What to see in Santorini

Surely, you have considered traveling to the Hellenic archipelagos. And, in this case, you may have also wondered what to see in Santorini, since this island belongs to the cyclades It is one of the most beautiful, popular and appreciated by tourism. In fact, we could tell you that it is unique among all those of the Aegean Sea both for its spectacular geological conformation and for its beauty and historical value.

If you want to find out what to see in Santorini, join us on this tour that begins with its natural wonders, its monuments and its villages of white and pristine stone houses.

What to see in Santorini

Inhabited since the third millennium BC, the origin of Santorini is wrapped in the legendary, which the Greeks like so much, as some theories defend that the mythical was there Atlantis.

However, from a more realistic perspective, the island, as we know it today, is what remains of a gigantic Volcanic explosion happened around the seventeenth century before Jesus Christ that literally sank much of its territory into the sea. This rash, known as Minoan since the island was then colonized by this Bronze Age civilization, it was one of the largest to have occurred on our planet in the last thousands of years.

Because of it, Santorini presents a form of half Moon highest in its western part, where you can see spectacular cliffs. In the inner part of that crescent, where the great volcano was, there are currently other small islands of enormous beauty as well. All this leads us to show you what you can see in Santorini.

Akrotiri

It is the name that receives an impressive archaeological site from the Minoan period which, precisely because the volcanic eruption covered it, has been very well preserved. It is similar to what happened with Pompeii and Herculaneum on the Italian peninsula.

In fact, the first thing to be found at the site was a house in perfect condition. Currently, you can see in Akrotiri the streets of that ancient city, three types of houses built in adobe and wall paintings that provide enormous information about the life and customs of the inhabitants of that city. To give you an idea of ​​it, there is even a fresco depicting two boxers boxing.

Fira or Thira, the first thing to see in Santorini

Thira or Fira is the capital of Santorini and in it you have the Archaeological Museum, which complements your visit to the previous site, as it houses many of the ceramic pieces and sculptures found there. It is not the only museum in the town. You also have the Prehistoric; the wine and one that will catch your attention: the Byzantine Musical Instruments Museum.

But Fira also has numerous monuments despite its small size. Thus, his orthodox cathedral, a true wonder of rounded shapes, white walls and a spectacular bell tower. Inside, you can also see some beautiful frescoes by Christóforos Assimis. And also the catholic cathedral, which you will reach through the typical cobbled streets of the town.

They are not the only temples to see in Santorini. In Fira alone there are about four hundred Byzantine churches that stand out for their blue domes. Regarding civil architecture, highlights the gyzis palace, a beautiful XNUMXth century mansion that houses a photography museum.

Imerovigli

This small town is currently attached to the capital, but is a little higher, in the so-called Santorini balcony. For this reason, it offers you stunning views of the bay, especially at sunset. The inhabitants of the area say that from there they can be seen the best sunsets in the world and they have some reason.

Oia

About eleven kilometers from the capital, to the west of the island, it also offers you wonderful views, in this case of its spectacular cliffs. Its houses with whitewashed walls and dome-shaped ceilings painted in blue will also attract your attention.

Other locations

Athinios It is the most important port on the island and Kamari It has the most popular beach in it. For its part, emborio It has a spectacular medieval castle and is the nucleus of production of the famous Santorini wine along with Messa Gonia. Finally, Perissa stands out for its black sand beach.

Santorini Attractions

You not only have many things to see in Santorini. You can also do endless activities. One of the obligatory ones is the boat trip to the caldera of the ancient volcano. On its islets, you can walk through black lava floors and see the crater. In addition, you can bathe in the hot springs in the area.

Another experience that offers you unparalleled views is taking the cableway that connects Fira with its old port. This tour can also be done by donkey, very typical among tourists. However, there are people who do not like it because they consider it to be abusing animals.

It also has Santorini hiking trails. The most popular is the one that joins Oia with Imerovigli along a sandy path that runs along the cliff. And, likewise, the coasts of the island are perfect for you to practice scuba diving and snorkelling.

A visit to Santorini wineries and vineyards or do the route of the beaches They are also activities that you can do on the island. These sands include the black sand of Perissa, which we have already mentioned; the Red Beach, near Akrotiri, or the White Beach, next to the previous one. These areas also have a lively night life. But you should also try the gastronomy of Santorini.

What to eat in Santorini

Once we have explained what to see in Santorini, we are going to focus on its delicious cuisine, which is also essential on any trip. Logically, the island's cuisine is part of the Mediterranean diet, with the olive oil, miel and tomato as its main ingredients.

Typical dishes that you must try on your visit to Santorini are the popular moussaka, which has meat, aubergines, red wine and cinnamon; The different salads in which there is always the feta cheese; the dolmades, a stew that is prepared with vine leaves; the avgolemono, rice with chicken, lemon and eggs, or the soulaki, similar to our Moorish skewer.

As an aperitif, the kef you, some meat balls that itch. And, as for the sauces, the tzatziki, which has yogurt, garlic, dill, cucumber and olive oil.

Finally, regarding desserts, the cuisine of Santorini has a fundamental role fresh fruit. But also in syrup, a dish called glika couta liou. Equally sweet are the Baklava, a honey, puff pastry, vanilla and almond cake; the moustalevria, cake prepared with grape must; the Loukoumades, a honey, puff pastry and cinnamon bun, and the karidopita, a walnut cake with brandy syrup.

All of this can be washed down with Santorini wine. And, for after eating, you have the raki and ouzo, both liquors aniseed.

When to go to Santorini

The Greek island features a moderate Mediterranean climate, with mild and pleasant winters. Summers are very sunny with temperatures around thirty degrees on average. Even the months of October and March are relatively warm.

As for rainfall, they are scarce and are mainly concentrated in January and February. Therefore, any time is good for you to travel to Santorini. But maybe the best months are june and september. The island is calmer and the weather is still summery.

How to get around Santorini

The cycladic island has a airport to which airplanes arrive from some Spanish cities, especially in summer through charter flights. You can also choose to fly to Athens or Crete and reach Santorini by ferry.

To travel from the airport to Fira and, in general, to move around the island, you have a bus line that communicates its main towns. However, be careful not to get dizzy because the roads, although in good condition, are narrow and full of curves.

In conclusion, you already know what to see in Santorini. And also how to get there and what are the main dishes of its gastronomy. You just need to get your ticket to visit this wonder of the Mediterranean.