If you want to experience the best sunrises in the world, Satorini is the place to do it. No matter where you look, you would be amazed by the breathtaking beauty of the volcano, the immaculate white of the houses or the dark pebbled or sandy beaches.

Location

At 124.3 miles South East from the mainland, in the Aegean Sea, you will find a group of circular islands. Those form Santorini, also known as Thira (Thera) and are the southern most islands of the Cyclades. Santorini comprises an area of 28.18 sq miles.

How to Get to Santorini

The easiest way to get to Santorini is by air from Athens in about 45 minutes. Most of the international flights arriving on Athens’ International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos allow the necessary time for making the connection flight to Santorini. During the summer season there are flights from other cities or islands to Santorini, such as the flight from Thessaloniki to Santorini, and many charter flights from abroad. Also it’s important to book the domestic flights (Athens to Santorini) in advance.

Another good alternative is using the ferry from Piraues Port (near Athens). You can also get to Santorini by ferry from Crete, Thessaloniki, Rafina and Dodecanese.

More information on:
>>Ferries to and from Santorini
>>Getting from Athens to Santorini
>>Getting from Hydra to Santorini
>>Ferries from Athens to Santorini (and return)
>>Ferries from Santorini to Crete (and return)
>>Ferries from Santorini to Mykonos (and return)
>>Ferries from Santorini to Naxos (and return)
>>Ferries from Santorini to Karpathos (and return)
>>Ferries from Santorini to Rhodes (and return)
>>Ferries from Santorini to Paros (and return)
>>Ferries from Santorini to Syros (and return)
>>Ferries from Santorini to Milos (and return)
>>Ferries in Greece

Weather

Santorini has hot, sunny summers and dry, mild winters with very little rainfalls. It seldom rains during May to October. During the tourist season, the weather is bright and sunny. However, between mid July and mid August strong winds called “Meltemi” are frequent at the Aegean Sea.

>>more information on Greece Weather

The Volcano

There was a cataclysmic volcanic eruption about 3,500 years ago which left behind a Caldera -a feature that forms when a volcano collapses into itself- surrounded by deposits of volcanic ash. There are clues that this eruption led, indirectly, to the collapse of the Minoan civilization on Crete Island. The same eruption is considered the most famous event in the Aegean before the fall of Troy. Plato might have been inspired by this eruption to write the story of Atlantis; however the dates of the Minoan civilization collapse and the Atlantis’ fall don’t match.

Caldera is now one of the most important attractions of the island. The volcano offers breathtaking images of the villages situated on high cliffs. For these views, Santorini was deemed the island with the most beautiful sunsets in the world.

Perched on top of the volcano you will find the ancient village of Akrotiri, one of the most interesting and mysterious archeological sites on Santorini.

The Beaches

Santorini is also but also famous for its beaches: white, red or black sandy or pebbles beaches. The tourists can swim, practice water sports, and enjoy the blue and crystal clear waters while admiring the beautiful sunsets and sunrises. The beaches of Kamari, Perissa and Monolithos are located on the eastern part of Santorini and the only beaches where you’ll find black sand. The Red Beach is also named Akrotiri is famous for the red and black volcanic rocks behind it, while the sand’s color is a combination of black and red highlights.

>> more information on Santorini Beaches

What to Do

Santorini offers a lot of beautiful places to see. From the Minoan Settlement Akrotiri, to the ancient town of Thera, or the beautiful Catholic and Orthodox Cathedrals or Monasteries.

Santorini is truly an island for everyone. After a day spent sightseeing it’s worth stopping at a local restaurant to taste some of the traditional food and wines.

Romantic Santorini

Many couples chose Santorini as their wedding destination. More and more couples come to Santorini not only for a romantic honeymoon but also to get married. Specialized services are available to organize the wedding.

More information on
>> Things to do in Santorini
>> Hotels in Santorini
>> Hostels in Santorini
>> Flights to Santorini