The picturesque island of Santorini includes 5 small islands: Asproncia, Pale-Kamen, Terasia, Naa-Kamen and directly Santorini-the largest of them. It is believed that this archipelago arose as a result of the explosion of volcanoes that occurred more than 3,500 years ago. Often it is here that family, children’s or youth tours are organized in Greece — in general, a rich variety of entertainment and opportunities for relaxation contributes to the popularity of people of any age. This is a truly original place where you can see colorful villages, small cozy cities, beautiful beaches and stunning natural landscapes.
One very romantic legend is associated with this island. It is believed that Santorini is a part of the legendary Atlantis, lost in the bowels of the ocean. This legend is not unreasonable: scientists on the site of the island found objects and the remains of houses presumably related to the period of the Minoi era. You can inspect all these relics in the settlement of Acrotiri, as well as the Archaeological Museum of Fira, the capital of the island. There are also interesting architectural structures, the museum of the prehistoric Tira, the ruins of buildings of the early Christian era, the dwelling of Ptolemy of the benefactor and many other interesting attractions.
On the high rock is the beautiful Church of Aiyu-Min, certainly included in the program of all excursions in the city. Another church-Pangee-Coers-is located next to Pirgos and is the oldest Orthodox Church. Here you can see the unique frescoes and the miraculous icon of the Mother of God. The once former capital of the island, Pirgos is a very comfortable place for walking, its romantic atmosphere attracts creative people and just those who want to get acquainted with local traditions, imbued with the spirit of the island.
To inspect the ruins of the city of Minoic civilization, which was destroyed as a result of the eruption of the volcano around 1500 BC. e., You can visit Cape Acrotiri. Here you will see shops, craft workshops, squares and ordinary residential buildings of people who inhabited the island many centuries ago. A unique natural phenomenon-the islands of Naa-Kamen and Palea-Kamen, covered with black volcanic ash-a truly unforgettable sight. In addition to architectural monuments, there are hot sources on Santorini, a visit to which is recommended for everyone who wants to not only improve health, but also recharge with vigor and energy.
On the beaches of the island you can not only swim and sunbathe, but also do water sports — diving, surf, ride a yacht or boat, as well as play tennis, basketball or volleyball. Due to the fact that volcanoes were once active here, sand on the beaches here has a variety of colors and shades: red, pink, milk, black. Wherever you stop on the island, everywhere you will find many restaurants, cafes and bars, entertainment centers. Separate pride of Santorini is a gastronomic sector, dishes in the establishments of which are prepared according to ancient recipes. The wines with a sophisticated taste and aroma gained particular fame.
Most of the hotels of the island are located in the immediate vicinity of the sea. Of the numbers of many of them, a magnificent view of the mountains often opens up. Often, in order to save and convenience, tourists rent villas or apartments for rent — this option is very inexpensive, especially if you come with a large company. As for the climate, it is especially hot on Santorini, and in July-August the air temperature reaches +30 ° C… +35 ° C.
Getting to the island will not be difficult. Having arrived at the airport of Iraklion, the capital of Crete, you need to drive a few hours by boat to Santorini. In the event that you prefer to purchase burning tours to Rhodes or Santorini, you should plan a trip at the end of summer or early autumn — it is during this period that the tourist influx falls, and many tour operators offer vouchers at an inexpensive cost.