Santorini
Santorini, ancient Thira, is not simply a Cycladic island, but a fragment of myth emerging from the cobalt waters of the Aegean wi...
Updated 7 July 2026
This season · July · Summer
What to do in Santorini now
The story
The story of Santorini
A history sculpted by fire and sea
Santorini's origins are rooted in a past where reality and legend merge, leading many scholars to identify the island with the lost Atlantis. Initially called Kalliste (the most beautiful), the island hosted a flourishing Minoan civilization before the catastrophic eruption of 1628 BC forever changed its physiognomy. After centuries of abandonment, it was repopulated by the Phoenicians and subsequently by the Dorians of Sparta, who founded ancient Thira on Mount Mesa Vouno. Over the centuries, Santorini passed under the control of the Ptolemies of Egypt, the Romans, and the Byzantines. A fundamental chapter was the Venetian domination, which began in the 13th century, leaving as its legacy the current name (from Santa Irene) and the fortifications called 'kastelli'. This was followed by the long Ottoman period until Greek independence in the 19th century, marked by a strong maritime vocation that made the island a commercial power in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Akrotiri: the Pompeii of the Aegean
Located at the southern tip of the island, the archaeological site of Akrotiri represents one of the most significant discoveries in the entire Mediterranean basin. Buried under meters of ash and pumice during the Minoan eruption, this prehistoric city has remained incredibly preserved for millennia. Unlike Pompeii, no human remains have been found here, indicating that the inhabitants had time to evacuate before the final disaster. Walking along the suspended walkways, one can admire multi-story buildings, sophisticated sewage systems, and artisan workshops. What makes Akrotiri special is the testament to a highly advanced and cultured society, whose splendid frescoes — largely preserved today in Athens and Fira — depict scenes of daily life, exotic nature, and religious rituals, revealing a deep connection with the Minoan culture of Crete.
Ancient Thira: the city on the ridge
Strategically perched on Mount Mesa Vouno, at an altitude of 360 meters, Ancient Thira offers a different and more austere perspective compared to coastal Santorini. Founded in the 9th century BC by Spartan colonists, the city served as a privileged observation point over the Aegean for over a millennium. The site extends along a rocky ridge and includes the remains of temples, a theater overlooking the sea, agoras, and gymnasiums. Particularly evocative is the area of the sanctuary of Apollo Karneios, where religious festivals were held. The visit requires an ascent on foot or by car through spectacular winding roads, but the reward is double: immersion in classical urban planning perfectly integrated with the rugged topography and a dizzying view that embraces the beaches of Kamari and Perissa, divided only by the rocky spur on which the ruins rest.
Oia and the charm of naval architecture
Oia (pronounced Ia) is undoubtedly the island's most famous village, located on the northern tip of the caldera. Historically, it was the center of Santorini's merchant navy, and this legacy is visible in the distinction between the 'yposkafa' (houses carved into the rock by sailors) and the stately 'kapetanospita' (captains' houses) built above ground level with Venetian and neoclassical influences. In addition to the famous sunset that attracts thousands of visitors to the remains of the Byzantine castle, Oia is worth a visit for its art galleries, hidden bookstores, and the descent to Ammoudi Bay. Here, at the foot of the red cliff, small restaurants serve fresh fish just inches from the water, offering an authentic and lively atmosphere away from the crowds that fill the upper streets during the golden hours.
Fira: the beating heart on the abyss
Fira is the island's capital, a labyrinth of paved alleys winding along the edge of the caldera at an altitude of 260 meters. It is the nerve center of commerce and nightlife, yet it preserves corners of great historical and cultural value. Not to be missed is the Museum of Prehistoric Thira, which houses the most precious artifacts from Akrotiri, and the Metropolitan Orthodox Cathedral with its imposing white arches. For those seeking a dynamic experience, the descent to the Old Port (Gialos) can be undertaken on foot along the 587 steps or via the modern cable car. Fira is also the starting point for the spectacular hike to Imerovigli and Oia, a panoramic trail that follows the volcano's profile, offering views that change with every turn, amidst blue domes and design hotels perfectly camouflaged in the rock.
Imerovigli and Skaros Rock
Known as 'the balcony of the Aegean', Imerovigli occupies the highest point of the caldera and offers a tranquility often lacking in Fira or Oia. The village is famous for its luxury accommodations, but its true treasure is Skaros Rock. This rocky promontory was once the island's capital and housed an impregnable Venetian fortress, destroyed by a series of earthquakes in the 18th century. Today, a path leads visitors to the base of the rock and to the small church of Theoskepasti, built on an isolated terrace facing the open sea. It is one of Santorini's most spiritual and wild places, where the wind blows strong and the silence is broken only by the sound of waves crashing hundreds of meters below, offering a direct connection with the island's volcanic nature.
The hinterland: Pyrgos and Emporio
To discover the most authentic Santorini, one must move away from the caldera's edge and venture into the hinterland. Pyrgos, the island's ancient capital until 1800, is a perfectly preserved medieval gem. The village is built around the ruins of a Venetian castle (Kastelli) and boasts an incredible number of churches with blue domes. Walking its steep ascents, one breathes an air of times past, amidst old shops and traditional cafes. Not far away is Emporio, another fortified village characterized by labyrinthine architecture of very narrow alleys, arches, and external staircases, originally designed to confuse pirates. These villages represent the rural heart of Santorini, where life still flows according to the rhythms of agriculture and religious festivities, far from the glamour of mass tourism.
The living volcano: Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni
In the center of the caldera are the two 'black' islands, Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, which represent the active part of the volcanic complex. A boat excursion allows you to disembark on Nea Kameni and walk along a lunar path among recent lava formations and sulfur-emitting fumaroles, evidence that the giant is not extinct but merely dormant. The ascent to the craters offers a mirrored view of the main island, allowing one to fully comprehend the enormity of the explosion that created the archipelago. On Palea Kameni, on the other hand, it is possible to dive into the thermal waters of Agios Nikolaos, where underwater springs heat the sea and color the seabed a rusty orange due to the richness of minerals. It is a strong sensory experience, providing direct contact with the geothermal energy that shaped this land.
The beaches: volcanic chromatics
Santorini's beaches have nothing in common with the stretches of white sand typical of other Greek islands; here, geology dictates the colors. Red Beach (Kokkini Ammos) is perhaps the most scenic, enclosed by high red lava cliffs that contrast with the deep blue of the sea. To the southeast extend the long black sand beaches of Perissa and Perivolos, ideal for those seeking equipped facilities and water sports. Kamari, with its lively promenade, is another popular destination characterized by small dark pebbles. For those seeking isolation, Vlychada beach offers an almost surreal landscape, with white pumice cliffs sculpted by the wind that resemble abstract sculptures, while the remote Eros Beach guarantees privacy and a more intimate contact with the island's southern coast.
Experiences not to be missed
- Walk the panoramic trail from Fira to Oia (approximately 10 km) early in the morning.
- Visit a traditional 'canava' to taste Vinsanto and Assyrtiko, the world-famous volcanic wines.
- Watch the sunset from Akrotiri lighthouse, a less crowded alternative to Oia.
- Dine at a fish taverna in Ammoudi Bay, almost touching the water with your feet.
- Explore the village of Emporio and get lost in its perfectly preserved medieval Kastelli.
- Take a catamaran tour inside the caldera to admire the geological stratifications of the cliffs.
Volcanic flavors and traditions
Santorini's cuisine is deeply influenced by its volcanic soil, poor in water but rich in minerals. This unique terrain produces ingredients with concentrated and unmistakable flavors. The main product is Santorini Fava (a type of split pea), served as a cream with onion and capers. Equally famous are the cherry tomatoes, small and thick-skinned, used to prepare 'tomatokeftedes' (tomato fritters). One cannot forget the white eggplant, sweet and almost seedless, and the capers that grow wild among the rocks. Wine plays a central role: vines are cultivated 'in baskets' (koulara) to protect them from the strong Meltemi wind. Assyrtiko is the dominant white grape variety, capable of producing mineral and acidic wines that pair perfectly with local cuisine, while Vinsanto is the prized sweet wine made from sun-dried grapes.
When to go and how to experience the island
Santorini has a very long tourist season, running from April to the end of October. July and August are extremely crowded and hot, ideal only for those who love vibrancy and nightlife. To fully enjoy the island's beauty and go hiking, the best periods are late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October), when temperatures are mild and the light is softer. Winter has a melancholic and authentic charm, but many tourist services and restaurants outside Fira might be closed.
FAQ
Qual è il modo migliore per muoversi sull'isola?
Quanto tempo occorre per visitare Santorini?
È possibile visitare il vulcano in autonomia?
Dove conviene alloggiare?
Santorini è adatta alle famiglie con bambini?
Getting there
- Aeroporto Internazionale di Santorini (JTR) - 6 km da Fira
- Non presenti linee ferroviarie sull'isola.
- Le strade principali collegano il porto di Athinios e l'aeroporto con Fira, Oia e le località balneari del sud.
- Se arrivate in traghetto al porto di Athinios, prenotate in anticipo un transfer o preparatevi a lunghe code per i taxi, poiché il porto è molto trafficato.
Perfect for
Santorini è la meta d'elezione per coppie e viaggi di nozze, grazie ai suoi hotel con piscina a sfioro e i tramonti leggendari sulla caldera.
Con Akrotiri e l'Antica Thira, l'isola offre un viaggio straordinario nel tempo, dalla preistoria minoica all'epoca classica.
Un paradiso per i gourmet che vogliono scoprire vini vulcanici unici e prodotti agricoli rari nati da una terra estrema.
Perfetta per gli amanti del trekking grazie ai sentieri panoramici sui bordi del cratere e alle escursioni sulle isole vulcaniche.
To see
