Travel Eye on Santorini (Cyclades, Greece)

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Overview:

The current shape of Santorini was formed in a massive volcanic explosion in the 15th century BC. The crater of the volcano collapsed into the sea, leaving the E rim jutting sharply from the water. The event was so catastrophic that it has sparked speculation that Santorini could be the mythical Atlantis.

The accommodation on the resort is generally small hotels, apartment blocks and pensions, tending towards middle- to upmarket quality and rates. It attracts visitors of all ages and types, with younger people more prevalent in peak season, especially in Fira and Kamari. Santorini is one of Greece's more upmarket islands, although all budgets can be accommodated. A popular destination for weddings and honeymoons.

The island's two towns, Fira and Ia, are perched on the cliff tops of the highest part of the island. Ferries arrive and depart in the harbour below, and visitors walk or ride donkeys up the steep winding path to the towns.

Fira, the largest town on the island, is perched on a sheer 1,000-ft cliff on the W coast and boasts a stunning approach by boat. The old town is made up of steep, narrow, cobbled streets of shops, tavernas, churches, fast-food eateries, 2 cathedrals, no cars and lots of people. Day-trippers frequently swell tourist numbers.

The original village of Kamari was destroyed by an earthquake in 1956 and rebuilt in local style. Its main beachside road has wall-to-wall hotels, tavernas, discos and tourist agencies.

Locality:

Santorini is located in the Aegean Sea, off the SE Greek mainland and the Peloponnese. It is 65 mls N of Crete, 30 mls S of Naxos. Fira, the capital, is 10 mls NW of the airport, which is near the village of Monolithos. The resort of Kamari on the E coast lies just 1½ mls S of the airport.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Santorini has two swimming beaches, Perissa and Kamari, both characterised by their volcanic black sand. The most popular beaches, which can get crowded, lie on the E coast, offering black volcanic sands, clean water and good swimming, although the sea floor shelves quite steeply, the black sand can become very hot, so sandals are recommended.

Perissa, and the adjoining beach of Perivolos, is a picturesque resort stretching back 2 or 3 mls alongside farmland; this area has a Byzantine church and a couple of Venetian castles to visit.

Daytime offers a variety of beach and water sports, including windsurfing, water-skiing, pedalloes, diving, snorkelling and sailing. Island explorations taking in the ruins of ancient Thira (9th century BC), the monastery of Profitis, Ilias, a Venetian fortress at Pirgos and the ancient site of Akrotiri. Archaeological museums in Fira. And a small water park outside Perissa.

Evenings provide a good choice of bars, discos and nightclubs, especially in Fira. Traditional Greek evenings with dancing and plate-smashing, known as Bouzaki's, plus an open-air cinema at Kamari.

There are more than 300 eateries, offering everything from traditional Greek food to pizza and burgers. International restaurants include Chinese, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese.

The local cuise is mainly fresh fish with capers and goat's cheese; "tsikoudia", the local wine, is also worth trying. Tap water is chlorinated and safe to drink but it is in short supply, brought in by boat, and in high season might be cut off.