Santorini / Thira is part of the island group the Cyclades, located in the Aegean Sea, somewhere halfway between Athens and Crete. Every year, about 1,5 million tourists visit this amazing island.
Nearly 3,600 years ago (Minoan age), the island was hit by a large volcanic eruption that caused the western part of the island to disappear into the sea depths. The tsunami destroyed the thriving local prehistoric civilization, evidence of which was found during the excavations of a settlement at Akrotíri.
The whole complex of Santorini islands is still an active volcano and the island is actually a huge natural geological museum with a wide range of geological structures and forms.
Fira the capital of the island, together with Oia, Imerovígli, and Firostefáni located high above on a cliff, make up the so-called “Caldera’s eyebrow”, the balcony of Santorini, which offers an amazing view of the volcano.
Oia village
Oia windmills
Fira
There are about 250 churches on the island, it is because of sailors who have vowed in the past to build a church (chapel) if they return home safely.
Fira - view from harbour
Skaros rock is one of the most prominent landmarks of the island of Santorini.
View from Skaros rock