Santorini is a beautiful island, located at the south end of the Cyclades island complex. In the 15th c BC a volcano erupted and the center of the island collapsed into the sea forming the caldera. The black beaches, the precipice surrounding the caldera, the twisted, colourful rocks and the steep cliffs all give the island a distinctive quality. Its best know products are its wines – some of the best wines worldwide and its small tomatoes grown virtually without water. The climate is mild and dry. During the summer temperature is between 25- 35 degrees. The island capital of Santorini, Fira clings to the edge of a cliff, which is, in fact, the rim of the carter. The town’s archaeological museum is crammed with finds from excavations at Akrotiri. Santorini has magnificent beaches, created by the volcano, where the sand is black, red, or white and the sea is deep blue and crystal clear. The impact of tourism has made itself felt in Santorini, judging from the abundance of hotels, shops and taverns.

Fira
The island capital of Santorini, Fira clings to the edge of a cliff, which is, in fact, the rim of the carter. During the earthquakes of 1956 a considerable part of the town was destroyed. Nevertheless many of the typical 18th century houses still survive. The wonderful architecture the deep blue sea and the volcano comprise a unique picture. 600 steps will lead you down the caldera to the harbour of Fira, where you may choose either the "teleferic" or the traditional "donkeys” for the way back. Fira is a modern town where nightlife never stops. The plurality of restaurants, bars, discos, coffee shops will satisfy almost any need.

Akrotiri
Don’t miss to visit the excavations at Akrotiri conducted by Spyros Marinatos in 1967. Ruins of a Minoan city were found which had been destroyed around the year 1500c B.C. by an eruption of the volcano of Thera. It is a case of a prehistoric Pompeii buried under the lava with two and three storey buildings, city squares, shops and workshops. Marvelous frescoes were found in some of the houses. The original frescoes can by seen in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. Vases and utensils in everyday use were also found.

Beaches
Akrotiri: Near Akrotiri one can visit two beautiful beaches, the Red beach (Kokkini Paralia) and the White beach (Aspri Paralia). Walk to the Red beach from Akrotiri and enjoy the view, where soaring red lava cliffs that drop into the clear blue sea, form a majestic setting. Taverns and a few places more for meals and snacks can be found here. The White beach is accessible by caique only, which one can take from the shore to the right of Akrotiri. It is nice to explore the under water scenery around the white islet, so don’t forget your mask. Kamari: Black sand, pebbles and crystal-clear water characterize Kamari beach that stretches for five miles in length along the eastern coast of Santorini. Water sports facilities are available at Kamari beach. On the sea front you can find, restaurants, taverns, tourist shops café’s etc. Perissa: 8km of black sand and clear deep blue sea, numerous facilities as Water sports, camping, seafront taverns and anything else you can imagine have made Perissa one of the most popular beaches on the island Perivolos: Continuation of Perissa, a relatively quiet beach. Sports facilities, taverns and bars are available.

Restaurants and Taverns
Ia 1800: In a restored neo-classical mansion, lovely setting and good Mediterranean cuisine. KOUKOUMBALOS: Beautiful surroundings, pleasant atmosphere and fine international dishes. ARCHIPELAGOS: A good restaurant for lunch. Extraordinary casseroles and sweets. SPHINX: Superb view restaurant with good food. SELINI: Bar-Restaurant, with traditional cuisine. VANILIA: Bar-Restaurant with Greek specialties in a traditional building next to a windmill. IL CANTUCCIO: Restaurant with good Italian cuisine. AKTAION: The oldest restaurant on Santorini. Excellent Greek and local specialties.
Monolithos DOMATA: One of the finest restaurants on the island, with an imaginative menu.
Megalohori VEDEMA RESTAURANT: In Vedema hotel, the restaurant is situated in 300-year old semi-basement chambers.

How to get there
By air: from Eleutherios Venizelos airport of Athens
By ferry: from Piraeus and from Rafina ports