonds in the sands.

Kamari is the nearby beach to Perissa but is separated by a huge rock called Mesa Vouno. This is a family resort, fashionable with package tour operators. The walkway along the seafront is very nice and there is a diving centre located here.

Perivolos is the biggest black sandy beach and is located 10 km south-east of Fira. This is another very popular tourist resort with a number of hotels, restaurants and cafe bars.

Agio Georgios, which is 3 km along from Perissa, has black stones and is also a very popular beach. Cape Columbo is a beach situated north-east of Fira. This is a secluded and quiet beach, and is ideal for those wishing to escape the crowds and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Monolithos situated 7 km east of Fira is one of the more popular family friendly beaches. There is a beach volley court for the energetic and a playground for the children. The coast here is very picturesque.

Vlychada, which is 10 km south of Fira, is a small port where your will see fishing boats alongside some of the yachts that reside here.

Santorini is a destination that should be placed on top of a list of Greek Islands to experience. It is where many of the Greek tourists go as well as visitors from all over the world.

The island has so much to offer by way of stunning views, history, along with all the wide-ranging activities available for visitors. Santorini is rightly known as the jewel in the crown of the Greek islands.

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