Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SANTORINI'S SWALLOWS
You'll quickly notice the popularity of swallows as decoration on Santorini's ancient
pottery. In particular, pots from Akrotiri are seemingly alive with these small black
birds swooping and darting across them. Long ago, the island was a huge nesting
ground for swallows and, even fairly recently, the caldera cliff came alive each
spring with them. Sadly, construction has interfered with their nesting area and
fewer and fewer shack up here every year. Nevertheless, many current artists are
rekindling the symbolism of the swallows, which indicate new life and springtime.
Tours
Tour companies operate various trips to and across the caldera. Options include a tour to
the volcanic island of Nea Kameni (€15), to the volcano and hot springs (including
swimming) of Palia Kameni (€20), full-day boat tours to the volcanic islets, Thirasia and
Oia (€28), a sunset boat tour (€35) and a bus tour including wine tasting (€25). Book at
travel agencies.
The
Thalassa,
an exact copy of an 18th-century schooner, scoots around the caldera
every afternoon on a sunset buffet dinner tour (€50, from May to October), stopping for
sightseeing on Nea Kameni and for ouzo on Thirasia. Most travel agencies sell tickets.
Santorini's lauded wines are its crisp, clear dry whites, such as the delectable
asyrtiko,
and the amber-coloured, unfortified dessert wine Vinsanto. Most local vineyards hold
tastings and tours. You can also join a half-day tasting tour with
WIS
(Wine In Santorini;
22860 7161;
www.wineinsantorini.com
; per person €70)
. Guides are knowledgeable and ensure
you get some food along the way.
where you can sample a range of wines and browse a shop full of choice vintages as well
as local products including fava beans, tomatoes, capers and preserves.
One of the most entertaining venues is the
Volcan Wine Museum
( 22860 31322;
www.volcanwines.gr
;
admission €7; noon-8pm)
, housed in a traditional
canava
(winery) on
the way to Kamari. Admission includes an audio guide and three wine tastings.
Also worth visiting is the
Santorini Brewery
( 22860 30268;
www.santorinibrewingcompany.gr
;
Mon-Sat)
. You'll have seen their beer, with its bright
donkey logos. Unfiltered and fresh, 300L are produced here each day. Take a tour and
sample the lager, ale and Greece's first IPA (otherwise known as Crazy Donkey).
