The old capital, the fortified Venetian town, illustrating tales of its glorious times with its mansions and step-like cobbled roads. The whole setting is like a painting created by the most talented artist: the sweet ash grey color of Mesa...
Villages in Santorini
Sights in Santorini
Which are the ‘hot points’ of Santorini? Actually,Thira is not only the caldera. There is so much to discover. Villages that are true jewels, as well as museums and monuments of tremendous importance. Get informed. Find out which stones you should pick up to experience the grandeur of Santorini. Everything can be found here!!
The uniqueness of Santorini
There are some reasons that make Santorini the most sensational destination. One of these reasons is its geological particularity, for she was born out of the volcanic lava. Continuous lava flow deposits gave birth to this island, whose central part sank as a result of the big volcanic eruption in 1660 B.C. That is how the one and only inhabited caldera (=cauldron) in the world was formed at a depth of 400m below the sea surface, truly one of the wonders of the world! As a result, in the place of ‘Strogili’, which was the only island that existed at that time, emerged the islands that we have today: Santorini, Thirasia, Aspronisi and, the newer ones, Palia and Nea Kameni. This Thiran lava became for the people of Santorini the raw material to construct their houses, the so-called ‘yposkafa’ (=dwellings carved in the rock). Due to its volcanic origin, the soil of the island is easy to dig. Later on, they would make mortar out of this very same soil (containing stable materials) and lime to support the vault of the house. In this way, the poor families would have a roof that kept their house warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
The three strong points
In case you do not have much time, here are the highlights of Santorini:
- The Akrotiri, where the archaeological settlement of the pre-historic Thira is situated.
- The Museum of Pre-historic Thira in Fira. You will be impressed with the findings exhibited there.
- The world-famous sunset of Oia – people from everywhere in the world come to live this unique experience!
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A small village overlooking the waters of Perissa and Perivolos. Here you will find testimonies of the days of glory, when Emporio used to be the economic heart of Santorini: the old imposing Goulas Castle, Kasteli with Old Panagia, the...
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Karterados is a small village which once used to be a very prosperous place with captains’ mansions. There are two reasons for which it is worth going to Karterados. Firstly, to taste the traditional Santorini “kritharokouloura” (barley twist)...
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This special settlement is built in a ravine five kilometers long. The amazing people of Santorini made their houses on the ravine walls. Using a smear made from volcanic soil they constructed roofs which stand by themselves with no support. It...
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‘Nested’ on the foot of the mountain, Mesa Gonia is also named Episkopi Gonia after the Church of Panagia Episkopi that is located in the village. Upon the big earthquake, the inhabitants of the village moved to...
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Beautiful village in the southeastern side of the island overlooking Mesa Vouno, Kamari and the sea. Follow the road linking Pyrgos with Kamari and park outside the Church of Saint Haralambos to wander around the...
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Messaria is one of the biggest villages in Santorini with beautiful squares, graceful mansions and elegant atmosphere reminding us of the wealth and class of the 19th century Santorini. Ηas a great number of hotels,...