Santorini, Greece is one of the most incredible beauties of the Mediterranean, in the Aegean.
Lying south east of Piraeus, Santorini or Nisos Thira, as it is known locally, is one of the most spectacular islands in the world. Santorini is enclosed by pure blue waters, perched atop a summit, its whitewashed houses resemble the dust of new snow on the mountain top when viewed from the sea. A volcanic eruption blew out the center of the circular island some 3,600 years ago and buried the cosmopolitan city of Akrotiri under tons of ash. Was Akrotiri the origin of the Atlantis legend?
Santorini, Oia: Pronounced ‘Ia’, Oia is situated on the north side of the island of Santorini, 11 km from Fira. It is obviously the most beautiful and picturesque village of Santorini, as it calmly hangs from the cliffs. A spectacular view mixed with charming homes, shops, and restaurants, most built inside the rock of the winding cliff. Sidewalks and streets are narrow, cobbled, and as ancient as the community.
Old ruins in Oia, Santorini. Photo - Connie McMullen
Oia offers a different angle of view on the volcano (Palia & Nea Kameni) and of the small island of Thirasia. Built in a very traditional way, Oia has its share of blue domed churches, sun-bathed verandas, and stepped streets. There are also plenty of tourist shops, but on the whole this town is less commercial than Fira. In Oia, one can visit the Maritime Museum with its small library and exhibits from the marine life of the area, and the vestige of a Venetian fortress. There are also many galleries. Seven km further, one can see a second volcanic crater which erupted for the last time in 1650.
There is a set of 300 steps leading down from Oia to the port of Ammoudi and the beach of Armenis. There, you will find some nice taverns, floating pumice stones, and small boats that will take you to Thirassia.
Santorini, Fira: Fira, has 1,600 inhabitants and is located on the west part of the island of Santorini, 10 km away from the Port of Athinios. Fira is perched on the edge of a 260 meter cliff and offers a fantastic panorama on the volcano. The earthquakes of 1956 destroyed a part of the town but some of the 18th century houses are still standing. The town is typically Cycladic, but is a busy touristy area and a stop for the majority of the cruise ships. At times, there are as many as five cruise ships sitting in the waters. Visitors going ashore are tendered by local boats to Thira. To reach the summit of Fira, one can ride cable car, donkey, or climb 500 steps, up or down.
Visitors ferried to Oia, Santorini. Photo - Connie McMullen
The streets are filled with all kind of shops, traditional and modern, many jewelry and souvenir shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Despite of all the tourism, the landscapes are still fantastic. The town is full of small houses of traditional architecture, churches, sun-bathed verandas, stepped streets and breathtaking views. Santorini is a religious community. Visitors can tour local monasteries, Orthodox and Catholic churches. The blue dome churches are symbolic; meaning to touch the sky. Many of the structures contain amazing religous art of historic significance; photos are allowed in some locations. The Panagia Episkopi Church, the oldest Byzantine church on the island, dating back to the 11th century, offers a glimce into the past as it is adorned with religious artifacts, the grounds a quiet sanctuary.
Flights: You can get to Santorini Island by plane from most international airports via Athens. The flying time from Athens to Santorini is 40 minutes. Most all international flights arriving in Athens provide a connection with a flight to Santorini. In the summer, many charter flights fly directly from different cities in Europe to the island.
Ferries: Because it is one of the most popular islands in Greece, the ferry connections are frequent. During the summer tourism season (July-August), many ships leave daily from Piraeus to Santorini and vice-versa. The typical journey of the boat is: Piraeus - Paros - Naxos - Ios - Santorini.
There are also frequent connections between Santorini and other Cyclades islands (Mykonos, Anafi, Amorgos) as well as Rhodes, Crete and Thessaloniki . Taking the boat from Piraeus, the main port of Athens, you will be able to reach Santorini in around 9 hours with the classical ferry, 7 hours with the Blue Star Ferries and less with the catamaran or the hydrofoil. From cruise lines in the bay, 10-minutes.