Have you ever heard the story about sunken Atlantis?
According to ancient Greek legend, the lost continent was located somewhere in
the Greece area. Perhaps Atlantis was a pure fiction; but being in Santorini,
the myth seems to be a perfect reality.
Santorini is the name of five islands, which are located
close to each other. They are Fira, Therasia, Nea Kameni, Palaia Kameni, and
Aspronisi. The last three islands are inhabited. Only 270 people live on the
island of Therasia; that’s why Fira incurs the main stream of tourists. It’s a
little cozy island, which can be crossed from one end to the other in an hour.
The biggest settlement on the island are Fira, Oia, Finikia, Kamari.
Where to stay at?
The basic mass of tourists go to the biggest tourist centers
of the island. Fira and Oia are the biggest towns at the territory of the
island. Fira is located on the rocky cliff, 600 meters above sea level. It is a
wonderful observation desk, which provides a gorgeous view of a volcano’s
caldera.
The town of Oia is located to the north of Fira. In addition
to wonderful views, Oia is remarkable for its traditional Greek architecture.
All the houses possess a certain white-and-blue style and charm: whiten walls,
steep stairs, tiny windows.
Temples, belfries, blue domes, ancient Venetian houses and
windmills form a wonderful panorama of the island. In spite of the fact, that
all the houses, located on the coast, are turned into hotels, they have kept
their original appearance. The rooms with the view of the caldera are more expensive
than those ones, which have a see view.
The only disadvantage of the location of these two resort
towns is the fact that they have no their own beaches. Any of the hotels is
separated from sea by hundreds meters of rocks.
Those tourists, who prefer to have a low-budget rest,
usually travel to the opposite side of the volcano’s caldera, where Kamari and
Perissa are located. Close to these resort towns there is a wonderful beach.
Beaches
Most of the beaches are concentrated on the eastern coast of
the island. They are unusual multicolor pebble and sandy beaches, which are
usually called – White Beach, Black Beach, Red Beach. The most famous of them
are Red Beach, Kamari Beach, Perissa Beach and Monolithos Beach.
Monolithos Beach is located very close to Fira. It’s one of
the most suitable beaches for a family rest with children. One more endless
beach with black sand is found in the tiny town of Perissa. Perivolos Beach
stretches further ahead. The tourists like this beach for its fine sand and
clear sea water. It is a perfect place for going in for aquatic sports.
On the island there are pebble beaches as well. The most
famous of them are Red Beach (Kokkini Ammos) and White Beach (Aspri Ammos);
they are located not far from the village of Akrotiri. Numerous tourists from
all over the world come here to go in for diving and snorkeling.
Attractions
In the north of the island there are ruins of the ancient
town of Akrotiri. It was destroyed by an eruption of the volcano. Some of the
buildings have been kept to our time: the ancient theater and half-ruined
streets.
Santorini abounds in churches. They number more than 350
churches and chapels, and monasteries. Every third building is a snow-white
church with a blue dome.
Prophet Elias Monastery is one of the most famous and important
churches in Santorini. It was built in the 13th century on the mountain of
Prophitis Elias, which is the highest spot of the island. In the monastery a
rich collection of ancient Byzantine icons, manuscripts, chapels and clothes is
kept. In addition, at the territory of the monastery you can find the museum of
amateur and folk arts.
Also it’s advisable to visit the islands of Nea Kameni and
Palaia Kameni, where you will have an opportunity to see the volcano and hot
springs. The last eruption of this volcano happened in 1950; the landscapes of
the island is formed by clinker (lava). On Palaia Kameni the tourists bathe in
hot springs, which are scattered across the whole territory of the island.
If you prefer romantic desert places, you should visit the
Faros lighthouse, which is located in the southernmost part of Santorini, not
far from the village of Akrotiri. There are no any cafes and taverns; but there
are picturesque views, which are especially charming at sunset.
Yachting
Thousands of tourists travel to Santorini to sail a yacht.
In the port there is a wonderful opportunity to rent yachts and boats of every
kind and sort. The weather conditions are very favorable for yachting: rain,
storms and gales are rare occurrences in this area. If you venture on a voyage,
there’s a strong possibility that your yacht will be accompanied by an honorary
escort, which is formed by a school of friendly dolphins.
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Truly one of the most exotic locations in the world.
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