CHARACTERISTICS of Santorini island: |
Santorini - info - information - beaches -fira - traditional - local - products - village - attractions - oia |
Area: Santorini is an island in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km (120 mi) southeast of Greece's mainland. It is the largest island of a small, circular archipelago which bears the same name and is the remnant of a volcanic caldera. It forms the southernmost member of the Cyclades group of islands, with an area of approximately 73 km2 (28 sq mi) and a 2011 census population of 15,550. The municipality of Santorini comprises the inhabited islands of Santorini and Therasia and the uninhabited islands of Nea Kameni, Palaia Kameni, Aspronisi, and Christiana. The total Sandorini's land area is 90.623 km2 (34.990 sq mi). Santorini is part of the Thira regional unit.
Climate: Santorini and Anafi are the only locations in Europe to feature a hot desert climate according to the Köppen climate classification system. Santorini generally experiences two seasons. April to October is the warm and dry season and the cold and rainy season lasts from November to March. Be also aware that sometimes in the summer period you might experience in Santorini some strong winds.
Culture / Location: Santorini is essentially what remains after an enormous volcanic explosion that destroyed the earliest settlements on a formerly single island, and created the current geological caldera. A giant central, rectangular lagoon, which measures about 12 by 7 km (7.5 by 4.3 mi), is surrounded by 300 m (980 ft) high, steep cliffs on three sides. The main island slopes downward to the Aegean Sea. On the fourth side, the lagoon is separated from the sea by another much smaller island called Therasia; the lagoon is connected to the sea in two places, in the northwest and southwest. The depth of the caldera, at 400m, makes it possible for all but the largest ships to anchor anywhere in the protected bay; there is also a newly built marina at Vlychada, on the southwestern coast. The island's principal port is Athinias. The capital, Fira, clings to the top of the cliff looking down on the lagoon. The volcanic rocks present from the prior eruptions feature olivine and have a small presence of hornblende. It is the most active volcanic centre in the South Aegean Volcanic Arc, though what remains today is chiefly a water-filled caldera. The volcanic arc is approximately 500 km (310 mi) long and 20 to 40 km (12 to 25 mi) wide. The region first became volcanically active around 3–4 million years ago, though volcanism on Thera began around 2 million years ago with the extrusion of dacitic lavas from vents around the Akrotiri. The island is the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history: the Minoan eruption (sometimes called the Thera eruption), which occurred some 3600 years ago at the height of the Minoan civilization. The eruption left a large caldera surrounded by volcanic ash deposits hundreds of metres deep and may have led indirectly to the collapse of the Minoan civilization on the island of Crete, 110 km (68 mi) to the south, through a gigantic tsunami. Another popular theory holds that the Thera eruption is the source of the legend of Atlantis.
Economy: Santorini's primary industry is tourism, particularly in the summer months. We can actually say that the two main sources of wealth in Santorini are also agriculture and tourism.
Santorini remains the home of a small, but flourishing wine industry, based on the indigenous grape variety. Also Santorini's tomatoes are renowned; they are cherry tomatoes that are extremely tasty and sweet, and with an intensely red, staining colour. Santorini "fava" is a purée made of the hulled, then sun-dried, then boiled legume Lathyrus clymenum - not from the yellow split pea as in the rest of Greece. The white eggplants of Santorini are very sweet, with very few seeds, and can be eaten raw. The katsoúni is a unique local variety of large cucumber which, if left unpicked when green, turn yellow and acquire a sweet taste almost indistinguishable from that of melon.
Architecture: The traditional architecture of Santorini is similar to that of the other Cyclades, with low-lying cubical houses, made of local stone and whitewashed or limewashed with various volcanic ashes used as colours. The unique characteristic is the common utilisation of the hypóskapha: extensions of houses dug sideways or downwards into the surrounding pumice. These rooms are prized because of the high insulation provided by the air-filled pumice, and are used as living quarters of unique coolness in the summer and warmth in the winter. These are premium storage space for produce, especially for wine cellaring: the Kánava wineries of Santorini.
Airport: Santorini is one of the few Cyclades Islands with a major airport, which lies about 6 km (4 mi) southeast of downtown Thera. The main asphalt runway is 2,125 metres (6,972 feet) in length, and the parallel taxiway was built to runway specification. It can accommodate Boeing 757, Boeing 737, Airbus 320 series, Avro RJ, Fokker 70, and ATR 72 aircraft. Scheduled airlines include the new Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines, with chartered flights from other airlines during the summer and transportation to and from the air terminal is through buses, taxis, hotel car-pickups and rental cars..
GReek tourist guides on your holidays in Santorini island, GReece.
Santorini: Local and Traditional products in Santorini! |
Santorini - info - information - beaches -fira - traditional - local - products - village - attractions - oia |
· Local wine of Santorini:
Santorini remains the home of a small, but flourishing, wine industry, based on the indigenous grape variety, Assyrtiko, with auxiliary cultivations of two other Aegean varietals, Athiri and Aidani.
The vines are extremely old and resistant to phylloxera (attributed by local winemakers to the well-drained volcanic soil and its chemistry) so the vines needed no replacement during the great phylloxera epidemic of the late 19th century. In their adaptation to their habitat, such vines are planted far apart, as their principal source of moisture is dew, and they often are trained in the shape of low-spiralling baskets, with the grapes hanging inside to protect them from the winds.
The viticultural pride of the island is the sweet and strong Vinsanto (Italian: "holy wine"), a dessert wine made from the best sun-dried Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Aidani grapes and undergoing long barrel aging (up to twenty or twenty-five years for the top cuvées). It matures to a sweet, dark amber-orange, unctuous dessert wine that has achieved worldwide fame, possessing the standard Assyrtiko aromas of citrus and minerals, layered with overtones of nuts, raisins, figs, honey and tea.
White wines from the island are extremely dry with a strong, citrus scent and mineral and iodide salt aromas contributed by the ashy volcanic soil, whereas barrel aging gives to some of the white wines a slight frankincense aroma, much like Vinsanto.
It is not easy to be a winegrower in Santorini; the hot and dry conditions give the soil a very low productivity. The yield per acre is only 10 to 20% of the yields that are common in France or California. The island's wines are standardised and protected by the "Vinsanto" and "Santorini" OPAP designations of origin..
· Santorini's traditional - local specialities:
Local specialities:
Brantada (traditional fish recipe - food)
Koskosela (local Strapatsada - recipe / food)
Santorinio (traditional speciality only in Santorini)
Sfougato (traditional Meat Custard recipe - food)
Tsounisti (Manestra - local specialty recipe / food)
Melitinia (dessert - local specialty recipe /food).
· Other local products of Santorini you can taste:
Santorini tomatoes are renowned; they are cherry tomatoes that are extremely tasty and sweet, and with an intensely red, staining colour. Santorini "fava" is a purée made of the hulled, then sun-dried, then boiled legume Lathyrus clymenum - not from the yellow split pea as in the rest of Greece. The white eggplants of Santorini are very sweet, with very few seeds, and can be eaten raw. The katsoúni is a unique local variety of large cucumber which, if left unpicked when green, turn yellow and acquire a sweet taste almost indistinguishable from that of melon.
Santorini - Mini guide: Villages, things to do, sightseeings: |
Santorini - info - information - beaches -fira - traditional - local - products - village - attractions - oia |
Discover Santorini the magic island:
Day trip to the volcano:
You can take a day trip to the volcano by boat from Gialos (the old port of Fira), Athinios port, or Ammoudi, near Oia. The boat will take you first to Nea Kameni (the volcano) where you can walk to the rim of the volcanic crater. The boat will then take you to Palaia Kameni and the thermal springs. The captain will drop anchor in the shallows, where you can take a swim. The waters are yellowish and five degrees hotter than the rest of the sea. Soon after that, you will arrive at the picturesque islet of Therassia. In the afternoon, the boat will sail along the impressive Caldera passing below Oia.
The villages built on the Caldera rim All the villages of the Caldera are impressive and each one has its own "personality":
Fira is the largest settlement and the capital of Thera. Hotels, rooms to let, clothing and accessories shops, jewelry stores, galleries, gift shops, super markets, groceries, banks and ATMs, pharmacies, bars, clubs, restaurants, travel agencies, are located in the capital. Here you will also find some of the most important museums of the island. The walk from Fira to Firostefani through the old cobblestone path is the best way to visit this picturesque settlement, enjoying the magnificent view.
Imerovigli (or Merovigli): is a linear settlement which was developed on the edge of the cliff along the Caldera, at its highest point, so it offers really impressive view to the volcano.
Oia is the most romantic destination. It is famous all over the world for the magnificent sunset visitors enjoy from the Goulas (watch tower) of Aghios (St) Nikolaos castle. Walking around you will admire the carved-in buildings and the so called captains' houses ("kapetanospita"). In recent years the buildings of the picturesque village have become hotels, restaurants, cafes, galleries, stores.
The Prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri:
The most prominent archaeological site in Santorini -and one of the most important in the Aegean Sea- is the Prehistoric settlement that was discovered in the area of Akrotiri. After several years, the archaeological site re-opened for the visitors since April 2012, after the new roof was in place.
Discover the ancient Thera:
The view from up there is amazing. Ancient Thera stands on Mesa Vouno, at an altitude of 396 m.
It was founded in the 9th century BC by Dorian settlers, led by Theras. Building remnants belong to the Hellenistic era, which is the last period of the city's prosperity. The residential development is amphitheatrical due to the inclination of the terrain.
Trekking: If you would like to live a true experience in Santorini, walking will worth your while!
Even in mid-summer you will see people of any age walking early in the morning or at dusk, not only in the Caldera, but in other areas of the island as well. We suggest the following hiking trails: Fira-Firostefani-Imerovigli-Oia, ancient Thera-Perissa and Prophet Elias-ancient Thera.
Sailing around the Caldera:
Admired from the inside of the Caldera, the views of Santorini will be a memorable experience.
Even if you arrive on the island by ferry or cruise ship in the afternoon, this awe-inspiring land will leave you speechless. The sunset light adds more color to the scene and you will have the feeling that you are sailing across the centre of the crater. You can rent a boat with your friends and enjoy a private tour.
Pyrgos and the medieval castle:
Medieval Santorini comes to life in Pyrgos. Built at the foot of Prophet Elias, the village stands out from a distance. Pyrgos' castle (Kasteli) was one of the five castles built by the Venetians during the 15th century. You can tour around admiring the old churches, the mansions and the houses built in the traditional architecture.
Santorini's villages:
of the hinterland Akrotiri settlement and its Goulas.
Vothonas and Karterados villages, where you can see rock-hewn houses and old churches.
Emporio village and the medieval Kasteli village which is very well preserved.
Episkopi Gonia and the Byzantine church of Panagia Episkopi.
Exo Gonia village offering wonderful view to the Aegean Sea.
Megalohori village where you can see old mansions and churches.
Finikia the picturesque village near Oia, filled with old wineries called kanaves:
All these villages and their attractions await for you in the hinterland of Santorini.
Santorini's museums:
The most important museums of the island are situated in Fira.
It is the museum of Prehistoric Thera and the archaeological museum. You can also pay a visit to Santozeum in order to admire the reproductions of the Akrotiri wall paintings.
In Oia there is the Maritime museum.
In Pyrgos the Ecclesiastical Collection and the Cultural Village "Santorini of the past".
In Kontohori, near Fira, you can visit the Folk museum of Emm. Lignos.
Santorini's vineyard:
Lined one after the other, bent down low to avoid the strong winds, the vines of Santorini have an age-long history. The volcanic soil has worked its miracle and the island's wineries their own, offering better quality and more labels each year. Among others there is the famous Vinsanto, the award-winning sweat wine which is being mentioned by foreign travellers on the island since the 19th century.
To taste the local wines you can visit the wineries all over Thera.
Santorini's tasty local products:
The products of the volcanic soil are delicious. Try the dry cherry tomato, called anydro (waterless), split peas (fava), caper, white eggplant, katsouni (a kind of small cucumber), and dishes from the traditional cuisine –such as tomato balls (pseftokeftedes).
Santorini's mini guide is a suggestion from the official turism portal of the municipality of Thira: www.mail.santorini.gr
Santorini island: Useful telephone numbers |
Santorini - info - information - beaches -fira - traditional - local - products - village - attractions - oia |
· Bus Service
Address: Santorini
Telephone:
(0030) 22860 25404
& (0030) 22860 23812
· Taxi Service
Address: Santorini, Fira
Telephone for information:
(0030) 22860 22555, & (0030) 22860 23951
|
· Police department
Address: Fira, Santorini
Τelephone number: (0030) 22860 22649
· Port Authorities:
Address: Fira, Santorini
Τelephone number: (0030) 22860 22239
· Fire department
Address: Fira, Santorini
Τelephone number: (0030) 22860 33199
· Hospital:
Address: Fira, Santorini
Τelephone number: (0030) 22860 22237, (0030) 22860 23123
& (+30) 22860
23333 |
· Tourist information office
in Santorini
Address: Fira, Santorini
Τelephone number: (+30) 28213 22239
· Tourist police Santorini's office
Address: Fira, Santorini
Τelephone number: (+30) 28213 22239 |
· Santorini's Airport
Telephone number
(0030) 22860 31525
|
Santorini - info - information - beaches -fira - traditional - local - products - village - attractions - oia |
Museums, monuments, monasteries, attractions and events, traditional celebrations and local festivals!
Santorini island: The volcano / caldera:
- SANTORINI - The volcano / caldera:
Recent volcanism Fira from Nea Kameni volcanic Island. In 1707 an undersea volcano breached the sea surface, forming the current centre of activity at Nea Kameni in the centre of the lagoon, and eruptions centred on it continue — the twentieth century saw three such, the last in 1950. Santorini was also struck by a devastating earthquake in 1956. Although the volcano is quiescent at the present time, at the current active crater (there are several former craters on Nea Kameni), steam and carbon dioxide are given off. Santorini has erupted many times, with varying degrees of explosivity. There have been at least twelve large explosive eruptions, of which at least four were caldera-forming.[10] The most famous eruption is the Minoan eruption, detailed below. Eruptive products range from basalt all the way to rhyolite, and the rhyolitic products are associated with the most explosive eruptions. The earliest eruptions, many of which were submarine, were on the Akrotiri Peninsula, and active between 650,000 and 550,000 years ago.[10] These are geochemically distinct from the later volcanism, as they contain amphiboles. Over the past 360,000 years there have been two major cycles, each culminating with two caldera-forming eruptions. The cycles end when the magma evolves to a rhyolitic composition, causing the most explosive eruptions. In between the caldera-forming eruptions are a series of sub-cycles. Lava flows and small explosive eruptions build up cones, which are thought to impede the flow of magma to the surface.[10] This allows the formation of large magma chambers, in which the magma can evolve to more silicic compositions. Once this happens, a large explosive eruption destroys the cone. The Kameni islands in the centre of the lagoon are the most recent example of a cone built by this volcano, with much of them hidden beneath the water..
SANTORINI BEACHES: Best beaches in Santorini island: |
Santorini - info - information - beaches -fira - traditional - local - products - village - attractions - oia |
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Ammoudi beach, Santorini island:
Ammoúdi, on the harbour of Oia, is a picturesque beach lined with charming cafes and restaurants..
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Armeni beach, Santorini island:
The small beach of Arméni with its azure waters and magnificent view of the island of Thirassia can either be reached by boat from Ammoúdi or on foot. There is a small footpath connecting Oia with Arméni, but if you find it hard to climb up and down 286 steps, riding a donkey is the alternative solution! A diving centre is also available for adventure-seeking beachgoers..
- Baxedes beach, Santorini island:
Baxédes (or Paradisos), a quiet beach with black sand and chiselled rocks.
- Kolúmbo (mostly frequented by nudists) beach, Santorini island:
Kolúmbo is a black-grey sandy beach are the ideal choice… According to volcanologists, the largest active underwater crater of Santorini is located in Kolúmbo!
- Katharos beach, Santorini island:
Kátharοs beach will impress you with its wild landscape!
- Porí beach, Santorini island:
Porí is a quiet family beach!.
- The wild beauty of the beaches on the eastern side of Santorini island
will prove irresistible to sunseekers looking for peace and seclusion since they are neither organised nor much frequented.
Impressive sculptured rocks, black sand, volcanic pebbles, small ports with fishing boats casting colourful reflections on azure waters and a few beech trees are the trademarks of Xiropígado, Vourvoúlos and Éxo Gialós.
- On the south-eastern side of Santorini, sun-loving tourists will encounter magnificent black sandy or pebbly beaches.
Monólithos beach is strongly recommended for families, as the water is very swallow compared to other Santorini beaches and there are facilities, like playgrounds, to keep the children entertained. Young people can have fun in a beach bar or at a beach volley playground.
Soak up the atmosphere along the lively waterfront at one of the charming beach bars or bask in the turquoise blue waters of the cosmopolitan beach of Kamári, one of the island’s most crowded and organised beaches!
Among Santorini’s most sought after beaches, especially among young people, are Períssa, Perívolos and Áyios Geórgios, which actually stretch out one after another to create the longest black sandy beach on the island; bustling beach bars, diving and water sport centres (including jet ski, parasailing, wind surfing and canoe-kayak) and beautiful-people-watching!
Could you ask for more? Let’s go south, where the (semi-organised) beach of Vlycháda with its grey sand, its huge rock formations sculpted over the years by the wind and its unique lunar landscape awaits us!
Recently a large modern marina which is home to the Sailing and Yacht Club of Santorini has been constructed here. Nearby lies the beach of Almýra, where sun worshippers can enjoy a beautiful quiet beach with impressive sea-sculpted rocks in the background.
The Akrotíri area is famous for its ruins of an ancient town but tan-seeking sunbathers will also discover some marvellous beaches there. Caldera is a small and very quiet beach with black sand and deep crystal clear waters which enjoys an unrivalled view of the volcano, while Gialós is a secluded beach accessible only by jeep.
Close to the excavation site of Akrotíri you will find what is probably the most famous beach on the island, the Red Beach! What makes the beach absolutely irresistible is its impressive red rock formations, which form a breathtaking unique volcanic landscape. Access involves a walk from the harbour of Akrotíri (around 10 minutes) or by boat from Kamári, Akrotíri and Períssa, but the all-red landscape is certainly worth the trek!
The nearby White Beach is another stunning seascape that you simply must not miss! Black sand, big grey and white pebbles and gigantic white rocks form a bizarre setting like you’ve never seen before.
information edit: www.visitgreece.gr
Santorini - info - information - beaches -fira - traditional - local - products - village - attractions - oia |
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