The southernmost island of the Cyclades, it constitutes one of the most famous travel destinations in the world, a tourist beacon, with its unique geological distinctiveness and natural characteristics not found anywhere else in the globe. A caldera in the southern curbs of the Aegean Sea that encapsulates the magic of the Greek summer and is waiting stoically to dazzle you with its otherworldly beauty.
With a history the dives deeply back into time, with an unparalleled dystopian terrain, with a sunset that is a joy to behold, that every summer leaves visitors from all over the world speechless, and with activities that can only really be undertaken in her land, Santorini promises an unforgettable experience: a transcendental journey from her prehistoric civilizations to the plentiful present.


Santorini, Thera or Stroggyli
Santorini, known since antiquity as Thera or Stroggyli, is the most well known active volcano in Greece and Europe. Twelve volcanic eruptions, one about every 20,000 years, created the caldera by destroying the larger part of the volcano, which nonetheless continues to sculpt unerringly, again and again, with singular perseverance and skill, the island complex of magnificent Santorini.
The complex constitutes of Thera, Therasia, Aspronisi, Palaia (Old) and Nea (New) Kameni. The latter two islands are situated in the caldera’s center and are made of frozen lava.


Fira
The majestic Fira is the capital of the island of Santorini and the Municipality of Thera, with its port being the Bay of Fira. Built on the so-called brow of the caldera, Fira was founded at the end of the 18th century, taking the place of the former capital, the casteli (castle) of Skaros, which was situated in the area of present day Imerovigli and had suffered extensive damage from earthquakes.
At an altitude of about 250 meters, the city of more than 1,500 permanent residents dominates the center of the island, across from the awe-inspiring volcano, with its hundreds of cubelike white houses that look like being suspended over the dark colored rift that has been sculpted for centuries.
Santorini, Thera or Stroggyli
Santorini, known since antiquity as Thera or Stroggyli, is the most well known active volcano in Greece and Europe. Twelve volcanic eruptions, one about every 20,000 years, created the caldera by destroying the larger part of the volcano, which nonetheless continues to sculpt unerringly, again and again, with singular perseverance and skill, the island complex of magnificent Santorini.
The complex constitutes of Thera, Therasia, Aspronisi, Palaia (Old) and Nea (New) Kameni. The latter two islands are situated in the caldera’s center and are made of frozen lava.
Fira
The majestic Fira is the capital of the island of Santorini and the Municipality of Thera, with its port being the Bay of Fira. Built on the so-called brow of the caldera, Fira was founded at the end of the 18th century, taking the place of the former capital, the casteli (castle) of Skaros, which was situated in the area of present day Imerovigli and had suffered extensive damage from earthquakes.
At an altitude of about 250 meters, the city of more than 1,500 permanent residents dominates the center of the island, across from the awe-inspiring volcano, with its hundreds of cubelike white houses that look like being suspended over the dark colored rift that has been sculpted for centuries.




Oia
Oia, the most cosmopolitan settlement of Santorini, lies in the northern end of the island, built at an altitude of about 120 meters. A testament to its natural beauty, the settlement of Oia was the first one in Greece to be designated for preservation. It truly looks like a work of art, carefully sculpted from its earthquake prone environment, with the characteristic undercut (yposkafa) whitewashed houses taking your breath away, nested inside the volcanic rocks and taking advantage of the natural slope and roughness of the ground in the area.
Thousands of people from every corner of the planet flock every year to Oia, in order to witness the legendary and world renown Santorini sunset, making the settlement one of the most photographed places in Greece, if not the entire planet.
Imerovigli
The village of Imerovigli is settled in the highest point of the caldera, around 300 meters from sea level. Its composite name derives from the words “imera”, meaning day, and “vigla”, which means “keeping watch”, and it used to serve as an observatory, since the settlement’s position allowed a view of the entire area and the timely warning of the islanders in case of a pirate sighting.
Aligned in scenic alleyways and cobblestone streets, Imerovigli has been designated as a traditional settlement and special rules and restrictions govern any new construction. The white houses at the edge of the rocky terrain, looking like one breath away from the sky itself, encircle the well known and picturesque blue domes of the churches, with the endless Aegean in the background, painting the most extraordinary pictures for the visitors’ eyes.
Vothonas
The village of Vothonas lies in the center of the island and is one of the most scenic settlements of Santorini, offering its visitors a breath of calm, in the middle of the magnificent landscape.
The greatest part of the village is undercut: the villagers dug and built their houses directly inside the walls of a 5 kilometer-long canyon, something made easier by the volcanic underground. The village takes its name from that same canyon, which, thanks to the ingenuity of the smiths who chose that particular spot, has worked as a natural embankment against extreme weather conditions, and also as a protective shield from the constant fear of the frequent and powerful earthquakes troubling the area.
In Vothonas, you might feel the embrace of the Theran land. The houses are literally sculpted on the volcanic rocks inside the canyon, which forms the backbone of the village, enchanting the visitor, who is able to visit the unique undercut wine museum of the island, built in the shape of a labyrinth, as well as the church of Saint Roussos, built inside the pumice rock.
Megalochori
Megalochori lies in the southwestern part of Santorini and is one of the most scenic villages of the island, with a history that dates back to the middle of the 17th century. Dominating the top of a hill, with a view to the east, it is famed for its beautiful Cycladic architecture and its wineries. Relatively untouched by tourism, compared to other locations, it resembles a maze of sharp alleyways and streets.
On its southern end unfolds a great vineyard, since Megalochori sits atop the heart of the island’s Wine Road. This particular vineyard is considered the oldest one in Greece, and it has been bearing its fruit for 3,500 years, surviving and being cultivated with unique skill.
Emporio
Emporio is the largest village of Santorini, settled at the feet of the Profitis Ilias Mountain. Its traditional settlement constituted one of the five castles of the island, since in medieval times houses were built next to one another, in order to protect their residents from pirate attacks.
Most of the village’s houses are maintained in very good condition, evoking an aura of medieval fortification Build next to one another other, their adjacent walls created the external wall of the castle, with every door and window facing on the inside.
Two striking churches, with blue domes and imposing bell towers, stand at the village entrance, while alleyways, narrow passageways, arches and colorful doors compose Emporio’s vividly picturesque image.
Akrotiri – Historical point
Akrotiri (meaning “cape”) lies at the southwestern point of the island and has become known all around the world thanks to the prehistorical settlement discovered there during the 1967 excavations of the area, making it the most important archeological location of Santorini. The area constitutes a true cape, with a steep coastline, which protrudes from the southern part of the island, where stands one the best lighthouses in the Greek network.
At the top of the mound where the modern village is built, there still stands the Venetian Tower of Goula, while the settlement is situated next to the famous Red Beach. The enchanting coast owes its name to the red sand and rocks –lava monoliths– that impose on the terrain, which easily brings to mind the landscapes of Mars.