Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Here's a peek at the artist's list of Santorini's most inspirational locations. Head
to any of them to let the island work its magic.
»
Walk up the steps of Pyrgos and check out the 360-degree views of the islands.
»
Sit and observe the caldera from Fira's plateau (
Click here
). Settlements have
been built here since antiquity to be on the lookout for pirates. You'll still see the
older population just sitting and watching. You'll almost feel that you can control
the sea.
»
Visit the theatre in Ancient Thira (
Click here
)
. Just the walk to it offers fantastic
views south to the sea. Once you're there, soak up the history.
»
Spend a day at the excavated town of Akrotiri (
Click here
)
and get a feel for the
Minoan people, a fascinatingly advanced civilisation. Many speculate that this was
once the centre of Minoan culture.
»
Escape to Sigalas (
Click here
) winery in the north, where you can relax on the ver-
andah between tasting the grapes.
Sights
The best beaches are on the east and south coasts.
One of the main beaches is the long stretch at
Perissa
, a popular destination in sum-
mer.
Perivolos
and
Agios Georgios
, further south, are long stretches of black sand,
pebbles and pumice stones. While they're backed by bars, tavernas, hotels and shops,
they remain fairly relaxed.
Red Beach
, near Ancient Akrotiri, has impressive red cliffs
and smooth, hand-sized pebbles submerged under clear water. It's a bit of a trek over un-
even rock to reach it.
Vlihada
, also on the south coast, is a pleasant venue.
Kamari
(population 1351) is 10km from Fira and is Santorini's best-developed resort.
It has a long beach of black sand, with the rugged limestone cliffs of Cape Mesa Vouno
framing its southern end and the site of Ancient Thira on its summit. The beachfront road
is dense with restaurants and bars, and things get extremely busy in high season.
At times, Santorini's black-sand beaches become so hot that a sun lounge or mat is es-
sential.
Ancient Akrotiri
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
( 22860 81366; admission €5; 8am-3pm Tue-Sun)
In 1967, excavations began at the site
of Akrotiri. What they uncovered was phenomenal: an ancient Minoan city buried deep
beneath volcanic ash from the catastrophic eruption of 1613 BC. Today, the site retains a
