The volcano of Santorini is the most famous among the volcanoes forming the Aegean volcanic arc.

It is one of the largest underwater volcanoes, it is still active and its famous caldera is the only inhabited one in the whole world.

The biggest recorded eruption of the volcano was in 1600 BC. This eruption is also known as the Minoan eruption, not only because the people of Crete were affected too, but mainly because --according to some-- it contributed greatly to the final devastation of the Minoan civilization.

The circular island that was once there (Strogyli) was almost destroyed by the eruption. Its central piece sank, while its remains now include Santorini, Thirassia, Palia and Nea Kameni. Due to the volcano, a great mass of pumice stones ejected in the air and were later found even in remote areas such as Paros, Lemnos, Samothrace, Crete and Egypt. Also, a large tsunami was created, perhaps the largest in the Mediterranean.

Now 8 volcanic craters can be found in total, seven in Old Kameni and one in Nea Kameni, which is the youngest island in the Mediterranean. One more underwater crater, the Koloubos, is located in the northwestern part of the island, near Oia. Although the volcano today is calm, you can see gases and fumes being released.

You can visit the volcanoes by boat from Gialos in Fira or Athinio and Ammoudi in Oia. The small boats will take you to Palia and Nea Kameni.

In Santorini's Akrotiri is located one of the most important prehistoric settlements in the world. Clues indicating its existence had already been found in the mid 19th century, yet the systematic excavation only begun in 1967 by professor Spyros Marinatos.

The findings of the excavations indicate that the area of ​​Akrotiri was first inhabited during the Late Neolithic Period and until the 18th century BC it had developed into a city. In the early 17th century BC it was leveled by an earthquake, but was later rebuilt until its complete destruction during the Minoan eruption.

However, this volcanic eruption eventually proved beneficial for the island. Just like Pompeii, this settlement was covered by a thick volcanic dust that preserved it almost untouched. As a result, the archaeologists have today in their hands a cornucopia of excellent quality findings.

Probably the settlement of Akrotiri was once the capital of Santorini island and it is estimated that it stretched to 200 acres, having approximately 30,000 residents. It is characterized by dense structuring, multi-storey houses with beautiful frescoes and excellent sewerage, evidence of significant growth and development.

The settlement was abandoned by its inhabitants due to earthquakes, as shown by the absence of skeletons during the excavations, shortly before it was buried under the ash of the volcanic eruption.

The archaeological site of AkrotirIt is definitely worth a visit. It is one of the best preserved villages nowadays and once you are there, you have the chance to admire the typical buildings and their unique frescoes

Findings from the excavations in Akrotiri are being exposed in the Museum of Prehistoric Thira. More information about the archaeological site of Akrotiri can be found in the phone 22860- 81939.

The ruins of Ancient Thira were found on the top of Mesa Mountain in Santorini, at an altitude of 385 meters. The city was founded in the 8th century BC by the Spartans, whose leader Thera gave his name to the island and it was inhabited until the Byzantine period.

In the city, which you can reach on foot by climbing several steps, you can see the ruins of the temple of Dionysus and Artemidorus, the sacred temple of Karneios Apollo, the Agora, the theater and the cemetery. It is worth mentioning that the first excavations in Ancient Thira were a self-funded project by the German Hiller von Gaertringen. The monuments of Ancient Thira and the breathtaking view will be a much rewarding experience.

Santorini, like any other Greek island, is ideal for all kinds of water sports, thanks to its wonderful sea and endless beaches. Windsurfing, jet skiing, water skiing, canoeing, pedal boats and so much more are at your disposal in Santorini. For those who love diving, Santorini features diving schools that will let you into the sport's secrets and hundreds of diving spots, where you will definitely be enchanted. And...if your thirst for sports is not yet quenched, there is also a great waterpark in Perissa.

Adding to that, because of its morphology and its volcanic origin, Santorini is an ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts. There are many routes that you can follow and enjoy your favorite activity, in a landscape that is not only hauntingly beautiful but also unique. Yet, if you cannot handle so much walking, you can still have wonderful walks in most parts of the island using a bike.

However, if you are not exactly the walking-type, you can go horse-riding. In many parts of the island you will find horses and specialized trainers that will help you enjoy a wonderful ride even by the sea. And if you guys are even more extreme, this island has more alternatives. An awesome Paintball field in Megalohori, awaits for you to battle with friends and "enemies".

Are you ready? Choose and off we go...!

Although next to Red Beach, the Aspri (White) Beach is completely different. It owes its name to the towering white cliffs that surround it, while it is covered with white shingles and black sand. The Aspri (White) Beach has sun loungers, umbrellas and a canteen. In order to get to White Beach and have a chance to swim in its crystal clear waters, you have to walk from the beach of Kambia, or take a boat from Akrotiri and Kokini (Red) Beach.

Katharos beach is located in Oia's caldera, close to Ammoudi. Do not expect to find sun beds and umbrellas here... Silence and a unique view will be your reward if you choose to spend your time here. You can get to the beach, following a narrow path from the end of the road, for about five minutes.

The Pori Beach is located on the northeast side of the island just south of Kouloubo. This is a quiet beach, perfect for relaxation, which is mainly chosen by locals. It is characterized by easy access and clear deep waters.

Very close to Megalohori, in the caldera area, you will find the secluded beach of Plaka. You can access the beach either by going down a path for 15-20 minutes, or via sea by boat.

The beach is very quiet, almost deserted, and is ideal for those who want to enjoy a really quiet swim. Just above the beach, upon the caldera cliffs, you can see the church Panagia of Plaka as well as the facilities of the old baths that unfortunately do not work today.

Breathtaking views of the volcano and Thirassia reward each visitor who selects Plaka for swimming.

Perissa is one of the most famous beaches, 12 km from Fira. Together with Perivolos they form a seamless beach. Because of the volcano, it has black fine sand and clear blue waters. It is located beneath Mesa Mountain, which separates it from Kamari. The access to Perissa is easy and the beach is fully organized with sun beds, umbrellas, water sports, water park and diving center. And because all these are bound to make you hungry, you can choose one of the many restaurants in the area to have a good nosh. Of course, along the beach there are many beach bars, hotels and rooms to let.

Approximately 12 km away from Fira is the very popular, especially among the young, Perivolos beach.

Perivolos is part of the vast beach located in the southeast of the island and also includes Perissa beach. The black sand of volcanic descent is prevalent in this beach too, just add to that the turquoise waters. The vast extent of the beach meets the expectations of both those who want to combine swimming and Beach bar and those looking for a somewhat quieter time. The beach of Perivolos is organized with sun beds, umbrellas, water sports and beach volley.

Along the coast there are several beach bars where you can have a drink, taverns to ensure a full stomach, hotels and rooms for your stay.