An excellent solution for a summer holiday in Greece: the island of Santorini. Museum of Prehistoric Fira. Bars and nightclubs

Santorini

The Santorini archipelago is made up of five islands that are distinguished amazing landscapes, colorful beaches, the cleanest sea and "fabulous" towns. Santorini can be visited all year round and they are good in any season. Even those who have never been to Greece have definitely heard about these islands, but those who have ever visited these places will forever leave only fond memories.
Santorini

Santorini Greece, Santorini islands

Santorini, or you can often hear the name Fira, is an archipelago consisting of five islands: Fira or Santorini, Terasia, Aspronisi, Palea Kameni and Nia Kameni. The island of Fira was already known in 3000 B.C., but around 1500 B.C. the strongest eruption volcano that formed the Santorini archipelago. Today, the number of islands is slightly less than 13.5 thousand people.

And the most popular cities are Fira - the capital of Santorini, Imerovigli, Oia, Kamari, Phoenicia and Athinos.


Santorini

Get to Santorini

You can get to Santorini in summer by direct charter flights from Moscow. In addition, you can transfer to local airlines at. The ferry can be reached from cities such as Heraklion or Rethymnon.


Santorini. Beach

Santorini Hotels

Santorini offers huge selection hotels, usually located along the coastline. Many of them have specially equipped terraces for dining. And despite the star rating of your hotel, the staff is always polite and hospitable. Also, many hotels offer wedding packages, which include a special room for newlyweds and beautiful wedding ceremonies on the coast. In addition to standard hotels, you can rent high-class apartments or villas in Santorini - this is an excellent option for a long vacation for a family or a large company.
Santorini. Fira

Santorini beaches

The beaches in Santorini are beautiful, clean and colorful. Thanks to the island's volcanic past, beaches ranging from soft milky and pink to the most exotic reds and blacks can be found here.
Santorini. Akrotiri

Santorini attractions

Santorini is also rich in sights. Thanks to its history, traces of various eras have been preserved here. It is best to start acquaintance with the island from its capital, Fira, where ancient quarters, museums, temples and churches dating back to different eras are located. The most famous is the church of Ayiu Mina, which is the symbol of Santorini and is depicted on all tourist brochures. Not far from Pyrgos is the oldest Orthodox Church islands - Pangea-Bishops. You can also visit Pyrgos itself - this is picturesque town with cobbled streets. Another interesting attraction is located on Cape Akrotiri - these are the ruins of an ancient Minoan city, destroyed during an eruption in 1500 BC. And on the very high peak The island is home to the monastery of Elijah the Prophet. Every year on July 20, a festive fair is held here. Be sure to make sea ​​cruises to the islands of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni. Here are the black volcanic beaches- a stunning sight. And of course, like any seaside resorts, Santorini is beaches, water activities and Mediterranean cuisine.

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Santorini is a well-known group of islands in the Cyclades archipelago, located in the Aegean Sea. Santorini resorts are waiting for you! The wind of change, romance, magical sunsets and the breath of time - this will remain in your memory forever. You will certainly want to come back again, only once having been here.

Peculiarities

Santorini includes the islands of Nea Kameni, Thirassia, Palea Kameni, Aspro, and the largest Santorini (Fira, Thira). The main colors of Santorini are blue (a symbol of the sky, the home of the gods), white (a symbol of faith, justice, beauty, justice) and red ocher (a symbol of the earth, volcano, their natural power). There are three hundred and fifty two churches on the island, each of them has its own bell tower, its patron saints.

general information

Santorini is located in the Aegean Sea in the southeastern part of the country, the largest island covers an area of ​​76 square kilometers. The population is 13.4 thousand people.

Climate

The season in Santorini starts on April 1st or the day of Greek Easter. The period from December to March is considered the off-season, here more low temperatures, frequent rain and wind. Although the temperature rarely drops to relatively cold levels - 0 degrees and below. Most hotels may close on winter period. Most favorable period for holidays in Santorini - April-June and September-October.

How to get there

You can get to Santorini by air from Russia through Athens. Santorini is easily accessible by sea with ferries from Piraeus and Naxos.

  • The national airport in Santorini/Thira (National Airport Santorini/Thira IATA: JTR) is located north of the village of Kamari. Regular flights from Athens are carried out here, which is about 30-45 minutes, flights from Thessaloniki also fly in the summer.

Transport

The island has public buses that run every 30 minutes in different directions. Boats ply between the islands of the archipelago. It is easy to rent a car, which will cost 45 euros per day or more, depending on the brand of car. ATVs are also popular transport. And many prefer to rent a bike.

Cities

Nea Kameni formed as a result underwater eruption. Its original name is Mikri Kameni because of its small size. Later, as a result of the ongoing activity of the volcano, the island grew and was named Nea Kameni. It is uninhabited, covering an area of ​​over three square kilometers. Its dormant volcano can wake up at any moment and start spewing lava. The mouth of the volcano is located at a depth of one thousand meters. The ground around it is very hot. This place is distinguished by an unpleasant smell of hydrogen sulfide fumes. Around absolutely lifeless landscape.

Palea Kameni was formed much later than Nea Kameni. The island is famous for its hot healing springs. Thirasia with a population of about two hundred and fifty people is located on an area of ​​over 9 square kilometers. Aspro covers an area of ​​about one hundred square kilometers, is an uninhabited territory.

Island Santorini(Thira) covers an area of ​​76 sq. km, with a population of eight thousand people. The island owes its origin to a volcanic eruption in the middle of the 17th century BC. Part of the island is under water, and the other part has formed a sheer cliff of nine hundred meters with a steep cliff. Also, at the site of the eruption, a convenient bay was formed, where merchant ships, liners, and yachts anchor. You can get here on foot, counting seven hundred steps, by funicular, riding on the back of a stubborn donkey.

The sights of this region: the city and its architectural style, the temple of Pangea Bishops, the church of Agiou Mina, the Museum of Archeology, the Museum of Prehistoric Thira, the beaches.

In the city Fira houses represent different time periods and their architecture: Cycladic vaulted temples, business centers, theaters, Ptolemy's dwelling, sanctuaries, graves of different eras, ruins of early Christian buildings.

Temple of Pangea Bishops famous for various frescoes, the icon of the Mother of God. Church of Agiou Mina, the symbol of the island, is located on the edge of the cliff.

Archaeological Museum, built in 1960, is located in the heart of Santorini. Museum exposition includes exhibits from various eras (prehistory, Mycenaean period, Cycladic period), collections of ceramics and sculptures.

Thira Museum (Museum of Prehistoric Thera) of prehistoric times presents exhibits from the excavations of the ancient settlement of Akrotiri, various frescoes from the life of animals and people.

Most beautiful place impress with traditional architectural buildings Homeric times. There are many small shops in Oia where there are jewelry and souvenirs. Here you can see an extraordinary sunset, meditate, feel the energy, the power of an active volcano.

Connoisseurs of grape wine will be pleasantly surprised Wine Museum, where red, white, dessert wines have been made for over four hundred years: Vinsanto with various flavors (citrus, figs and coffee), Nikteri, strong wine Tsikoudia. The winery museum will tell you about all stages of the production of this divine drink.

On the beaches of the island you can do almost everything extreme views entertainment. Many taverns, restaurants, night bars, discos, cafes, spa centers are open to tourists. For children's leisure there are many water parks with attractions and water slides.

Attractions and entertainment

Beaches

The beaches of the resorts of Kamari, Monolithos, Perissa, Akrotiri are amazing. Kamari- enough famous resort, located near Fira, it is distinguished sandy beaches. Here everything is provided for sports on the water, you can buy any accessories and accessories, awnings and awnings. Perissa- pretty quiet resort town. Black sand on the beach. This resort has its own night restaurants and clubs located in eucalyptus groves. Akrotiri is located on the south side of Santorini. The sand on the beach is red. Right in the rock cave there are taverns where you can stop and have a bite to eat. Cruise on a small kaiki boat to the ancient volcano will leave a lasting impression.

Accommodation

The western part of Santorini is considered more developed in terms of tourism infrastructure, so hotels in the west of the island are more in demand - Caldera, Fira, Oia. In this part of the island, the hotels have amazing views of the volcano, the sea, the sunset and the Caldera. Some of the hotels do not accept children under 13 due to a rocky cliff, and many are designed for honeymooners. East End the island is attractive for young people and families with children.

Kitchen

Greek restaurants and Mediterranean cuisine are common in Santorini, where you can also taste dishes typical of these islands: white eggplant, fried tomatoes in batter, fresh grilled fish. In a place near the Caldera with a sunset view, prices can be higher than in similar less picturesque restaurants.

shopping

Santorini is one of the most famous wine regions Greece, whose wines are popular and have a special status of superior quality. The grape growing method is unique due to the dryness of the soil and the winds. You can buy wines everywhere on the island, for example, in the Oia store.

Precautionary measures

Santorini is completely safe with regard to crime, but you should not buy something from your hands without an agreed price. Steep rocky slopes for children can be dangerous.

One of the most famous Greek islands, located in the Aegean Sea near the island of Crete. This is one of the most beautiful places on our planet and a popular resort, which attracts vacationers from all over the world.

Over the centuries of its existence, this place has had many names. It is believed that the very first was Strongila or Round, since initially the island was a single area of ​​a rounded shape. There is a legend that the sea god Triton gave the Argonauts a round lump of earth, which became the island of Santorini. They named him Callisto or Handsome.

Around 1500 B.C. There was a massive volcanic eruption that triggered an earthquake. The middle part of Callisto sank very quickly under the water.

Only fragments of the island remained above the surface of the sea, forming a crescent. That is why there is an opinion shared by many scientists that the famous Atlantis and the archipelago, its remains, were located here.

In the 12th century the most big Island is named Santorini. Here was the church of St. Irene, so foreign sailors called it first Santo, after Santa Irina, gradually reducing to Santorini. Later the name was transferred to the entire archipelago. Sometimes the largest island is still called that, although its official name is Thira or Fira.

Santorini belongs to the Cyclades Islands, located in the southern part Aegean Sea. The Santorini archipelago consists of five islands: Aspro, Palea Kameni, Nea Kameni, Thirasia and Thira. The last one is the biggest. Its area is about 76 sq. km, the length of the coastline is 70 km. The two most major islands inhabited, three small ones are not. The most remote parts of the archipelago are separated by only 17 km.

Santorini is an island of volcanic origin. The relief of the islands is mountainous, very rocky. coast for the most part steep, steeply descending to the sea. The height of the terrain above sea level varies from 200 to 500 m.

After the eruption, which changed the relief of the island, the volcano sank down, forming a huge caldera, which was flooded by the waters of the Aegean Sea. Today, this place is a deep bay, in the center of which there are 2 small islands. Santorini Volcano is at rest, but regularly wakes up and erupts.

History of Santorini

Scientists have proved that the first population appeared on the island of Santorini about one and a half thousand years before the terrible earthquake. They were representatives of the pre-Greek Cretan culture, which is proved by the excavations in Akrotiri. powerful eruption volcano, located approximately in the center of the island, interrupted the development ancient civilization. The volcano with part of the land plunged into the water, causing a terrible tsunami. A wave about 100 meters high reached Crete, with violent force fell upon it and destroyed the Palace of Knossos and other buildings.

The strongest earthquakes and the release of volcanic ash completed the catastrophe. highly developed Minoan civilization ceased to exist. After a terrible natural disaster, Santorini remained uninhabited for a long time. Only five centuries later it was re-populated by the Phoenicians. Later, the Greeks settled here, turning Santorini into a naval base on the Aegean Sea.

Actually, the island got its name from the Thebean hero Tiras, who settled in Santorini. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the archipelago fell under the jurisdiction of Venice.

In the XIII century, it was captured by the Byzantine Greeks, but three decades later, Venice again returned it to itself. Over the next two centuries, Santorini suffered from endless pirate attacks, as a result of which the number of inhabitants was reduced to three hundred.

In 1537, the archipelago was captured by the pirate Barbarossa and transferred to Turkey. During the period of Turkish possession, Santorini developed rapidly. He possessed the largest merchant fleet at that time in the waters of the Aegean Sea. The archipelago gained independence in 1821 along with all of Greece. The main area of ​​commercial activity in Santorini since that time has been maritime transport, as well as the production of unique wine and tomatoes.

The last century was marked for the archipelago by fascist occupation during the Second World War and two earthquakes provoked by a volcanic eruption. The last one, which happened in 1956, was especially strong, when many buildings were destroyed and people died. Many of those who survived left the island.

Life began to return to the archipelago only in the mid-60s.

Santorini. 1937

Santorini today

Modern Santorini is the most popular resort. He is listed first on the list of the most beautiful islands of the world, bypassing the Philippine Boracay, the Australian Big barrier reef and many others. The island has won dozens of various awards from international travel magazines. Not by chance everything cruise ships definitely make a stop here.

Lovers all over the world know that magnificent Santorini is considered the best destination for romantic cruises and honeymoon trips.

Santorini, Oia.

Sights of Santorini

All tourists arriving in the archipelago must visit its most interesting sights:

A caldera is a depression formed during a volcanic eruption as a result of the collapse of a large area of ​​land. Now it is a deep bay, in the middle of which there is a young active volcano Santorin. It is uninhabited, but there are guided tours. Tourists are brought to the volcano on small ships, then they are led along the paths to the crater itself. Extreme lovers can go to the volcano in a small submarine.

Oia village (also often misnamed Oia). Famous for its special architecture. This is a unique combination of majestic Venetian medieval buildings and small village houses. There are narrow streets, snow-white churches with piercing blue domes and charming houses.

Oia is located Maritime Museum and Museum musical instruments. Very interesting are the Captains' Houses built at the end of the 19th century and the magnificent Old Mill. The main attraction of this place is beautiful sunsets, which hundreds of tourists gather daily to look at.

Cape Akrotiriti. Here, the ruins of a Minoan city that died as a result of a terrible volcanic eruption 3,500 years ago have been excavated. During the excavations, buildings of two and three floors, decorated with frescoes, shops and workshops were discovered.

Monastery of Elijah the Prophet, built on the highest point of Thira. From here you have a magnificent view of the whole of Santorini. The monastery has interesting museums religious art and folk art. Every year on July 20, a big holiday with a fair is held here.

The beaches of Santorini. They are sandy and very clean. Thanks to volcanic origin archipelago and rich mineralization, the local sand has acquired a wide range of shades: from delicate milky to pink, reddish, green and even black. Therefore, the local beaches are colorful. Such a mixture looks especially picturesque at the bottom of the sea.

Getting to Santorini is quite easy. There is an airport where planes of local airlines regularly arrive from Athens, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Crete and Mykonos. The number of charter flights is simply huge.

Ferries and speed boats link the archipelago with Crete, Rhodes, Kos and Athens. Sea yachts enter the port of Santorini and cruise ships bringing here tourists from all over the world.

Pearl of the Cyclades magnificent island Santorini is considered one of the most picturesque, romantic and mysterious Greek islands. Locals claim that the island has a heart that beats in the sea, in the mountains and on the ground. Anyone who has felt this beat will definitely come back here again and again. They are attracted by the calm power that hides under the deep dark waters of the Caldera, the piercing blue sky and the bright white "toy" towns with blue roofs of ancient Santorini, over which neither time nor the elements have power.

Santorini on the map.

Tatyana Solomatina

Perfect solution For summer holidays in Greece: the island of Santorini

Hello dear readers and guests of my blog! I keep talking about interesting resorts Greece. And today we’ll talk about another place beloved by Russian tourists.

Meet the island of Santorini in Greece: mythology and history, geography and climate, population and traditions, resorts and beaches. As well as answers to popular questions: how to get there, what to see and what to do for tourists?

If you believe the myths, then in the distant past, the son of Amphitrite and Poseidon, the god Triton, gave the Argonauts the land from which this island was formed. According to researchers, Santorini is part of Atlantis. Believe it or not - it's up to you.

A long time ago, the Argonauts, who received this place as a gift, gave it the name Kallisti, which is translated from Greek as "the most beautiful." Before the volcanic eruption, the island was called Strongili - "round". Only in the XIII century, the island became Santorini, from "Santa Irina", a saint revered on this island. The capital of Santorini owes its name to the Spartan Fira. The local volcano greatly influenced the history of the island, changing its shape.

During the Peloponnesian War, the island supports Sparta, then falls under the rule of Athens. With the arrival of the Venetians in Santorini, in 1207 it becomes their colony, and then, in 1570, it passes under the protectorate of Turkey. After the end of the War of Independence, it unites with Greece. In 1956, another powerful earthquake occurs, which again changed appearance and the shape of the island.

Watch a short video. It will allow you to see the island of Santorini from a bird's eye view.

Geography

Santorini in Greece is a group of 5 islands (Palea Kameni, Aspronisi, Nea Kameni, Thirasia and Fira) of volcanic origin, which is located in the south of the Aegean Sea. They are part of the Cyclades group of islands. Thira is the most south island of this group of islands, its area is 76 sq. km, and coastline stretches for 70 km. On the island, fertile plains give way to a mountainous landscape.

How to get there?

You can get to the Santorini region both by sea and by air. The island has its own airport, and steamships provide communication with both mainland Greece, and with the islands of the Dodecanese and the Cyclades.

Unfortunately, there are no direct regular flights from Russia. You can get to the island through Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion or Rhodes. And completely by air, only through Athens and Thessaloniki. From other airports, the only way to the island is by ferry.

Island climate

The local climate is characterized by a hot season with a short rainy season, they usually take place in February and November. Relatively high humidity. Throughout the year, temperature fluctuations are insignificant, and snow here is completely out of the ordinary.

The coldest month is January, during which the air temperature can drop to +10°C. The hottest months are July and August. But thanks to the cool breeze, the heat is practically not noticeable.

The average air temperature of the island of Santorini in Greece:

  • in winter +7°С …+17°С
  • in spring +17°С …+22°С
  • during summer +22°С…+40°С
  • in autumn +17°С… 25°С

Population and traditions

The island of Santorini is home to approximately 13,500 people (according to the 2001 census). The administrative center of the island is the small town of Fira, with a population of 1500 people.

This region of Greece is full of customs and traditions. Take, for example, one of them: due to the peculiarities of the climate local population has a habit of afternoon naps.

The island celebrates a huge number of holidays, including cultural and religious ones. One of the most interesting is the celebration of the exchange of family roles, which is celebrated on January 8th. On this winter day, women visit those public institutions in which, as a rule, men stay, and the latter sit at home and do housework.

Kitchen

The locals of Santorini, thanks to the fertile soil, are engaged in the cultivation of some rare crops, such as a special type of grapes. His trunks are specially braided into a round pigtail so that the wind is not afraid of him.

The main attraction of the local food products, without a doubt, are Santorini wines, which are exported even to such a distant Japan. Small, hard-skinned tomatoes are in great demand on the island. In Santorini, another unusual vegetable is grown - a white sweet eggplant, which only here has such a great taste.

Capital: Fira

The administrative center of the island is Fira, it looks like flocks of seagulls on a cliff in the Caldera. The capital is located at an altitude of 260 meters above sea level. Its construction was completed in 1810, during the decline of pirate raids.

The village of Fira stretches along the Caldera from north to south. From the central part of the city, you can easily get to the Old Port area with cruise ships. Local shops are open until the night, and young people will like it night life town.

Island resorts

Oia: Apanomeria

Oia, also known as Apanomeria, is the most colorful place on the entire island of Santorini. Its tiny quarters stretch towards the Caldera and towards the west, where the open sea lies. The main streets of Apanomeria are paved with marble slabs, and the grandiose view of the churches is completed by impressive blue drum domes.

In 1956, there was a serious earthquake, but thanks to the efforts of local residents and a group of architects, the town was soon successfully restored. The tourism industry is quite developed here, but despite this, Oia has characteristic features that are unique to this resort. There is nothing lacking here, all the elements of the town are imbued with quality and elegance.

Imerovigli

Imerovigli - small village located in north side from Firostefani to highest point edge of the caldera. If you translate the name of the village into Russian, it will sound like "day observation". This name is due to the fact that during the raids by the pirates, the village served as a control point over the surroundings and the entrance routes to the Caldera in order to warn the population in time of the approaching danger.

Imerovigli, Fira and Firostefani almost grew together after a while. But all the same, it is impossible to confuse them, since each of them has its own unique atmosphere.

Famous Akrotiri

Akrotiri is located on the east side of Chania. The coast of the island, also known as Stavros, gained popularity after the release of the movie "Alexis Sorbas", in which the final scene takes place here. The bay of the village has the appearance of a semicircle, and the sandy beach is surrounded by mountains. Vacationers with children will be pleased with this choice of resort in Greece.

Athinios: port village

Athinios is the only port village in Santorini. It is quite small, with a few shops, two or three taverns, which are located near the base of the Caldera. The road leading up is steep and full of twists and turns.

Agia Paraskevi

Agia Paraskevi is a village that has become famous for its clean air, dark blue sea and great view at sunset. Here you can take a yacht trip to the volcano, explore the full vegetation and wildlife undersea world, or spend a romantic evening with a glass of wine.

Colorful Karterados

You have not yet decided which town to stay in, but have already firmly decided that you are going to Santorini? Then pay attention to one of the most colorful villages of the island - Karterados. From the capital of Santorini to this village is only some two kilometers.

In this village you can fully experience the real atmosphere of the Greek village. In addition, its architecture has not changed much over the years. last century buildings erected there amaze with the elegance of straight lines and harmony. The local population is very hospitable and good-natured, ready to receive tourists all year round.

Excellent weather, cozy hotels, money exchange offices, post office and the Internet - everything you need for a complete and carefree vacation in the outback. Local residents, for the most part, speak Greek, but sellers, owners of shops and shops, speak English.

Megalochori

Going by boat to the island of Santorini, the first locality that tourists see is Megalochori. It contains many beautifully whitewashed traditional Greek houses, dazzlingly sparkling in the sun.

The sea off the coast of this village is clean and warm, but if for some reason you don’t like it, you can go to the nearby towns. The weather in the village, as in the whole island, is full of warmth and sun. Even in winter you will not see cloudy days here.

Oya area

Oia is a small area on the island of Santorini in Greece. Its pretty landscapes have a high degree of uniqueness: there are houses here, looking at which it seems that they have grown into coastal volcanic rocks (in ancient times there was a volcano somewhere nearby, but he fell asleep). Some of these houses were erected in the Venetian era, and some of the structures have been preserved since the Middle Ages. And it is not at all surprising that when talking about Oia, many tourists immediately begin to praise the magnificent architecture of this area.

You should definitely visit this village if you are an art connoisseur, a lover of colorful landscapes or an artist, because the view of the sunset, by the way, is appreciated local residents, as the best in the world, captivates and captures for a while. Reviews of tourists enthusiastic.

Perissa

Perissa is a small village located in the southeast of the island of Santorini, 12 km from the central part of Fira and 12 km from local airport. The duration of the trip from the airport is about 10-15 minutes. Of the nearest villages, in addition to the capital, one can name Kamari (24 km) and Oia (24 km). The village has everything you need for a complete, carefree holiday: villas, hotels, apartments for rent; opportunity to do different types sports; hearty and tasty meal in local taverns.

Santorini beaches

A description of the island of Santorini in Greece would not display the full picture without the most picturesque, as if alive from postcards, beaches, each of which has its own characteristics and is not similar to those that you have seen before. The sea of ​​incredible purity, with a palette of shades from light turquoise to dark blue, as well as sand and pebbles of various colors, act as creators of a spectacle of magical beauty.

  • The beaches of Perissa are located near the village of the same name, the total length of the beaches is more than 3 kilometers. Many consider them the best on the island. The beaches have a black tint, which was formed due to their volcanic origin.
  • Kamari Beach is probably the most crowded beach of Santorini, which is washed by water of amazing purity. As day and night here goes on active life, but gorgeous tourist base has a number of luxurious and presentable hotels with clubs, swimming pools, discos, taverns, restaurants, etc.
  • Red Beach is located near the village of Akrotiri. As its name implies, the sand on the beach has a red tint that looks great against the background. blue sea- a very, very unusual combination that will surprise anyone, even the most experienced tourist.

What to see on the island?

  • In the circles of tourists, the island of Santorini, and more specifically, the place of Oia, is quite well known, which is due to the enchanting sunsets. Many people are going to watch this magical spectacle in local bars.
  • Love history? Then you are in Akrotiri. Once upon a time, during construction work, an ancient city was discovered in a completely random way.
  • In addition, in the town of Imerovigli there are preserved fragments of the Venetian castle of Skaros, the construction of which dates back to the 12th century.
  • At the highest point of the island - on Mount Profitis Ilias, there is a monastery of the same name, the beginning of the construction of which dates back to 1711. There is a museum and a library here.
  • The next places to visit while on the island of Santorini in Greece are the Archaeological Museum of Fira and the Museum of Prehistoric Fira. The walls of the Prehistoric Museum contain exhibits found during excavations in Akrotiri. The modern Archaeological Museum was erected in 1960, and became a replacement for its old and destroyed counterpart.
  • Do not miss the opportunity to visit the Wine Museum, as well as the Kutsuyannopoulou winery, where you can watch the creation of the drink with your own eyes and learn about the history of the development of winemaking art on the island.

What to do on the island?

From Perissa to Kamari stretch magnificent beaches with black sand, on which lovers active rest can go diving or snorkeling. There are many restaurants and bars among the most picturesque eucalyptus groves. At night, discos, taverns and bars offer to continue entertainment.

What to bring home?

Tourists take with them beans (fava) and local wine, ceramics. All these goods can be bought in one of the many shops and souvenir shops. The prices are affordable. Most shops are open until 22:00.

To convey the uniqueness of this island, such words as “fairy tale”, “amazing”, etc. are not enough. You will be fascinated by the island from the very beginning. Every year tourists from all over the world come here to enjoy comfortable rest in the bosom of magnificent nature.

In the crowded bars of Perissa, Kamara, Fira and other settlements, all dishes are known for their quality and great taste. And listening to classical music and watching the world-famous caldera, any, even the most boring tourist, will get aesthetic pleasure!

Are you going on a trip? Then you should check out these articles:

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I would be grateful if you leave comments, it is difficult to move on without seeing the reaction of readers.

I say goodbye to you for a moment. Good mood and see you soon!

Tatyana Solomatina

The fabulous beauty of the Santorini archipelago is perhaps one of the most beautiful places throughout Greece. According to legend, the five islands of the archipelago are the remnants of the former greatness of Atlantis, which has gone under water. Now hundreds of thousands of tourists come to sunbathe on the volcanic beaches of the islands and admire the snow-white houses clinging to the rocks.

Santorini consists of 5 islands, the largest of which is Fira (or Thira). It is his images that are printed on all advertising brochures dedicated to Greece. The two volcanic islands of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni are a popular destination for excursions.

Santorini is a place where you should definitely come at least once. Snow-white walls of houses, blue domes of churches, which are about the same as there are days in a year and colorful beaches turn your vacation into a real fairy tale.

Climate and weather of Santorini

The climate in Santorini is Mediterranean, with dry summers and warm winter. bathing season starts in May and ends in September. The best time to relax are the summer months, as well as the end of spring and the beginning of autumn.

Happy At night Sea Season
January +13 +9 +16
February +14 +9 +16
March +15 +10 +16
April +19 +13 +17
May +22 +16 +19 beach
June +26 +20 +22 beach
July +28 +22 +24 beach
August +28 +23 +25 beach
September +25 +20 +24 beach
October +23 +17 +23 beach
November +19 +14 +20
December +16 +11 +18

Santorini beaches

The beaches of Santorini are a complete attraction. The islands were formed due to a volcanic eruption that occurred 3500 years ago. The "legacy" from the ancient catastrophe remained amazing beaches with colorful sand. There are areas with black sand (just like in Tenerife), there are areas with red (like the dunes in Mui Ne), and there are snow-white and golden beaches, which are a pleasure to relax on.

There are few beaches on the island - only 15, but each of them is unique and beautiful. The depth is serious almost everywhere, the water is cool, clear, with a turquoise, green and even black tint, depending on the sand or pebbles at the bottom.

Perivolos is the longest and popular beach Fira Islands. Umbrellas and sun loungers are placed on 3 kilometers of black sand, the owners of numerous taverns and restaurants are waiting for guests on the embankment. Like almost everywhere in Santorini, the depth starts quickly, so families with children should be careful and make sure that the kids splash around the shore. In the evenings, there are discos on the beach of Perivolos and Perissa. There is a water park near the Perissa beach, and you can wait out the midday heat by taking an excursion to the Museum of Minerals and Fossils.

The Red Beach attracts not only swimmers, but also people with cameras. Red pebbles and red rocks, turquoise water - an amazing combination. If red is not your favorite color, you can choose White Beach - it is strewn with snow-white pebbles. One problem is that you can only get to it by boat, although this is also an advantage - there will definitely not be crowds of people.

Kamari Beach is the widest on the island. The infrastructure is well developed here, there are enough sunbeds and umbrellas for everyone. For the purity of the water, the beach was awarded the Blue Flag. Tired of wallowing in the sand, you can go to the archaeological reserve of Fira to admire the sea view.

The depth of the sea in Santorini is decent everywhere, but for families with children and insecure bathers there is the beautiful Monolithos beach, where the entrance to the water is gentle and you can safely let the heirs swim. The sand on the beach is dark, sun loungers and umbrellas are available, you can have a bite to eat in taverns nearby.

For vivid impressions, you can go to the beaches of the islands of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni - by the way, their names are quite telling, they mean "burnt". Tourists are brought to the crater ancient volcano where you can swim in the thermal springs.

Sights of Santorini

Santorini is a symphony of three colors: blue, white and ocher. According to Greek traditions, white symbolizes faith and justice; blue - the sky; yellow-brown, ocher - the power of nature and the power of a volcano.

There are almost as many churches in Santorini as there are 352 days in a year. The most beautiful and famous is Ayiu Mina, perched on a rock. The chime of bells is heard from all over the island of Fira in the mornings and evenings.

You can get acquainted with the past of volcanic islands in Archaeological Museum and the museum of the city. The volcanic eruption greatly redrawn the local history: for example, there is even its own "Pompeii" - on Cape Akrotiri there are the ruins of a city buried under a layer of ash. The medieval history of the archipelago can be touched on the ruins of the Venetian castle in Imerovigli. By the way, this is one of the most the best places to watch the sunset.

The most popular tour- to the volcanic islands of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni. 3500 years ago, the local volcano exploded, and the echoes of the eruption are still heard: the last activity was observed only 65 years ago. An underwater volcano boils water - there are healing thermal springs here, and the soil itself is very hot. The tour includes the way to the island by boat, climbing to the crater, bathing in healing springs.

Orthodox holidays in Santorini are celebrated on a large scale. IN tourist season you can get to the Assumption of the Virgin (August 15), Transfiguration of the Lord (August 6). In addition, each church has its own patron, whose day the islanders also celebrate with great festivities and church services.

In July, Santorini hosts a jazz festival, and in August, a volcano festival. Eyewitnesses say that this is an incredible sight, arguing in an abundance of pyrotechnics with the Chinese New Year.

Cuisine of Santorini

Due to its volcanic origin, the soil on the islands of Santorini allows you to grow amazing varieties of familiar vegetables and fruits.

The locals are very proud of their white eggplants - they taste sweet, they are fried in oil with thyme and served with seafood, such as fresh octopus grilled on coals.

The traditional Greek salad, horiatiki salad, also has a special flavor in Santorini. Special small cherry tomatoes of the Santorini variety grow here - they are added to the salad and cooked tomatokeftedes - vegetable meatballs. Cucumbers in Santorini are also not simple - the variety is called "katsuni". And although feta cheese is traditionally added to horiatiki salad, you can ask for the addition of chloro cheese, a special goat cheese with a creamy structure.

A signature dish in Santorini will definitely contain fava - a special variety of peas. It is especially good with pork, eggplant and tomatoes. You can also try it as a separate dish - the inhabitants of the island have ensured that their precious fava is recognized as a gastronomic asset at the state level.

The wines on Santorini are also special - assyrtiko grapes are grown here, from which the excellent Vinsanto wine is made, which has a citrus, fig or coffee hue. Dry white "Asyrtiko" or fortified white "Nichteri" will be excellent aperitifs before a meal in the Greek tradition.