Do you know those postcards of white houses with a blue roof on a cliff? We have all seen this beautiful Greek picture, well known, and that is precisely in the place we are going to talk about today, Santorini. Is Greek island It is one of the most beautiful, where tourism has grown the most, and there is no shortage of reasons, with its sunsets, its beautiful landscapes and its many activities.
Well, we still have a lot to say about this half-moon island that remained like this after the eruption of 1650 BC. C., when only the eastern zone remained. It is one of the Cycladic islands located in the Aegean Sea. On this island you can enjoy spectacular views of the caldera, where the volcano is located. In addition, there are from archaeological ruins to artisan shops, beaches and many more things that make it a perfect place to spend a vacation.
Visiting the capital, Fira
The island of Santorini, with its crescent shape and cliffs, is one of the most famous, an epicenter of tourism. In its capital, Fira, we can stay in hotels with incredible views, since it rests on a cliff, and from where you can take the most characteristic photos with the white houses with round roofs in blue color. The town could not be more charming, with a Greek flavor without equal, with houses of a nuclear white on which the sun is reflected, with doors and windows in an intense blue tone and a labyrinthine structure, which was created little by little. on the terrain. Also here are the best terraces for sunbathing.
This is also one of the livelier areas, with artisan shops where you can buy from jewelry to fabrics. There are bars and restaurants with typical Greek cuisine. And at night you can enjoy the best atmosphere. That is why it is one of the best areas to stay, because we will never get bored.
Stay to watch a sunset
But if this island stands out for something, it is for providing the most incredible sunsets. The best place to see them is a natural balcony in the small Immerivigli village two kilometers from the capital, on Mount Scaros, where we can also take the opportunity to see the ruins of an ancient castle.
Another popular place to watch the sun go down is the famous port of Oia. You will notice that this place is quite popular, as people gather to enjoy this moment. Artists getting inspired by this beautiful landscape and tourists taking their best photos. A unique stamp.
Activities for the whole family
On this island, being so touristy, you can do many other activities. Going on donkey-riding excursions is one of the most popular, but you can also walk the streets of the capital buying in the small artisan shops, or make a boat trip to the volcanoes in the center of the caldera where it is possible to bathe in hot springs. Of course we are not going to get bored in Santorini. And that's not to mention that we can do scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking or trekking.
The Akrotiri site
This site is very important, and it is in the south of the island. In it, remains of the Bronze Age have been found, so it is believed that this island was an important center in ancient times. It is a city that was buried after the famous eruption of the volcano and that was discovered in 1866. Having been buried, it has been very well preserved, making it a great discovery, and many have been found there. vestiges of the Minoan civilization. There are buildings and frescoes, as well as chapels, and much remains buried under the solidified lava. You can enter the archaeological site on guided tours, although the frescoes have been taken to the National Archaeological Museum of Athens for their conservation, so we will not be able to see them there, but the visit is still worth it.
Of beaches in Santorini
Of course, you can not miss the mention of the beaches on this island, since it is one of the great attractions of the Greek islands that attract hundreds of tourists every year. In Santorini there are many beaches, some more touristy, others more secluded, but which are worth visiting. Vlyhada Beach is amazing because of the rock walls that form the cliffs, making it easy to recognize. There is also the Red beach, by the cliffs that have these colors, in Akrotiri, and the White beach, right next to it, with pale colored rocks. And if we are looking for one of those beaches full of services and amenities, and in which there is a lot of atmosphere, that is the Kamari beach, in the southeast of the island.