The Mediterranean Archipelago of Santorini, Greece
Few Mediterranean islands can compete with Santorini’s geographical splendour. The result of a huge volcanic eruption, Santorini is basically a series of towering cliffs surrounding a giant central lagoon. The lagoon (a splendid natural harbour) merges with the sea, allowing vessels to pass into the protective calm of the caldera.
The capital city, Fira, sits atop the spectacular cliffs looking down upon the lagoon. The city itself is a charming place, with its white-washed buildings and traditional Greek architecture. With its restaurants, bars and souvenir shops, Fira is also the best place to eat, go shopping and experience the island’s vibrant nightlife. For visitors interested in Santorini’s history, both the Museum of Prehistoric Thera and the Santorini Archeological Museum can also be found in the capital.
Santorini is famous for its incredible sunsets. The village of Oia, on the island’s northern tip, is the best place to see the spectacle. However, Oia can become very crowded during peak season; luckily, the sunset is only fractionally less impressive from other parts of the island.
The island has plenty of beaches to choose from, many of them made from the distinctive black and red volcanic sands of the area. To the south, Agios Georgios is a good choice for those looking for a quieter spot. To the east lies the popular Kamari beach with its long stretch of black sand and crystal clear waters.
Santorini’s airport is served by major airlines such as Olympic Airlines, Aegean Airlines and Athens Airways. Both ferries and faster catamarans run between Santorini and destinations such as Ios, Naxos, Paros and Piraeus.