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Santorini (Greek: ฮฃฮฑฮฝฯฮฟฯฮฏฮฝฮท, pronounced [sandoหrini]), officially Thira (Greek: ฮฮฎฯฮฑ [หฮธira]) and classic Greek Thera (English pronunciation /หฮธษชษrษ/),
is an island in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km (120 mi) southeast from Greece. Its 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. The municipality of Santorini includes the inhabited islands of Santorini and Therasia, as well as the uninhabited islands of Nea Kameni, Palaia Kameni, Aspronisi and Christiana. The total land area is 90.623 km2 (34.990 sq mi). Santorini is part of the Thira regional unit.
The island was the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history: the Minoan eruption (sometimes called the Thera eruption), which occurred about 3,600 years ago at the height of the Minoan civilization. The eruption left a large caldera surrounded by volcanic ash deposits hundreds of metres deep. It 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.
Santorini's primary industry is tourism, particularly in the summer months. So, there are lots of places in Santorini that you could visit, and here, I present to you 5 must-visit places in Santorini :
1.Firรก
Fira, Santoriniโs capital, is one of the best places to see on the island. Itโs the perfect Cycladic town, a real postcard scenery.
2.Oia
As in Fira, you will be amazed by Oiaโs pretty white houses, churches with a blue dome, and splendid views over the entire caldera! Oia is also known as the best place to enjoy the sunset in Santorini. At the end of the day, thousands of people are coming to the city for Santoriniโs most famous show.
3.Caldera
Formed by the massive volcanic explosion that blew the center out of the island some 3,600 years ago, the calder is the sea-filled volcanic crater that remained. Measuring 12 kilometers by seven kilometers, it is still home to volcanic activity - in its center rise the two Kaimรฉni islets with hot springs and gas emissions.
4.Red Beach
Nearby the Akrotiri site, you will find the famous Red Beach below a spectacular red cliff wall. The beach is accessible along a path from the town of Akrotiri. You can also take a bus from Fira or drive and park nearby before venturing down a rocky path to reach the beach. The beach is also accessible by boat from Akrotiri, Kamari, and Perissa ports.
5.Ancient Thira
See the ruins of Hellenistic temples and foundations of Roman and early-Byzantine buildings at ancient Thira, located on the southeast coast of Santorini. Ancient Thira dates back to the ninth century BC. Among the ruins, you'll find religious sites, a theater, a gym for military trainees, and old administrative buildings. Finds from the site are also displayed in the archaeology museum of Firรก
Santorini is known as one of the most visually-interesting of the Greek islands - and with its volcanoes and white-washed buildings set against a vibrant blue sky, it's not hard to see why. Whether you're into your photography or just really appreciate great views, Santorini will get you gasping at just about every corner.
Besides that, here's Zephys's version of why you should choose Santorini as your dream destination!
1.The Best Sunset in the World
It sounds like a big brag but Santorini is argued to have one of the best sunset views in the entire world - the sun just seems to drop into the sea in a haze of gold and amber. Oia is known as the best place to view the sunset and people flock there early every evening just to experience it.
2.The Romance
Sunsets, delicious wine, beautiful buildings...all of these things ensure that Santorini is the place for lovers. It's also the place for weddings so if there's anything that will tip you into getting married, it's seeing all these blissful-looking couples having their photographs taken against stunning backdrops.
3.The Fascinating Landscapes
Much of Santorini is built on the rim of an old, extinct volcano (they call this the caldera) which is why you'll see towns that look as though they are tumbling down the hillside. The effect is remarkable and extremely photogenic, but it does mean that roads and pavements are very steep.
4.The Photography
Almost every corner brings something new for a photographer: from iconic whitewashed buildings to the rich blue of the sea surrounding it.
5.The Archaeology
If you're fascinated by archaeology, then the excavations at Akrotiri are unmissable - they're said by many to be one of the most important prehistoric settlements anywhere. Dating back to 3600 BC, this is a town that, like Pompeii, was destroyed by the volcanic ash from an earthquake.