Santorini- Greece



SANTORINI

This picturesque island, which used to be called Strongyle (round), is in particular the top of submerged in Aegean Sea volcano which eruption took place about 1500 years B.C. Explosion of this volcano was the strongest in the whole history, it took the island apart but it did not destroy it whole. Remains of ancient estate was saved till nowadays, houses are saved till the first floor and their walls are ornamented with wonderful paintings. Present name of the island comes from bizantic period and comes from Santa Irini – Saint Irina (island’s patron). Santorini is inhabited with about 7 thousands permanent citizens, whose main source of income is tourism. Furthermore, island is known about volcanic soil, sweet vines, pumice and sweet tomatoes export. The capital city of Santorini is Fira.


TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

This island is one of the most known island on Cyclades. It creates wonderful view thanks to wonderful vistas, rough landscape, colorful beach, deep azure of sea. Traditional Greek building is greatly composed in island’s landscape (white houses with blue roofs), even modern constructions fit with their beauty and stylish look. The highest point of the island, which is about 500 meters above sea level, is monastery Profitis Ilias and the Radar Station of NATO.

Located on the verge of cliff village Ia known to tourists as a perfect place to admire sunsets. Unfortunately, every day crowds of people come on streets to admire this beautiful view. In the centre of village Maritime Museum is situated. It gathers exhibits which bear witness to past marine traditions. About 1,86 miles from centre is Mavropetra beach.

A place which for sure is worth visiting is Akrotiri. Here the remains of Minoan Thera was found, which are the most important monument of the island. Excavations are being held from Tuesday to Saturday from 8:30 am – 3:00 pl next to see close behind the village. Under few meters of lava and ashes archeologists are digging up buildings and streets. Many buildings are decorated with frescos, which are taken from the walls and transported to Athens, where they are being restored. Next to excavations beautiful Red Beach is located. You can go there by foot in 15 minutes.


ENTERTAINMENT
If you want to eat well and have fun there are many places which are suitable for these things. Meals from Greek and Mediterranean cuisine are served in local pubs and restaurants. The most interesting pubs and restaurants on island are: Mama Thira tavern, Paleaorixia tavern, Blue Note restaurant, Kalderimi. Not for no reason Santorini is called ‘windy island’ or ‘the island of winds’, people keen on water sports will find dreamt conditions. Windsurfing, surfing, kitesufing, parachuting and sailing are mostly chosen by tourists water sports. Very popular are also cruises, which bewitch tourists with unforgettable views of picturesque trails.
Water on Santorini is wonderfully clear. On the whole coastline there are volcanic beaches with black sand which is contrasting with blue color of sea. That makes unforgettable view. A disadvantage are rocks which are under water and sometimes they may obstruct the bathing. On the east of island there is Kamari beach, which enhance for 3,11 miles, with taverns, restaurants, shops and hotels. On the north from Kamari there is a Monolithos beach, where peace and silence will be found.

PRACTICAL CLUES
- Currency: Euro
- the Communications might be difficult because of the fact that buses run from about 9 p.m. but caps might seems to be the right solution because they are relatively cheap.