A walk along the volcano of Nea Kameni Red and black rocks create a wild landscape around the crater on Nea Kameni, a small island at the centre of the caldera. From the top of a volcano with a 2.5 million-year history, you have an incredible view of the caldera. The myth that Santorini is the ancient city of Atlantis, which submerged over 9,500 years ago, comes to life before your eyes.

A spa in the Aegean Sea

If you don’t have a boat, you can easily rent one or hop on a day cruise at Athinio, Gialos or Ammoudi, and take a tour around the caldera. Discover the churches built into caves and the old stairs used for mining excavations along the cliffs. On the small island of Palia Kameni, if you dare, you can dive into the thermal waters that form a volcanic spa.

Get your feet onto higher ground

Holidays in the villages of the caldera are one of a kind, with extraordinary cave-like houses grouped together in volcanic soil. Enjoy a leisurely stroll from Fira to Firostefani and Imerovigli. The more adventurous can challenge themselves by taking the path to Oia, passing the Prophet Elijah’s Church, the Chapel of the Cross and the Black Mountain, which is iridescent at sunset, all of which makes a walk that defies description.

Summertime and the living is easy

Santorini is one of the most luxurious destinations in Greece. Plunge into one of the infinity pools that flirt with the edge of the cliff, the Aegean laid out in front of you in all its glory. Relax on a sun bed, refreshing cocktail in your hand. Enjoy a massage in your suite and a dip in your jacuzzi.

Candle-lit terraces glimmer when the sun dips behind the volcano. An intimate dinner for two, paired with a fine wine from a world-renowned volcanic vineyard and views of the caldera. Holidays at Santorini’s luxurious hotels and restaurants will certainly bring your dreams to life.

The Pompeii of the Aegean
Akrotiri is a prehistoric city that lies beneath a bioclimatic shelter. Walking over wooden bridges you will encounter one of the most important and well-preserved civilisations in the Mediterranean, which was covered by the ashes of the great volcanic eruption of 1600 B.C. Visit the museum of Prehistoric Thera, at Fira, to admire its famous frescoes, among them Spring, The Monkeys and The African. A world frozen in time awaits you.

Santorini’s gastronomy
Cuisine here, boasts extraordinary ingredients thanks to nutrient-rich volcanic soil. Amongst the island’s specialties are its world famous sun-dried cherry tomatoes, fava beans (split peas), capers, and white eggplant. Santorini’s chefs are always experimenting with local products, combining traditional recipes with modern gastronomy, and making the island a top culinary destination in the Aegean.

Swim with nature
The island is lined with unique beaches in exotic colours of black, red, and white, a product of their volcanic sand. At Kokkini Paralia (Red Beach), Aspri Paralia (White Beach), Perivolos, Perissa and Kamari, the volcanic earth creates immortal works of art. Comfortable sun beds, hammocks, cocktails and delicious snacks await you at all of the organised beaches of Santorini.

A sunset ritual
Experiecing the sunset from Oia, as thousands do each year, is a ritual. For a few minutes, the energy of the landscape is palpable. When the fiery sun sinks into the Aegean, this scene will be forever emblazoned across your mind and cherished in your heart.

Volcanic love
Imagine your wedding and honeymoon in Santorini with the caldera and volcano as a backdrop. In the courtyards of the island’s churches and on the terraces of the hotels and restaurants, the island offers couples a real-life fairytale wedding venue each year.

Source: https://www.discovergreece.com/