Holiday attractions in Santorini, Greece? Fira, Santorini’s capital, is one of the best places to see on the island. It’s the perfect Cycladic town, a real postcard scenery. Wander in the city’s alleys and discover the breathtaking viewpoints of the sea and the caldera. You will for sure fall in love with the island (even if it’s often crowded!). From Fira, follow the beautiful walking trail to reach the villages of Firostefani (only a 10-minute walk) and Imerovigli (the highest point of the caldera, 30 minutes away from Fira). Plan at least between 1 and 2 hours, as you will stop every 2 meters to enjoy the view and take pictures! You can also walk to the small port of Fira Skala. It’s quite easy to get down the 587 steps, but getting back up can be more difficult, especially under the sun! See extra details on https://santorini-more.com/akrotiri-excavations/.
Oia is a place with a long and rich history. The turn of the century is considered to be the time of the peak of its prosperity, and its economy was largely based on maritime trade – many owners of merchant ships lived in Oia. The village was built on a steep slope descending into the sea from the caldera. Oia is dominated by architecture typical of the entire Cyclades abounding in white houses, sometimes with a light blue finish (roofs, frames, shutters). What distinguishes the architecture at Oia is the fact that some of the buildings are painted in other colors – e.g. orange or salmon. The whole, against the backdrop of a raw, volcanic landscape creates a unique mosaic of colors.
From Pyrgos, a road runs to the summit of Mt. Profitis Ilias (584 meters), Santorini’s highest point, affording panoramic views of the island and out across the sea. Here stands the mighty Profitis Ilias Monastery, an 18th-century sanctuary that is open to the public. Inside, you can see the church, with a richly carved iconostasis. Visit the museum displaying the miter and crozier of Patriarch Gregory V, who was hanged in Constantinople by the Turks in 1821. Also of interest are the library, the monastic archives, and the kitchen. The monastery ran one of the many “secret schools,” operated during the Turkish period.
Wine Tours are among the most popular activities in Santorini. The island is renowned for its excellent white wines, known as some of the best in Greece. You can visit many vineyards (known for being the oldest in the world!) on the island, and taste the best wines. If you’re interested in Santorini’s History, the ancient site of Akrotiri is one of the island’s best place to visit. This archaeological site is often compared to Pompeii, in Italy. Akrotiri is an ancient Minoan city destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1,613 B.C. It was only rediscovered in 1967 during an archaeological excavation. The site is one of the most important in the Aegean Sea. The archaeological excavations are still on going in this very large site. Many remains are probably still undiscovered! In Akrotiri, wooden footbridges allow you to walk in the city. There, you will admire the ancient buildings, the streets and many ceramics. Unlike Pompeii, the city of Akrotiri was uninhabited when the eruption occurred, as no human remains or valuable objects were found on the site. What happened to these people? No one knows yet if they moved elsewhere on the island, or sailed to Crete.
Incredible sunsets, pearly white buildings adorned with bougainvillea, blue-domed churches, and picturesque windmills make Santorini a sought-after destination. This Greek paradise attracts newlyweds and couples from around the globe eager to witness its famed sunsets of Oia, swim in hot springs, savor its cuisine, and indulge in luxurious resorts. Whether you fly in or take the ferry from the other islands, it’s impossible to miss the striking view of the mostly submerged caldera (volcanic crater) visible from quaint settlements atop lava-layered cliffs. The whitewashed settlements of Fira and Oia are the island’s most alluring destinations. In between the two towns, small villages cling to the clifftops, offering quieter and more relaxed settings for your vacation. See extra information at santorini-more.com.