Santorini - The most famous island of the Cyclades

It is one of the most famous islands of the Cyclades as well as one of the most renowned Greek islands around the globe. Santorini presents a unique geological phenomenon, as today it is what has been left from the initial one (Stroggyli), which was submerged into the sea after the eruption of its volcano during the 16th century B.C. This was one of the most violent eruptions in the history of the Earth: the three quarters of the island were submerged, forming the Caldera (crater), while one of the most serious consequences caused by the eruption was the destruction of the Minoan palaces in Crete. The island extends over a surface of 73 km2, its coastline is 69.5 km long and it has 13,670 inhabitants.

Santorini is the southernmost island of the Cyclades. Actually it is an island complex which comprises of Thira, Thirasia, Aspronisi, Palia and Nea Kameni. It preserves to a great extent its architectural heritage, except for Fira and Oia, and the rest of the inland settlements. A great prehistoric culture was developed in Santorini, mainly during the Middle-Cycladic period, but it was destroyed by the eruption. Later the island was inhabited again, became prosperous during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, while it was under Venetian occupation for many centuries. The tourist development of the last decades was frenetic, but the island still remains attractive, full of secrets and unknown beauties and continues to have one of the most famous sunsets of the planet. It is also famous for its local production of wine as the vines have been cultivated since the ancient times. The varieties Asirtiko, Athiri, Aidani, Mandilaria and Mavrotragano are cultivated here, while the wine known as "Vintsato" is an exceptional one, produced by a mixture of Asirtiko and Aidani.