Don’t Miss the Breathtaking Views in Santorini
Santorini is an extraordinary island within the Cyclades region of Greece. It is shaped by the nuclear fire of prehistoric eruptions and is most widely known across the world for its beautiful sunsets. The cliff top towns are often packed with people that have come to view the exquisite red
sunset in the western sky. Off the beaten path, you can also view these sunsets from almost anywhere along the cliff edge. The island is comprised of multicolored cliffs and a vast crater that was the result of a big volcanic eruption. The shape of the island has changed several times due to earthquakes. Santorini is made up of many islands, but it is the main island of Thira that is the main tourist attraction.
Thira has fully embraced tourism and no matter what your tastes are there is something to enjoy including archaeology, fine dining, wineries, sunset and sunrise views, vibrant nightlife, and beaches. The beaches of Santorini are a popular destination in the summer. The best beaches are on the eastern and southern sides of the island where the island slopes to sea level. Beach resorts are located on the dark colored beaches made up of volcanic sand. This black sand can become extremely hot, so an umbrella is needed.
Santorini is comprised of two main towns:
Fira
Fira is Santorini’s main town and is the center of Santorini life and tourism. Its landscape provides beautiful views over multicolored cliffs. Visitors can enjoy museums and tours. Tours include a tour to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni, tours to the volcano and hot springs of Palia Kameni, sunset boat tours, and wine tasting bus tours. Hotels in the Fira region of Santorini can be expensive, especially during peak summer months.
Many hotels, especially those on the caldera rim, cannot be reached by vehicle which is important to keep in mind when packing your luggage. Depending on the hotel, there could be a charge to transport luggage. For adventure seekers, Santorini camping is also an option. A campground is located on the eastern outskirts of Fira. There are plenty of shopping options in Fira too. Visitors can find upscale shops like Armani and Versace and plenty of jewelry shops.
Oia
Oia is located north of Fira. Locally, the village is known as Pano Meria. It is on the northern tip of the island. It is another area within the Cyclades that is worth visiting. Huge crowds congregate in Oia to view the beautiful sunset which can result in overcrowding, especially during peak seasons. Because Oia is located on a steep slope of the caldera, the dwellings are nestled into the niches in the volcanic rock. Lodging options include everything from apartment rentals, luxury hotels, and hostels.
To get to Santorini, there are several flights a day to and from Athens. Ferries also go to and from Piraeus and other neighboring islands.
Categorized in: About Santorini, Greece, Greek Travel Guide
This post was written by Greek Boston
