Santorini, Greece
Santorini is the largest island in an archipelago of the same name located 120 miles southeast of Greece's mainland in the Aegean Sea. It is the site of the Minoan volcanic eruption (also known as the Thera eruption) that occurred around 3600 years ago and is thought by some to be responsible for the Atlantis legend. The eruption created a giant lagoon which is surrounded on three sides by cliffs. Opposite Santorini is a much smaller island called Therasia, which helps to form a protected bay where ships can anchor. Santorini's capital, Fira, clings to the cliffside with breathtaking views into the lagoon.
On a visit to Santorini, you will encounter classic cubical houses that are common on many of the Greek islands. These homes are usually whitewashed with strategic splashes of color from recycled volcanic ash. It is the volcanic soil that makes the island especially favorable for growing produce such as cherry tomatoes, eggplants, and cucumbers, and the arid climate facilitates a flourishing wine industry.
Santorini is an island rife with history, which you can discover through the museums in Fira, or simply by exploring culture-rich villages with churches that are thousands of years old. Ride a cable car from the capital of Fira down to the port of Santorini, and take a boat tour or underwater tour by submarine. Travel to and from the port can also be done on foot or by donkey ride. You can reach the island by air from Athens, and travel around it is provided by bus or taxi. The island of Santorini is spectacular, and definitely warrants a respectable spot on any traveler's bucket list.
On a visit to Santorini, you will encounter classic cubical houses that are common on many of the Greek islands. These homes are usually whitewashed with strategic splashes of color from recycled volcanic ash. It is the volcanic soil that makes the island especially favorable for growing produce such as cherry tomatoes, eggplants, and cucumbers, and the arid climate facilitates a flourishing wine industry.
Santorini is an island rife with history, which you can discover through the museums in Fira, or simply by exploring culture-rich villages with churches that are thousands of years old. Ride a cable car from the capital of Fira down to the port of Santorini, and take a boat tour or underwater tour by submarine. Travel to and from the port can also be done on foot or by donkey ride. You can reach the island by air from Athens, and travel around it is provided by bus or taxi. The island of Santorini is spectacular, and definitely warrants a respectable spot on any traveler's bucket list.
Santorini, Greece