We Visit The Incredible Archipelago Of Santorini
Santorini is one of the most popular tourist destinations. It is not for less. Its unique architecture is joined by its beaches or dreamy sunsets. But this archipelago of Greece is much more than that. If you want to know everything about him, keep reading.
What to see in Santorini
Santorini consists of beautiful towns that are worth knowing and visiting, starting with its capital, Fira, which is located on the edge of a cliff, allowing spectacular views of the sea. Other populations that stand out are Oia, for offering the most beautiful sunset you can imagine; and Kamari or Perissa, for their beaches and atmosphere.
The ideal is to visit all the towns that you can, since they all have a special charm. But if all of them are characterized by something, it is their white houses with blue roofs, carved out of the volcanic rock of the mountain facing the sea.
The domes of the Orthodox churches further add to the appeal of this unique architecture. The best way to fall in love with her is by walking quietly through its streets.
Santorini and its history
The archipelago has several archaeological remains, such as ancient Thera, founded in the 9th century BC It is a fortification built in the highest area of ​​Santorini that served as the residence of the Hellenic-Egyptian dynasty of the Ptolemies. In the same enclosure it is possible to be seen in the chapel of San Esteban, in the Temenos of Artemidoro de Perge, in the agora or in the stora.
There is also the archaeological site of Akrotiri, about three thousand years old. Like Pompeii, visitors will find the city as it was when the explosion that destroyed the island occurred. So the houses, avenues or utensils that its inhabitants used still survive. As a curiosity, Akrotiri is related to the mythical island of Atlantis.
To complete the historical visit of this Greek archipelago, you should visit the Prehistoric Museum of Thera. In it, a great variety of archaeological finds from Santorini’s prehistory are exhibited, models and reconstructions that explain and bring us closer to the past of the Aegean Sea. Some frescoes and the golden figure of a mountain goat stand out especially.
What to do in the Santorini archipelago
There are many activities that can be done or hired in Santorini, such as riding a donkey, the traditional means of transport in the archipelago. You can also go scuba diving in the great chasm of Santorini, in Oia; Go on a schooner excursion to the caldera and the Palea Kameni volcano, which is still in operation, or bathe in its hot springs.
Another possibility is to try the gastronomy of the place. This is characterized by its great variety of flavors, linked to Mediterranean cuisine. Thus, some of the typical dishes of Santorini are those made from fish and shellfish; the dolmades, which is stewed with vine leaves; or the baklavas, a puff pastry cake with almonds, honey and vanilla. All of them can be accompanied with a glass of wine.
Nor can you fail to enjoy Santorini’s nightlife, which takes place especially in the center of Fira and in Kamari. It can start with a cocktail on the beach or in the caldera admiring the sunset and end with a party organized by a nightclub. Among the most prominent are the PK Cocktail Bar (Fira) or the Love Boat Bar (Kamari).
The idyllic beaches of Santorini
One of the great attractions of Santorini is precisely its beaches. Most have a common denominator: the beauty of the volcanic, as they are composed of black sand or grayish tones. In addition, the sea water is an intense blue. There are them for all tastes: with a great atmosphere (Kamari Beach), family (Monolithos), nudist (Kolumbo) …
Something more unique is the Red Beach of Santorin i, which, as its name suggests, is a beach of an intense red color, with sand and funds of the same color. Also noteworthy is Playa Blanca, the only cove of this color on the island. Even so, the volcanic character of the place is perceived. Both are very close to each other, so you cannot miss any of them.
