The Island of Santorini

When anyone pictures the Greek islands, it is Santorini that comes to mind first with its picturesque white-washed villages and the iconic blue-domed roofs that sit precariously along the cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea and its black sand beaches.

Santorini was settled by the Minoans in 3000 BC and in 1450 BC the volcanic island erupted with such force that it left only the present day crescent shape island. It was a circular island before the volcano blew out its middle and the tsunami it created devastated the island of Crete, another of our destinations. It is the island of Santorini that many believe is the lost kingdom of Atlantis!

Originally named Thira by the Dorians who settled here in the 8th century BC, it wasn’t until the 13th century that the Venetians coined the name Santorini after St Irene.

The capital city of the island is Fira, or Thira, which sits on the inside of the caldera, or crater, overlooking the tiny island of Nea Kameni. Devastated by an earthquake in 1956, it has been rebuilt, terraced into the volcanic cliffs with domed churches and barrel-roofed cave houses (skafta). Many cliffside restaurants offer stunning views of the caldera…and the amazing sunsets!

The tiny port of Skala Firon is 885 feet below Fira and is connected by a cable car (about 4 euros) or by mule (about 5 euros) up the 580 steps. Of course, you can walk up and down the steps, but you have to dodge the donkeys AND what they leave behind!

Fira is primarily a pedestrian town and its most well-known street is Agiou Mina, for it is here you will find the 18th century church of Agios Minas with its distinctive blue dome and white bell tower which have become the symbol of Santorini.

Also in Fira is the Archaeological Museum which houses the famous frescoes from Akrotiri which were remarkably preserved by volcanic ash. The best known are The Young Fisherman, depicting a youth holding yellow and blue fish, and The Young Boxers, showing two young sparring partners with long black hair and almond-shaped eyes. The murals are shown on a rotating schedule. The museum may be closed however by the time we arrive.

There are two optional excursions offered on Santorini. One is Santorini Sailing and Volcano, a smaller boat cruise around the active crater of Nea Kameni. Refer to the previous blog outlining the excursions for an in-depth description and recommendations. The other will be addressed in the next blog on Oia.

We visit Santorini on Thursday evening from 4:30-9 p.m. Enjoy this video on Santorini.