| Santorini | |
 | |
| View of Santorini | |
| Information | |
| Country |  Greece |
|---|---|
| Area | 79,19 km² |
| Population | 17 430 hab. () |
| Density | 220,09 inhab./km² |
| Postal code | 847 00, 847 02 |
| Spindle | UTC 02:00, UTC 03:00 |
| Location | |
 36 ° 25 ′ 0 ″ N 25 ° 26 ′ 0 ″ E | |
| https://www.thira.gr/EN Official site | |
Santorini (Θήρα), or Thira, is a volcanic island of Cyclades belonging to the Greece. It is famous for its superb landscapes, for its surprising sunsets from the city of Oia, for its strange white eggplants. The city of Thira, its capital, is also remarkable, as well as its still active volcano. There are also superb beaches such as the black sand of Kamari.
Understand
The caldera was drowned by a cataclysmic event several thousand years ago, leaving behind the cliffs of Santorini surrounding a lake leading to the sea. The towns of Thira and Oia cling to the cliffs facing the bay of the caldera. There are many excursions to the center of the volcano (on the two islets of Nea Kaméni and Palea Kameni) and it is possible to see and smell the fumes from the volcano, as well as the recent lava flows (1950).
Towns and villages
- Thira, the capital, perched on the cliff.
- Oia, at the northern tip of the island is renowned for its sunsets
- Kamari and its black sand beach
- Thirasia, island and village to the west of the archipelago accessible only by boat
- Akrotiri, its archaeological museum and its red beach
To go
By plane
- 1 Santorini Airport (IATA : JTR, ICAO: LGSR, Κρατικός Αερολιμένας Σαντορίνης) in Kamari (6 km south-east of Thira) – Santorini Airport is served by national and international flights.
On a boat
The port of Santorini, generally called Thira, is accessible from many Cycladic islands, as well as from the Piraeus.
Circulate
The island is widely served by independent buses. Tickets can be bought on the bus. The bus terminal is located in the center of the town of Thira, approximately one kilometer from the campsite. There are also many vehicle rentals: cars, scooters, quads ... Incidentally, boats provide links between the main coastal towns of the island.
To see
- The caldera, crater covered by water.
- The city of Oia (or Ia), with preserved Cycladic architecture, very commercial and luxury oriented. Less crowded than in Thira.
Beaches
- The black sand beaches of Kamari and Perissa, on the East coast.
- The red beach ("Red Beach") of Akrotiri.
Archaeological sites
- The old Thira, between Kamari and Perissa. Entrance at 4 euros.
- The excavations of the Minoan site ofAkrotiri. Find out in advance, they are often closed
Do
Walk
- A path connects Oia and Thira along the caldera. Count three good hours. Departure to Oia by a paved path. Cross the helipad. The start is magnificent, with a volcanic stone floor, a true festival of colors. Then it circles a hill to the left, offering a breathtaking view of the outer coast of the island. A passage follows that runs alongside luxury hotels and apartments overlooking the crater. Finally, the path crosses Imerovigli before suddenly revealing the slope on which the city of Thira.
- From Thira, take the bus to Kamari. Go up to the old Thira (400 m altitude, 45 min walk. You can get on by bus but the round trip costs 8 € and we will only use the outward journey. You can also ride a donkey.). From there, an easy path leads into 45 min to top of the island, not very wild (many antennae) but the view is remarkable. Go back down to the foot of old Thira, then take the path that quickly leads to the beach of Perissa. Return to Thira by bus from Perissa. Less than three hours of walking in all.
Eat
- White eggplant is a local specialty.
- Sausages and cheeses from local goats are hard to find.
- The local grape is sought after because of the volcanic soil.
- Local mini tomatoes with a very concentrated taste which are available in local juice called "bertés". They are hard to find.
- The "vetch", a dried vegetable the size of a pea.
Have a drink / Go out
- Please note, there is no drinking water network on Santorini. You have to buy bottled water. On the other hand, tap water in some hotels is drinkable
