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Welcome to Santorini, in the Cyclades group of Greek Islands. Also known as Thira, Santorini has to be one of the most outstanding of the Greek islands. It is also the most southerly of the Cyclades. Famous as the site of a gigantic volcanic eruption it is unique and to gaze on the drowned caldera, or crater, is an experience that shouldn't be missed. Arrive by ferry, rather than by hydrofoil or catamaran, if you want to feel the full impact of the caldera. Santorini's capital is Fira, perched precariously, high above the caldera. Greece and the islands have endured many volcanic eruptions and earthquakes through history but none more violent and catastrophic than those suffered by Santorini. The Minoan's had the greatest influence on the island. They arrived from Crete, almost 4000 years ago when Santorini was known as Strongili, and founded Akrotiri. Around 1650BC , what many believe was the greatest volcanic eruption ever recorded, caused the centre of the island to disappear, leaving a caldera with precipitous sides. Many archaeologists believe that this disaster, with its attendant tsunamais etc., spelled doom not only for Akrotiri but also for the Minoan civilisation on Crete. The volcano continued to rumble constantly, and erupt periodically, throughout history. In 1570 the south coast disappeared beneath the waters along with the port of Eleusis. The last destructive earthquake on the island was in 1956; since then, tremors have been frequent but not alarming. The volcano is still active. Fira's museums offer fascinating insights into life on the island under the Minoans. The excavation of Akrotiri was begun in 1967 and an ancient Minoan city is being recovered from beneath the suffocating volcanic ash. More ancient sites can be found at Ancient Thira which has ruins dating back to the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. Other places of interest include Moni Profiti Ilia, a monastery perched on the island's highest mountain peak. More recently, in the last eruption, in 1956, the village of Oia was virtually destroyed. Today its homes and buildings cling to the sides of the caldera and many are cut into the volcanic rock. Grape vines thrive on the volcanic soil and Santorini's wine is well known and respected. For those wanting to find the beaches, which are, of course, black sand, the best ones are on the east coast and the quieter ones to the south. Tourism is a major industry on Santorini so the island enjoys good, frequent connections with both mainland Greece and Crete. There are also frequent ferry links with the other islands. |