SANTORINI (THIRA)

GENERAL INFORMATION

The pure white color of the houses of Santorini spread out to the precipitous rock in three hamlets: Oia, Fira, and Pyrgos. Almost 3700 years ago, the tremendous eruption of the volcano sunk most of the island of Santorini into waters of the Aegean Sea, leaving above surface a few small ?pieces? which give the impression that they are just separated by a part of themselves, even though these islets -Aspro, Palaia Kameni, Nea Kameni, and Thirasia- have been cut off just the past few centuries. Santorini and its islets are both characterized by the same morphology: a craggy coastline interrupted by occasional gatherings of gorgeous, sparkling white houses that look like a veil of snow just off the shoreline. In Santorini you will be amazed by the unique natural beauties, the numerous sights, and the impressively intense nightlife. Moreover, the combination of the Cycladic architecture with the breathtaking precipice, as well as the majestic, renowned Sunset in Oia promise unforgettable experiences. The guide network and the frequent transportation routes facilitate your stay. Its population reaches a total of 9.500 permanent residents, while its extent covers 75 sq.km.

History - Culture

The island has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with distinct evidence of advanced civilized human presence ?ancient Greek peoples- dating as far back as the 4th millennium BC. Despite the gigantic volcanic eruptions, which have changed the shape of the island several times and have determined its course through history, Santorini -also know as Thira- has played a significant economic and cultural role in the Aegean Sea throughout almost all phases of its history. During the first half of the 2nd millennia BC, it served as an important outpost of the Minoan civilization of Crete. In 1450 BC, this chapter came to a most violently closure by an explosion of unimaginable ferocity which destroyed more than half of the island itself, forcing men to abandon it. The middle part of the island was lost under the waves of the Sea, while a huge crater was created. Even the island of Crete suffered severed damages from this explosion, and many archaeologists support the theory that this blow of destruction was so decisive as to weaken the Minoan empire to a point from which it never recovered, leaving the way open for the rising power of Mycenae. A resumption of volcanic activity in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC prevented the island from sharing in the general development of the region. Besides, it was responsible for the creation of the nearby islets of Thirasia and Palaia (Old) Kameni. The relatively recent volcanic activities in 1570 AD caused the immersion of the southern edge of the harbor, and thus, Mikri (Small) Kameni was formed. Another explosion in 1707 resulted to the formation of one more islet, Nea (New) Kameni. Since then, continued volcanic activity has been shaking the island and its inhabitants, although on a smaller scale, while they were bound in the limits of the crater"s basin. The past few decades have been free from volcanic activity, thus allowing the island to develop as a favorite resort worldwide. It is believed that before Frankish rule - established in 1207 AD - and during the Roman and Byzantine years, Thira, the name of which has been known since ancient times, was renamed after Aghia Eirini (Santa Irene), the patron saint of the island. In the 15th century Santorini fell under Turkish domination, from which it was liberated in May 1821.

Sights

Standing on board the ship that sails in, only a breath away from the port, the sight of the sparkling white houses on the  edge of the imposing red-brown rocks, making them look like they are sugar-capped, captures the eye of the visitor, ensnaring him immediately. In addition to the road that leads to Fira, there is also a cable car linking the old port to the capital as well as an extremely long row of white steps. Due to the limited space available, we are forced to make an unjustly brief reference to the sights embellishing this unique island. One should visit the islet of New Kameni with warm springs, and blue-yellow sulphurous waters; Thirasia and Old Kameni, islets of major geological interest, should also be seen. A most significant sight is the extensive, well-preserved remains of the Minoan city (3000 - 1500 BC) situated in the area of Akrotiri. Just outside the village of Mesaria, in Vothona, there are the caves with the built-in churches, while one should definitely visit the site of Ancient Thira in Perissa, where remarkable findings dating back to the 8th century BC have been discovered. In Imerovigli, from where the view is breathtaking, one can admire the traditional architecture of the housing as well as the Venetian castle overlooking the islets of Old Kameni, New Kameni, and Thirasia. In the capital of Fira, there is the Venetian Castle of the Gizi family, and many churches, monasteries, and ruins of old and interesting buildings, while the settlement of Oia is a sight in itself. Wherever you turn your head, your gaze will revel in unimaginable beauty.

Entertainment-Sports-Shopping

Few places match Santorini in these aspects, where it goes hand in hand with the celebrated island of Mykonos. Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, Emporio and Messaria offer a variety of facilities, the quality of which covers a wide range of demands and reaches levels beyond which surpass the boundaries of the island and the Cyclades, in general. There are clubs, restaurants and hotels that can impress the most demanding visitor, while the market and shopping places can easily be compared to those found in noted urban centers. There is an airport, an adequate bus service, a taxi station, a fine road network, while small boats move visitors towards many different directions. As for sporting activities, there is an abundance in water sports facilities, golf courses, tennis courts, table tennis rooms, and roller skating grounds. The welcoming and colorful nature of local festivals make them a favorite tourist attraction, while visitors are advised to taste local specialties such as tomato meatballs fried white eggplant. Local embroideries and hand-woven articles are elegant, while the wines of Santorini are easily considered among the best in the world.

Access

Flights are carried out from Athens all year round, and from Thessaloniki in the summertime. Ferries and fast ferries sail from Piraeus and Raphina throughout the year.

Connections

There is plane connection with Athens, Mykonos, Herakleion (Crete) and Rhodes all year round, and Thessaloniki during summer. Ferries and fast ferries link Santorini, almost all the islands of the Aegean, Athens and Thessaloniki (during summer).

Museums

There is an Archaeological Museum in Fira with an impressive selection of findings and a Marine Museum in Oia.

Alternative tourism

Ecotourism, archaeology, gastronomy, therapeutic, water sports.

Useful Telephone Numbers:

FIRA AREA CODE:  22860-

POLICE STATION: 22860-22649

PORT POLICE: 22860-22239, 28702

MUNICIPALITY: 22860-22231

PHARMACIES: 22860-22700, 23444, 25310, 32440, 32566, 81762, 71464

TAXI STATION: 22860-22555, 23951

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORG.: 22860-22135, 22121

POST OFFICE: 22860-22238

HOSPITAL: 22860-23123-4, 23333

BUS STATION: 22860-25404

AIRPORT: 22860-22218, 31525, 31538