Santorini Island Guide

Posted on April | 4th | 2008

Posted by admin

One of the main islands of the Aegean Sea, Santorini is located in the southernmost part of the Cyclades Islands. It rests near the most active volcanoes of Greece whose eruption in 1500BC caused both the violent destruction and submersion of almost half of it. View from Thira It’s an absolute must to explore the impressive villages that are dotted all over the island with their characteristic Cycladic architecture of snow white houses and domed dark blue roofs. The donkey ride to Fira, walking on charcoal-coloured sand of an active volcano or swimming in the mineral hot springs are a few more of the island’s charms.

Santorini has a great tradition of winemaking that ties in well with the sumptuous cuisine on offer. The ample vineyards are a testimony to the richness of its volcanic ground. And for those feeling a tad guilty of eating and drinking their way through Santorini, the 600-steps leading to the city of Fira will probably be the most scenic workout you will ever experience!

See and Do

Akrotiri
At Akrotiri (Cape of Santorini) a whole town, covered by volcanic mud, was discovered by archaeologists in 1967. Research has shown that the buildings unearthed were an amalgamation of the traditional architecture of the Cyclades islands and Minoan island of Crete. Because of the strategic position of the Cape, the Cycladic and the Minoan civilisations had united but unfortunately the eruption of the volcano engulfed them both.

Ceramic excavations Museums
The Archaeological museum houses mainly ceramic findings, most of them dating back to the Geometric period (800-700BC). The Museum of pre-historic Fira exhibits pre-historic ceramics, Cycladic marble statuettes and a variety of copper-made items (from Neolithic to the later Cycladic era) found in different places on the island. The Folklore Museum displays a variety of tools and vessels used in the past like wine casks, clothing and musical instruments. Finally, the Naval Museum in Oia founded in 1951 by Captain Dakoronias, houses unique figure-heads, heavy anchors and carved marine chests.

View from Nea Kameni Nea Kameni
Santorini undoubtedly possesses a wild beauty. The boat tour to Nea Kameni brings you close to the peak of the volcano with a view from the sea. Walking on the thick, charcoal-coloured ground will be an unsual experience. The sand is very hot because this place is literally an active volcano, so enjoying the tour barefooted is not a good idea. The area is also famous for its mineral hot springs.

From Fira and Oia, you can take a boat to Nea Kameni on a daily basis. Tel: +30 228-602-4758.

Thirasia island
Apart from Nea Kameni you can also visit Thirasia, the little island opposite Oia. The location of Thirasia island suggests Santorini had a circular shape before the volcanic eruption and was called Stroggili (meaning “circular”). However the volcanic eruption destroyed half the island in 1500BC. Some researchers claim that the destroyed part of the island that lies beneath the water might be the lost city of Atlantis.

Aegean Sea Beaches
Santorini has many beaches worth visiting. Monolithos is a secluded and quiet beach with white sand on the Northern part of Santorini. Kamari is located near Fira and is the most populated beach on the island. Perissa is famous for its beach bars, camping area and dark coloured sand and frequented by the younger crowd. Kokkini Paralia (The Red Beach) is an unusual pebble beach laced with dark red colours, located on the Southeastern part of Santorini. Lastly Aspri Paralia (The White Beach) is the antipode of Kokkini Paralia because of the snow white pebbles that are found along the beach.

Accommodation

Fira is full of luxurious hotels that are close to the famous Cycladic architecture visitors flock to see. At the top of the cliffs the town offers spectacular views of the sea. The cobblestone alleys of Oia also contain many luxurious lodgings.

Anny Studios situated near Perissa Beach is for the budget oriented traveller andideal for island hoppers. For a more central location try Villa Anemone, it’s a mid range family run hotel close to all the central amenities.

For more details and immediate online booking at great rates, visit the Bad Wolf Hotels

Transport

To and from the Airport

Santorini is connected by air to all major Greek cities and islands such as Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Rhodes and Heraklion. The airport is about a 15 minute drive from the city centre. The duration of a flight from Athens to Fira is about 30 minutes. For more information Tel: +30 228-602-8402.

by Bus
KTEL operate three buses from the airport to the centre of town. The journey is about 15 minutes and runs on a daily basis at 07h10, 10h30 and 14h00. Cost one way is EUR1.20.

by Taxi
The average cost of a taxi to the city centre is EUR10-12. Tel: +30 228-602-2555.

Boat Cruise To and from the Port

Santorini is connected by boat to many other Greek islands such as Anafi, Mykonos, Paros and Serifos. Boats from Athens to Fira operate on a daily basis and take about 7.5 hours on a regular ferry and 5 hours on a high speed boat. It’s about a 15 minute drive to the city centre. For more information Tel: +30 228-602-8702.When arriving at Fira port, you can either choose to walk up 220-metres (not advisable with heat and heavy luggage), hop on to the traditional donkeys or use the cable car that will take you in three minutes to the top. Donkey rides to Fira-town from the harbour are unusual but effective way of getting to the top. The widing steps can be taxing even for the most atheletic of us, you will be quick to realise the virtue of our furry friends. Alternatively a cable ride will cost EUR3.50 one way.

by Bus
KTEL buses go from the port to the centre of town. The journey normally takes about 25 minutes. One or two buses are always at the port when the ship is scheduled to arrive. Cost EUR1.70.

by Taxi
A taxi will charge approximately EUR12 if found outside the port and EUR13.50 if asked to pick up at port. Tel: +30 228-602-2555.

Donkey station Public Transport

Public buses in Santorini run on a regular basis and travelling to another village is always an option. Buses leave the central station in Fira every hour to Akrotiri and every half hour to Oia, Kamari, Perissa and Monolithos. Tel: +30 228-602-5404.

Driving and Car Rental

There are numerous car rental companies in almost every village on the island. During peak season rental can be difficult so booking in advance is preferable.

In Santorini be careful of the road from Oia to Fira as it is narrow and some parts are poorly lit. On the whole though roads are reasonably wide and suitable for driving.

Taxi

The taxi-stand is located in the center of Fira and finding a taxi there is almost certain. Tel: +30 228-602-2555.
Shopping

Classy, elegant and tacky souvenirs in the shape of jewellery are found all over the island. Most exhibit some classical Greek mythology others simple but elegant designs. Babalu Art & Jewel in Thira is a good place to begin whilst Mati in Thira, houses sophisticated and classic art. (Tel: +30 228-602-3814). Lava Candles is a small shop in Kamari with colourful candles produced and crafted candlesticks made from unique volcanic magma. Meteor in Oia offers a variety of antique items and beautiful carpets. For those who like designer clothing Marco Rouso houses a wide variety of casual clothes by Armani, DKNY, Calvin Klein etc. (Tel: +30 228-602-3242) Iliotropio ( “heliotrope”) is located between Thira and Pyrgos, and sells a decent variety of local organic products and wines.

Food & Drink

It’s not hard to come across traditional Greek and Mediterranean dishes all over the island. With added backdrop of elevated see-views offered by most restaurants it’s a unique dining experience.

1800 offers a variety of delicious Mediterranean dishes and international cuisine accompanied with top-quality wine produced in Santorini. You can cap off your meal by puffing on a Cuban cigar or two. Located in Oia, the restaurant lives in an old mansion built in the mid 18th century. In 1986 it was renovated and nowadays works well as a restaurant and museum.

Take a moment to admire the numerous sculptures and original paintings in the Archipelago. It’s worthwhile having your meal on the verandah for the superb views on offer. Traditional dishes made from local products are the norm here. Wines also served.

For traditional Greek dishes combined with a plethora of seafood head to Pyrgos. The “Tower” is sat at the highest point of Pyrgos Village. Apart from the oddity of its décor and circular shape, Pyrgos gives you magnificent views to most of the major towns on the island (Imerovigli, Thira, Oia) and the infamous volcano peak.

For pasta-lovers the Sphinx Restaurant awaits. For the speciality order black pasta with seafood and white wine - a gastronomic delight! This renovated edifice guarantees excellent Mediterranean food along with a sizeable range of 150 red and white wines of Greek and European origin. The balcony has an incredible view of the sea. Music is played in the background to add to the ambience.1800, Oia. Tel: +30 228-607-1485 / 1800.
Archipelago, Ipapantis St, Thira. Tel: +30 228-602-4509 / 3673.
Pyrgos, Pyrgos. Tel: +30 22860-32190.
Sphinx Restaurant, Thira. Tel: +30 228-602-3823.

Entertainment

Philochoria Art Café aided by soft music, is the ideal place for a quiet and romantic night. Located in Megalochori village, this Art Café gives you that post-health spa feeling of tranquility. If it’s international music that you are after Tropical Café-Bar in Thira beckons you. Consume tempting margaritas whilst gawping at the volcano’s peak.

If you feel like mingling with the locals and listening to some Greek music have a drink at Club 33. Located in the center of Thira, Club 33 guarantees partying until dawn with the sound of Greek island music. Wet Stories Café in Perissa Village is famous for its rather bizarre décor. Instead of chairs, this café offers its patrons the opportunity to enjoy their drink on comfortable…beds!

For those who like mainstream jingles, Koo Club in Thira is a three-level club decorated with huge palm trees on the outside, and cult drawings on the walls inside. Not only famous for its delicious cocktails, the club is also well known for its guest nights with international DJs from Holland, USA and Spain. Located in Thira, Enigma Club consists of both an open space area and three air-conditioned halls that connect to each other through arches. Young people, pumping music and partying all night long is what makes this place one of the best clubs on the island. For refined jazz lovers Kyra Thira Bar organizes live concerts of jazz music.

Philochoria Art Café, Megalochori. Tel: +30 228-602-2266.
Tropical Café-Bar, Thira. Tel: +30 228-602-3089.
Club 33, Thira. Tel: +30 228-602-3065.
Wet Stories Café, Perissa. Tel: +30 228-608-2990.
Koo Club, Thira. Tel: +30 228-602-2025.
Enigma Club, Thira. Tel: +30 228-602-2466.
Kyra Thira Bar, Thira. Tel: +30 228-602-2770.