An Introduction to Santorini
Santorini is a small cluster of volcanic islands located around 200 km off Greece's mainland, also known as Thera the island is renowned for it's spectacularly beautiful landscape combined with dynamic nightlife, creating an up and coming popular destination for European tourists. This unusual island was built on the remnants of a volcanic eruption and is shaped like an enormous pair of jaws circling a sparkling, clear, blue lake.
Holidays to Santorini
A small but diverse island, Santorini offers the modern tourist a whole range of activities to keep them busy whilst out in the brilliant, daytime sunshine. The island's two towns, Fira and La, are perched on the cliff tops of the highest part of the island. Ferries arrive and depart in the harbour below, and visitors can walk or ride donkeys up the steep winding path to the towns, for a truly authentic star to your holiday. These main areas are where the majority of the hotels are places to stay are located.
This island offers a uniquely balanced blend between cultural sites in the daytime and upbeat nightlife to enjoy when the sun sets. The towns are equipped with modern hotels, good restaurants, bars and plenty of nightlife to keep tourists happy while they relax between visiting the archaeological remains of ancient Thera, dating back to the 9th century BC, on the east side of the island. Other attractions include the excavations at Akrotiri, an archaeological museum and an 18th-century monastery. Santorini has two swimming beaches, Perissa and Kamari, both characterised by their volcanic black sand.
Flights to Santorini
Santorini National Airport is the only airport on the island and is around 8 km South East of the capital of Fira. It is sometimes possible to get direct flights from the UK to the island but it is much easier and more common to get a connecting flight in Athens or Thessaloniki. Flights from the UK with a connection in Athens last around six hours.
History and Culture of Santorini
The people of Santorini live a simple island life, most of them working in trade with the land or in tourism, most recently the latter is becoming more popular. Many locals find that tourism is simply more profitable and becoming involved with it makes their families more prosperous. However there is still an older generation of Santorinians who were born in the early 60's that still wish to live a simple life. All generations on this island tend to live for the day and are happy with the little that they have, the true secret to their very happy lives. Lives that many of them are more than willing to share with the tourists they welcome so heartily.
Politically, Santorini has a stormy past, due to it's passing between nations along with many other Greek islands. Now, however this ravishing island is chiefly a popular tourist resort attracting people from all over the globe to visit and soak up its magical atmosphere whilst watching the unique and famous sunsets.
