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Tourist guide of Santorini (Thira) |
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Nestled in the crescent of the island, literally
on top of the volcano's crater, are the small islands
of Palaia, Nea Kammeni and Thirassia.
Fira, the island's capital, is built in the most
extraordinary way on the very top of the sheer cliffs
overlooking the caldera.
Santorini's port Athinios is located just under
Fira. In the past, you could take a donkey ride
up to Fira from the port or walk up the steep steps.
Nowadays, visitors to the island prefer the impressive
cable car ride or the asphalt road.
The Cultural Center at the Venetian Megaro Ghisi
in the center of the Old Catholic quarter is well
worth a visit. Cultural events take place here regularly
including art exhibitions, theatrical productions
and concerts. Original maps and documents that pertain
to Santorini's and other Cycladic islands' history
are also on permanent display here. The Beloneio
Cultural Center, the Orthodox and Catholic Metropolis
also play an important role in the promotion of
culture on the island. |
The Laographic (Folk Art) Museum of Emmanuel Lignou
is located in the village of Kontohori on the road
heading for the beach Ekso Gialo. It features interesting
exhibits including a reproduction of a traditional
Santorinian house.
Don't miss a dive into Santorini's depths to enjoy
the old shipwreck and the Caldera.
The Akrotiri is one of the most significant archaeological
sites in Greece. It was excavated by the team of
archaeologist Spiros Marinatos in 1967. An entire
prehistoric settlement was uncovered dating back
to 3000b.c. reaching full development during the
Mid-Cycladic Period. The terrible volcanic eruption
of the volcano on Santorini in 1500b.c. destroyed
the city and buried it under layers of lava and
ash. The eruption was so powerful that the tidal
wave it caused reached the shores of Crete and destroyed
its cities, signaling the end of the Minoan Civilization.
The Archaeological Musuem in Fire houses finds from
Akrotiri and the ancient city of Mesa Vouno.
Emborio - Perissa is a beautiful village, 11km from
Fira, with a marvelous view of both sides of the
island. Its fortress architecture with its narrow
allies lends a distinct character to this medieval
village. Its port is the beach of Perissa.
Imerovigli
is built on the highest point of the rocks, at 300
metres and the road between Fira and Oia offers
the most spectacular view of the island. The traditional
'skafta' - barrel-shaped cave houses, the simple
churches and the cobblestone paths distinguish this
beautiful village which has been classified for
preservation by the Greek state. The village is
only 1km from Firostefani, the outermost section
of Fira. |
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Kamari
is a tourist resort with endless beaches of black
sand. It's a new settlement with many restaurants,
hotels, rented rooms and a few orchards in the outer
lying areas, located 10km from Fira.
Megalohori is the first village you meet, 6km from
Fira, coming up from the port of Athinios. It's
a traditional village which has managed to retain
its Aegean air of nobility with its neoclassical
houses, narrow streets and cobblestone paths.
Messaria is built inland 3.5 km from Hora. It's
surrounded by grape fields which provide fine-quality
grapes for the winery here, renowned for its excellent
wines.
Monolithos is a settlement located near the airport,
featuring a fantastic beach.
Oia - built on rocks at a height of 350 metres -
attracts thousands of visitors each year from Greece
and all over the world who wish to enjoy that unique
moment when the sun sinks into the tranquil waters
of the Aegean creating an atmosphere of rare beauty.
From
Pirgos, 7.6 km from Fira, you literally have all
of Santorini at your feet. It's a large Mediterranean
village, built on the slope of Prophitis Ilias,
the highest point on the island. It's an impressive
village that acted as capital of the Island until
1800. Kasteli, a small village with a spectacular
view, is built on the top of the hill. |
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