The Greek island of Santorini is one of the most beautiful islands in the Aegean. This volcanic island with the caldera and little islands of Nea Kameni where the sleeping but still living volcano is and Palia Kameni where you will locate the hot springs.

Positioned along the edge of the cliffs are the square, white washed buildings. These are the villages of Fira, the capital of Santorini, Imerovigli, Oia to name but a few. This is where any traveller to Santorini heads to enjoy the unique and world famous sunsets.

This island has everything needed to make this a very magical place to come and visit. It has views that take the breath away. Red, white and black sand beaches. Traditional villages consisting of typical whitewashed Cycladic style houses that have the colourful windows and doors. History abounds here, with museums and sites to be visited. Some people consider that this was the famed Atlantis, the lost city.

For those photographic lovers there are many views to behold, quite apart from the innumerable amazing sunset opportunities. The sheer cliffs are overwhelming with the precarious colourful houses that cling to the top and sides of the cliffs making this a truly amazing scene, even more so if you arrive by ferry boat.

For the water sports enthusiasts scuba diving and snorkelling are on hand. There is also water skiing and windsurfing. There is even a Water Park in Perissa for all the family to enjoy. Water slides for adults and children alike and a playground for the children too while mum and dad can make use of the sunbeds.

Accommodation on the island is as diverse in style as it is in price. Super luxury villas in the Cycladic style, top notch spa hotels to the standard more economical, but nevertheless excellent value accommodation.

For eating out again there is a great choice of restaurants to choose from. There are tavernas that offer traditional Greek food, and many others. Numerous wineries are also situated on the island of Santorini, with an outstanding range of wines to be tasted. They offer guided tours to some of these wineries and tasting the wines is a must.

Santorini has its own airport which is located some 8 km from Fira. It caters for local and charter flights.

Ferry boats from the port of Piraeus (Athens) take 5 hours or alternatively you could go by hydrofoil. There are also ferry and hydrofoil connections to other closeby islands.

Car rental is available for those intrepid tourists who wish to explore and find the secret beauty spots by themselves. There is also a good regular bus service on the island of Santorini.

Villages

There are various villages made up with the characteristic whitewashed homes designed in the Cycladic style several that have the blue painted dome that makes these stand out, and make for quaint photos, especially the ones located along the edge of the caldera.

Fira is the capital of Santorini and is approximately 10 km from the main port. Here is where the the buses and coaches begin their journeys.

Oia is the subsequent village along. Here is where some of the most amazing sunsets are viewed, and is the most photographed town on the island of Santorini. In the year 1956 part of this town was flattened by the earthquake, however it has since been rebuilt. The vividly coloured homes that look to be clinging to the cliffs make this a very picturesque place.

Imerovigli and Firostefani are two more villages within walking distance and again have amazing views of the sunset.

Akrotiri is a village 10 km south west of Fira. It is a notable archaeological place – ruins, museum and excavation. It is a traditional village next to the famed red beach.

Emporio another traditional village is situated 8 km south of Fira. There is a castle on top of a hill, a vast vineyard and some old windmills.

Beaches.

Some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean are here on the island of Santorini. Not golden beaches but instead they are white, grey, black and red.

The famous Red beach is located 12 km south west of Fira. It has black and red volcanic rocks and warm water.

Perissa beach is a volcanic black sandy beach and is situated10 km south east of Fira and is a famous tourist resort. Although black sand may not sound very nice, when the sun shinning on it, it is almost magical with the sparkling specks glistening like jewels in the sands. A camping site here attracts the back packer and camping tourists.

Kamari is the next beach to Perissa but is separated by a large rock called Mesa Vouno. This is a family resort, fashionable with package tour operators. The road along the seafront is well kept. There is a diving centre situated here.

Perivolos is the biggest black sandy beach which is situated 10 km south east of Fira. This is another very popular tourist destination with hotels. restaurants and cafe bars.

Agio Georgios which is 3 km along from Perissa has black stones and is also a very famous beach.

Cape Columbo is a beach to the north east of Fira (12 km). This is a secluded and quiet beach – for those wishing to escape and enjoy the tranquillit.

Monolithos situated 7 km east of Fira is one of the more popular family friendly beaches. A beach volley court for the energetic and a playground for the children. The coast here is very enjoyable.

Vlychada which is 10 km south of Fira is a small port where your will find fishing boats alongside some of the yachts that call here.

Santorini is an island that should be placed on top of a list of Greek Islands to experience. It is where many of the locals go, what better recommendation, after all virtually anywhere in Greece or her islands offer so much to any traveller.

The island has so much to offer by way of inspiring views, history, along with all the broad activities available as already mentioned. Santorini is rightly the jewel in the crown of Greek islands.

Author Bio: George Costanza writes about travel and hotels in Greece and the Greek Islands exclusively for the Around Greece travel portal. If you plan to visit Santorini, and are looking for hotels in Santorini then head over to www.AroundGreece.com

Category: Travel
Keywords: Santorini, Greece, Hotels, Holidays, Vacations, Greek Islands, Travel, Cyclades, Aegean, Fira, Oia