Santorini's Volcanic Heart
The volcano that erupted still smoulders, and the intrepid traveler will want to take a caique to the island of Thirassia, and to the Kamenos, a new island group which has slowly emerged from the waters over the past three thousand years. In geological time, this makes them the new kids on the block. Sulphurous emissions and the occasional red glow remind visitors that Santorini's fiery dragon is merely sleeping. In fact, it has made the Decade Volcano list of the fifteen most potentially active volcanoes.Beyond Santorini's Caldera
If volcano chasing is not your hobby, Santorini still offers abundant beauty for visitors. The steep cliffs left from the eruption are banded with brown, black, and white layers, making for a striking appearance, particularly if you arrive by sea.What to See on Santorini
While simply sitting on a terrace and staring at the V-shaped wakes from the cruise ships arriving far below is more than enough sightseeing for many, Santorini has other charms to offer. One of these is Ancient Thira, where temples are carved into the cliffsides.The most renowned site on Santorini is the famed Minoan city of Akrotiri, buried under a surprisingly gentle layer of volcanic ash which left walls and artifacts intact. The residents appear to have had warning of the eruption and escaped, but to wander the excavated streets is unnerving. It is definitely a town of ghosts.
Near Akrotiri is some of Santorini's best wine-growing country. Keep an eye out for the unusual treatment of some vines, which are placed in hollows and then encouraged to grow basket-style. The volcanic soil of Santorini promises unusual, complex wines, and virtually all of them are very palatable. Don't miss the sweet "Vinsanto". Wineries in Santorini are only now catching on to the idea of tasting rooms and tours. The "Vulcan" winery is an exception, with a winemaking museum and tastings.
Santorini After Dark
Santorini has an active nightlife, centering around Fira and, to a lesser extent, Oia. The crowds are very bad in July and August, which are also the hottest months in terms of temperature. Try to schedule your visit in May or early June, or late August through September. This gives you the best of both worlds - great temperatures and lighter crowds.Where to Stay on Santorini
Santorini has great luxury hotel options, like the Ikies, but it also has some terrific cheap hotels. The most dramatic views are on the "caldera side" of the island; cheaper accommodations often face the rest of the Aegean.Getting to Santorini
Santorini has its own airport with flights from Athens and elsewhere. It's also served by traditional ferries from many locations in Greece. In summer, there is a high-speed hydrofoil making regular stops on the island.Find and compare hotel rates on Santorini: Santorini Hotels
Compare airfares to Greece here: Find Greek Airfares
More Links of Interest:
Virtual Tour of Santorini Island
Beautiful photos guide you through the sights of the island. From Greek Hotels.
Santorini Island - Dining
Abundant dining choices are offered by Santorini, covering the spectrum of Greek food and adding some unusual choices, even Mexican food. Hints on meals and good view spots from GNTO.
Fira - El Greco
Beautiful rooms, moderate rates given in US dollars, and a special Internet User discount characterize El Greco. Request a room with a caldera view.
Greek Hotels - Santorini Island
Listing of many hotels and other accommodations on the island.
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Some of The Best Greek Islands
Temple-crowned Aegina - Natural Alonissos - Traditional Carpathos - Chewy Chios - Cos, The Doctors' Island - Queenly Crete - Dignified Delos - Do it all on Donoussa - Hydra, Artist's Island - Odysseus' Ithaca - Kalokairi "Mamma Mia" Island - Spongy Kalymnos - Aphrodite's Kythira - Lesvos, More than Sappho - Lovely Leros - Mighty Mykonos - Paros Paradise - Pirate Islands - Pastoral Patmos - Volcanic Santorini - Sexy Skopelos - The Dreamy Small Cyclades - Easy Spetses - Symi Summers - Very Greek Syros - Honeyed Thassos - Tilos, Island of Elephants
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