Santorini

Santorini is a volcanic island in the Aegean Sea, part of Thira Municipality within the Cyclades group. Whitewashed buildings topped with blue domes rise along steep cliffs that climb roughly 300 meters (980 feet) above the water.

A massive eruption around 1600 BCE drastically reshaped the landmass and formed the caldera visible today. This event destroyed the Minoan settlement of Akrotiri and left behind a crescent-shaped coastline.

Vineyards rooted in volcanic soil produce Assyrtiko grapes using traditional methods passed down through local families over centuries. Harvest and winemaking follow a rhythm tied closely to the seasons and the bonds within the community.

Ferries link the port regularly with Athens and neighboring islands, while the international airport offers connections from Europe. Clifftop paths can be steep and require sturdy footwear, especially in the villages of Oia and Fira.

Beaches covered in black sand formed from volcanic minerals create a sharp contrast with the white houses descending the caldera slopes. This dark shoreline emerged from the same eruption that shaped the form of the landmass.

Location: Thira Municipality

Elevation above the sea: 567 m

Part of: Cyclades, Santorini archipelago

Website: https://thira.gr/EN

GPS coordinates: 36.41500,25.43250

Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:11