There is definitely nothing ordinary about this island. Santorini is the southernmost island within the Cyclades, located in the Aegean Sea. If you visit this island you will be subjected to its extraordinary beauty, its incredible history and breathtaking sunsets.

Its former name was nothing other than Kallisti "the fairest one". Formally a single island and now a cluster of five islands around its very own giant lagoon and created by a mighty explosion, Santorini has become one of the most sought for romantic getaways around. People from all over the world now travel to Santorini to make their wedding that extra bit more special, as they stand on the cliff tops with the incredible views all around them. The incredible sea views from such a height accompanied with the beauty of the island itself which is dotted with the whitewashed traditional homes and the red, black and white beaches that colour its coastal line, makes this truly is a stunning place.

With the majority of its villages and towns on the top of cliffs, it is like no other Island in the Mediterranean. Being slightly further south than all the other Cycladic islands it takes a little bit longer to get there. By ferry you are looking at a trip lasting between 5 & 9 hours depending on which ferry you get. But don't fret there is always an option of hopping on a plane and flying out of Athens and being there in just 40 minutes, there may also be direct flights from your home town.

Even if you do go by ferry, you will not regret the long journey. The drive up to the main town, winding around the cliff side roads of this incredible place and once your feet touch the ground you will feel that this visit will be one that you will never forget.

The island has accommodation, activities and dining opportunities for all and for every taste. So have a look at what's available.

Volcanic eruptions turned this once large, single, circular island into a cluster of five islands, so the making of Santorini is itself an interesting story. The last major eruption, occurred approximately 3,600 years ago and was so enormous, it was felt in Scandinavian countries, ash reached Asia Minor and even California, it also cause a tsunami so large that it reached the shores of Crete. The volcanoes have remained pretty much silent and are worth a visit.

The first signs of settlement on this island date back to the 4^th millennium BC! The island is riddled with History and excavations have uncovered archaeological sites all over the island.

The island has changed hands numerous times, from Minoan inhabitants, to rulers from Sparta, to the Venetians and then the Turks, all of them leaving their mark and a bit of their culture behind.

The Minoan civilization ruled the area for 1,500 years and has left a significant stamp on the Island. Signs of their culture are everywhere. There are indications that the islanders exported products such as cloths and wine but there are also signs that the early residents of this spectacular island were one of the most sophisticated around. With an almost perfectly preserved town on the Southern tip in an area called Akrotiri, we can see that the locals were most probably very wealthy, incredibly well educated and ahead of their time. The town consists of 3 storey buildings, indications that the houses had both hot and cold water, with staircases still fully intact and frescoes sprawling all over their walls.

It is no wonder why it is rumoured that Santorini is the true Atlantis.

There is so much to see and do on this island but here are a few ideas:

Ancient Akrotiri

This ancient town will take your breath away, most probably not because of its beauty but because of its sophistication for its time. The site is approximately 4,000 years old and covers approximately 10,000 square metres.  With fully intact houses, indications of an eight metre high wall that surrounds the city, plumbing systems and artefacts such as frescoes, ceramics and furniture, this place is an historian's dream. The town shows signs of being one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean. Due to the volcanic eruption and the fact that the town was covered in lava it is incredibly well preserved. Items that have been uncovered; show that this incredible town also had ties with the Greek Mainland, Syria, Egypt, Cyprus and other Greek Islands.

Ancient Thira

This is a Classical city founded approximately in the 9^th Century BC by Dorian Colonists. It is located up on Mesa Vouno. It is a spectacular display of an ancient city. It is comprised of the old Market place, Gymnasium, a Theatre, Sanctuaries and Temples. The persevered areas of the city show both the Greek heritage and the Roman phase of the city.

MUSEUMS

Although a lot of the history of the island is preserved outside there a few Museums on the island that you can view the collections of artefacts displayed in air-conditioned buildings.

Archaeological Museum: displaying a collection of Sculpture, Inscriptions, vases and clay figurines. The Artefacts date from Geometric to Hellenistic periods and range from the Archaic to the Roman period.

Maritime Museum: this is a wonderful museum located in Oia. The museum itself is an old Traditional Greek House that has been converted and it houses a spectacular collection of Seamen's chests, maritime equipment, models of the Theran ships, drawing and rare photographs as well as many other wonderful items.

Folklore Museum: this is an experience. The museum is housed in cave houses built in 1861 and with thanks to a Mr. Lygnos the museum comprises of a walk back in time as you walk through a recreation of a village of Old Santorini.

Museum of Prehistoric Thera: this museum is the home to artefacts that have been excavated from sites all over the island.

Trips by boat

There are number of trips that one can do by boat. How about visiting the volcanoes and the hot springs? You can jump on a small boat that tours of the volcanoes and then takes you for a swim in the Hot springs which reach temperature of 33 degrees Celsius and contain minerals that are good for the skin!

Trip with a donkey or cable car

A trip down to Gialos a small old port that is about 275 metres below the town of Fira town is a great experience. You can do it the traditional or the modern way, donkey or cable car, of course one could always wander down the 600 stairs by foot but some people prefer to be seated.

Vineyards

Wine is an important part of Santorini's culture and history and there are a number of vineyards around the island that one can visit. Some of them offer tours and proper wine tasting. The Boutari winery offers guided tours and is one of the most popular wines of the island. There are also other wineries such as Canava Roussos, Hazidakis, Domaine Sagalas, Santo Wines and a few others. You may need to book an appointment to visit some of them but if you love wine this is definitely an experience you should live. Most of the wineries still produce wine the Traditional way. Wine has been made on this island from around 1,700 BC.

Beaches

The beaches of Santorini range in colour, size and in what facilities they offer. There are white, grey, red and black beaches.

• Kamari- Black sand with a lot of restaurants and bars, it is the main beach on the East side of the island and therefore can become quiet crowded.
• Perissa- close to amenities, with nice dark sand and protected from the Aegean Winds.
• Perivolos- this is an endless dark grey beach has areas that has umbrellas and sunbeds but also areas that are much quieter. There are bars and restaurants that run along behind the beach.
• Red Beach- this is a unique beach if there ever was one, with red sand and a red back drop. The beach is accessible by car and foot and by boat. There are umbrellas, sun beds and a canteen there for refreshments and snacks.
• Agios Georgios- water sports, beach bars and umbrellas will be found here for a day of fun at the beach.
• Vilhada- this is most probably going to be one of the quietest beaches around. It is in a beautiful setting and is generally calm and quiet.
• Mesa Pigadia- if you want a day without the sand and prefer some pebbles this is the beach for you.
• White beach- this beach is only accessible by boats that leave form Akrotiri. There are a few umbrellas and sun beds available and a canteen to quench your thirst.

Shopping

As on most of the Cycladic Islands there are little shops in each town. There will of course be a combination of little boutique shops, some cheaper some more expensive. Most shops sell clothing, local products, jewellery and little bits you can take home with you to remind you of your trip to the island.

Also keep your eyes open for the little art stores, selling paintings and ceramic bowls, plates. You may even be lucky enough to see the masters at work.

An evening on a Greek Island is normally begun with a drink or a coffee watching the sunset. Oia is a beautiful town that is located at the top of the islands cliffs and is known for its absolutely stunning sunsets and incredible views of the Aegean Sea below. Whether your in a romantic mood or would like to stroll before going to dinner, you should go visit Oia. Oia is an stunning little town and it is a unique experience walking around with the majority of houses below you instead of above you or beside you. As you walk along the paved roads and literally on the roof of someone's house you will get to see another unique side of this island.

WHERE TO WINE AND DINE

Santorini is absolutely full of all sorts of restaurants and tavernas. You will be able to find anything from local food, traditional Greek, Italian, Mexican and the list goes on. The main towns are full of options and while walking around you will come across them. If you are in the mood for something specific we would suggest you consult your hotel who can point you in the right direction. There are a few of the local dishes that you should try.

Fava- this is a dip made from chickpeas and served with olive oil on top with possibly sliced onion. This is great as a spread on bread.

Domatokeftedes (Tomato Balls)- these are tomatoes balls fried with herbs, they are so good with some tzatziki.

Also try the white Aubergines and the round Courgettes.

The island offers a range of bars, clubs and discos. The main town Fira is the heart of the nightlife. The nightlife in Santorini as in most Greek islands will go on until the early hours of the morning.  Have a walk around the town and you will find something that suits your taste. If you prefer a quiet night, stay in Oia for a nice walk around and quiet cocktail with views of the sea.

There is also an open air cinema in Kamari, so check if anything good is showing.