According to topschoolsintheusa, the Greek volcanic island of Santorini in the Aegean Sea is known for its white houses, fine wines, black beaches and volcanic landscapes. Santorini was created from several volcanic eruptions. The island has beautiful landscapes, many villages and a unique architecture. In addition, the island has its own freshwater spring, there are fascinating archaeological excavations to admire and you can enjoy particularly beautiful sunsets. Most tourists are drawn to places like Fira, Oia, Kamari, Megalochori, Pyrgos and Firostefani. For trips you can go in different directions. The island is not very big so you can see a lot in a short time. Of course it is wise to make a stop every now and then at one of the many restaurants on the island. Not only can you enjoy the delicious regional dishes, a volcanic wine from Santorini makes the party complete.
Santorini ‘s Top 10 Things to Do
#1. Fira
The most modern and developed city of Santorini is the capital Fira. The city is also known as a destination for luxury cruise vacations. Luxury yachts moor daily in the harbor to enjoy the wonderful Greek life. If you want to see a lot, it is recommended to take a trip with the cable car. The trip from Fira to the old port of Skala Firon costs a few euros. You can also choose to go by donkey. Other nice sights are the archaeological museum, the chapel Agios Stylianos, the folkloric museum and of course the nice shops and cozy (roof) terraces.
#2. Red Beach
In an area surrounded by rocks is the beautiful red sandy beach Red Beach. For many people this is the most popular beach in Santorini. The beautiful color palette in combination with the blue sea can certainly be called photogenic. On the beach you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas for a fee. Red Beach is within walking distance of the Akrotiri historical site.
#3. Akrotiri
The Akrotiri Archaeological Site has been open to the public for several years now. The site contains parts from the Minoan Bronze Age. Due to the fact that many valuable objects and buildings are buried under the volcanic rubble, it is extremely well preserved. The first excavations were carried out in the nineteenth century under the direction of the French geologist F. Fouque. The most valuable excavations are in the name of Spyridon Nikolaou Marinatos, a Greek archaeologist. The size of the settlement as found here is about twenty hectares. It contains buildings, furniture, murals and pottery. Since no bodies have been found.
#4. Ancient Thira
At the end of the twentieth century, parts of the ancient city of Thera were uncovered. The city, named after the mythical ruler Theras, is located on a ridge of the Messavouno mountain in the east of Santorini. The most beautiful sights on this site are the Stoa basilica, the Agora square and the theatre. Many of the found objects and other relics are on display in the archaeological museum of Fira.
#5. Panagia Episkopi
As early as the eleventh century, this high-altitude Byzantine cathedral was built by the emperor Alexios A’ Kominos. The Greek Orthodox Church is located on the 567 meter high Profitis Ilias mountain of Santorini. In the Panagia Episkopi you can admire some frescoes, an iconostasis and various religious artifacts. Unfortunately, part of it was looted during an earthquake in 1982. The Panagia Episkopi is located a few kilometers west of Kamari.
#6. Lighthouse at Akrotiri
Santorini Faros was built in 1892 in the southwest of the island on the coast. The tower was necessary to be able to warn people on board in time. The beam was manually controlled until 1988. From Akrotiri it is about a half hour walk to the lighthouse.
#7. Caldera
Caldera is a round shaped part that remains after an eruption of the volcano. The Santorini Caldera consists of a circle with the islands of Santorini, Therasia, Aspronisi, Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni. Santorini is thus part of a volcano that is currently dormant. The Caldera of Santorini has also been compared to the myth about the sunken city of Atlantis. Previous eruptions have provided us with many historical sites as much of the ancient architecture and artifacts were buried under volcanic debris. Good examples of this are Ancient Thira and Akrotiri.
#8. Museum of Prehistoric Thira
Many of the artifacts unearthed during the many archaeological investigations on Santorini are on display in the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. Many of the artifacts were found at Akrotiri. The most special and valuable find is the golden goat that was found next to a pile of goats’ horns in the city of Akrotiri. Other items to admire are pottery, pitchers, jewelry, murals and fossils. The Museum of Prehistoric Thira is located in the town of Fira.
#9. Hot Springs on Neo Kameni
Off the coast at Fira, in the central part of the Caldera, you can visit the uninhabited island of Neo Kameni. The island, known for its hot springs, was formed around 1570 when a series of volcanic eruptions followed one another in rapid succession. The hot springs come from the craters of the volcano. It also indicates that they are still active. The temperature is not very high, but certainly pleasantly warm. Healing powers are also attributed to it.
#10. Thirasia
Another island of the Santorini Caldera is Thirasia. This sparsely populated island has about five villages where it is very quiet. The most famous village is Horio or Manolas. Here you will not find busy seaside resorts or loud catering establishments, but above all peace. Most visitors arrive by ferry at Korfos harbour. Furthermore, the island has a number of small but beautiful churches and monasteries, a number of restaurants and of course beautiful beaches.
