Santorini hotels overlooking the caldera, with their colorful window shutters, winding staircases and sparkling sky-blue swimming pools, can be seen in many photos of Greece. And you can not only see, but also book! In today's article we will tell you about excellent hotels in Santorini overlooking the volcanic caldera. And although the prices for these hotels are some of the highest on the island, we have selected for you both expensive and luxurious, as well as budget options.


Santorini hotels overlooking the volcanic caldera are a real decoration of this Greek island. As a rule, such hotels are built on the slope of a cliff, and some are even carved out of a rock or cave. They are so picturesque that many tourists photograph them, not even suspecting that they are photographing hotels.

It is not surprising that Santorini hotels with caldera views are considered the most prestigious on the island. Spending an evening not in a crowd of tourists, but on your own terrace or in the pool, admiring the sunset against the backdrop of the sea with a glass of wine is a special chic. This is why prices for Santorini hotels that overlook the volcano's caldera are usually higher than the island average. However, even among these prestigious hotels there are quite inexpensive ones (when compared with average price for such hotels). And in this article we will tell you about the best hotels in Santorini with a view of the caldera from different price categories.

Almost all Santorini hotels with caldera views are located in three cities: Fira, Imerovigli and Oia. In each of these cities (or is it still villages?) we have selected two hotels for you - more expensive and cheaper. Here we will provide links to the pages of these hotels on booking sites. There you can find out prices, see even more photos of these hotels, read real reviews tourists and book a room. We will provide links not only to Booking.com, but also to the hotel search engine Hotellook, which automatically compares room rates in different systems bookings (Booking, Agoda, Ostrovok, etc.) and finds the best prices.

The best Santorini hotels with caldera views: prices, reviews and great photos

Luxury hotel in Fira: Athina Luxury Suites

A bad hotel will not be named after the goddess of war, Athens. It's not for nothing that Athena always hangs out with Nike, the goddess of victory. Athina Luxury Suites is not just a great hotel with caldera views, beautiful rooms and a beautiful pool. The hotel's location could not be more convenient: close to the bus stop and the city center with the main attractions of Fira, and the Caldera of the volcano is right next to the cliff on which the hotel is built. Some rooms at this hotel are carved out of a cave and feature an outdoor hot tub with stunning sea views. All guests receive a bottle of wine as a gift!

The best Santorini hotels with caldera views: Athina Luxury Suites is not just located on a mountainside with excellent sea views. From here you can walk to many of the island's attractions.

Cheap hotel in Fira: Golden Gray Goose

The location of the Golden Gray Goose Hotel is very convenient: close to the Orthodox and Catholic Cathedrals of Fira, a bus station, many shops and restaurants. However, this hotel is so beautiful that you don’t even want to leave it - it’s not for nothing that it has such a high rating on Booking! There is everything for this, including apartments with their own stove and utensils and free Wi-Fi. At the same time, the price of accommodation in this hotel is one and a half to two times lower than that offered by other hotels in Santorini with a view of the volcanic caldera.

Golden Gray Goose is not just a hotel, but an apart-hotel. There are rooms with their own kitchens, from which you can not leave at all, but buy some goodies and admire the wonderful view all day long!

Luxury hotel in Imerovigli: Cocoon Suites

It so happened on Santorini that the most elite place on the island is not its capital at all, but the villages of Imerovigli and Oya (in Russian, Barvikha and Rublevka). The village of Imerovigli is located just north of Fira, it is quiet and peaceful, there are few tourists, and the hotels are expensive and luxurious. One of them, Cocoon Suites, is an almost ideal place for your vacation. There are only three rooms here, all elite as a selection, each of which has, if not a swimming pool, then an open-air hot tub. There are also rooms carved into the rock. In addition to the stunning view of the caldera, guests praise the design of the rooms and terraces, the work of the staff and the delicious breakfasts.

Best Santorini Hotels with Caldera Views: The stunning Cocoon Suites is located in a secluded location where nothing will distract you from your relaxation.

Cheap hotel in Imerovigli: Tholos Resort

Inexpensive Santorini hotels with caldera views exist! Here's your proof - Tholos Resort, an excellent hotel with excellent reviews, and costs significantly less than other similar hotels. However, there are not only standard suites, but also more expensive rooms with a private hydromassage bath and (attention!) Hammam. This hotel's rooms offer views not only of the caldera, volcano and islands, but also of Mount Skaros, one of Santorini's landmarks. Tourists also appreciate this hotel for its privacy, unusual design and hospitality, and also note how cool the pool is.

The Tholos Resort hotel has not only expensive rooms, but also quite budget suites. Not all Santorini hotels with caldera views are ready to offer this price.

Luxury hotel in Oia: Andronis Boutique Hotel

Andronis Boutique Hotel is definitely one of the best hotels in Santorini. Andronis Boutique Hotel is a real 5 star, incredibly comfortable hotel with a trendy minimalist design and stunning views not only of the Caldera, but also of the famous sunset in Oia, which every tourist dreams of seeing. But guests of the Andronis Boutique Hotel admire the sunset not from jumping up in a crowd of people clicking cameras, but from the jacuzzi or pool, which are available in all rooms without exception. There is also a large communal pool, where in the evenings you can enjoy candlelit dinners and live music.

Yes, the hotel is expensive. But he's wonderful.

Andronis Boutique Hotel 5 stars – one of the best on the island. And accordingly, one of the most expensive.

Cheap hotel in Oia: Fanari Villas

Santorini hotels with caldera views, located in the picturesque village of Oia (aka Oia or Oia), are expensive. And it’s not just about the gorgeous panorama outside the window: the owners try their best to make these hotels as comfortable as possible. Fanari Villas is perhaps the most budget-friendly of these hotels. At the same time, Fanari Villas are full-fledged 4 stars, and even the most budget rooms here have a jacuzzi and a terrace with stunning views (guess what). Breakfast is included in the room price, and if you don’t want to leave this beautiful hotel at all (which is very likely), guests have their own restaurant. And by the way, this hotel also offers views not only of the caldera and islands, but also of the sunset. Sunsets in Santorini are unforgettable, so get your camera ready! And a bottle of champagne, of course.

All Santorini hotels on Hotellook.com

Dear readers, have you ever been to the beautiful island of Santorini and vacationed in similar hotels? If so, it would be very interesting to hear your feedback about Santorini hotels with caldera views! And don’t forget, the fun is just beginning :)

Santorini one of the most romantic islands in the world. The popularity of the island in recent years has been enormous. This is the stop of almost all cruise routes on the Mediterranean Sea; people come here on a one-day excursion from Crete (in my opinion, this is not worth doing!).

At its core Santorini it is an archipelago of several islands: Santorini (Thira or Fira), Therassia, Aspronisi, Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni. This cluster of islands was formed as a result of a series of powerful volcanic eruptions.

Santorini Archipelago

Aspronisi, Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni are uninhabited islands; about 300 people live on Therasia. The largest island is Thira, which is called Santorini.
In the very center of the archipelago is the island of Palea Kameni - this is the crater of a volcano (an active one, by the way). Around it is a flooded depression - the Caldera.
As a consequence of this, the West and East coasts of the island are sharply different.
All the luxury hotels are located on the Caldera side Santorini.

The popularity of the island is so great that since 2016, the authorities have been forced to limit the flow of tourists to the island - no more than 8,000 people per day. This mainly applies to cruise ship passengers. Every year the island is visited by 750 - 780 thousand people, this has a colossal environmental impact.

Santorini often compared to Mykonos. Probably because both islands are suitable for a holiday without children. In my opinion, a completely incorrect comparison: Mykonos- it's fun all day long, Santorini- romance, relaxation and contemplation.

Island for Two

All hotels are located only on the main island and when choosing a hotel you need to take into account some nuances. The west coast (view of the Caldera) and the east are very different.

Hotels with Caldera View

In a continuous chain there are Fira (the capital of the island), Firostefani, Imerovigli, Oia. The villages merge with each other, only Oia is a little to the side, forming a necklace of small hotels along the edge of the Caldera. All of them are located on a high cliff, with breathtaking views of the volcano and the Aegean Sea. Almost all hotels have swimming pools and offer SPA services. The most luxurious and unusual hotels are located in this part of the island. Santorini .

All hotels with Caldera view

A significant part of the hotels are located in Fira. Here you need to be prepared for a large crowd of people (all excursion groups head here). IN Fira quite active and nightlife, in addition, it is the transport center of the island - the road to any village or to the beach lies through Fira.
Firostefani And Imerovigli much calmer, in the evening life here comes to a standstill (at the same time in Fira you can walk).

Oia is located a little further north and is the most popular place for lovers. When they talk about Santorini As an island for two, we are talking primarily about this fabulous place.

What all hotels in this part of the island have in common is the lack of beaches. The nearest beaches are 7 - 10 km.

Beach hotels

A beautiful view of the Caldera isn't all it has to offer Santorini. The island is famous for its beaches with black, red and white sand.
The best beaches are in the area Kamari And Perissa. There are also numerous hotels (cheaper, by the way), taverns, and restaurants. IN Perisse In high season you can have some good fun in the evening.

Kamari is a great option if you need a beach close to your hotel

If proximity to the beach is a priority for you, then it is more logical to settle in Kamari or Perisse, and you can look at the famous sunsets by going out in the evening Fira.

Santorini Hotel Map

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How to get to Santorini

You can get to the island either by water or by plane.

Regular flights operate from the following airports:

  • Athens;
  • Mykonos Islands;
  • island of Rhodes.

If you prefer a sea travel option, then by ferry:

  • Athens (port of Piraeus, about 9 hours to get there);
  • ports of Heraklion or Rethymno on Crete (about 4 hours travel);
  • Mykonos port (about 3 hours).
If the sea is calm, then from any island you can get to Santorini by high-speed catamarans, the journey from Athens in this case takes 5 hours.
There is a ferry from Thessaloniki to Crete, Santorini along this route as an intermediate stop.

These are the kind of passers-by you meet!

According to the Greek philosopher Plato, there once existed on our planet the beautiful island of Atlantis, inhabited by talented people of high culture. Many scientists still consider Plato's stories to be just a beautiful myth, but some geological and archaeological studies indicate that the island really existed, and the cause of its destruction was the eruption of the Santorini volcano, located on the island of Thira in the Aegean Sea.

Before the eruption of Santorini

Together with several small islands, Thira is part of the Santorini group of islands belonging to the Cyclades archipelago in the southern Aegean Sea. The island group in the form of a ring is located at the junction of the Eurasian and African tectonic plates, due to which it is characterized by increased volcanic activity. According to archaeological data, already in the 13th century BC Santorini was inhabited by numerous civilizations, including the famous Minoan, famous for its architecture, painting and high economic development.

Archaeological excavations near the city of Akrotiri in the south of the island of Thira show that there was once a large and dynamic settlement on this site, engaged in trade with the countries of the Mediterranean Sea. Today, the remains of this once thriving community are buried under a thick blanket of pumice caused by a massive eruption during the Late Bronze Age. The exact date of the volcanic event remains controversial, although most radiometric studies indicate that the volcano erupted between 1615 and 1645 BC.

Plinian eruption of Santorini volcano

Over the past million years, the Santorini islands have experienced at least 12 major eruptions. The last of them, which destroyed the Minoan civilization and, possibly, Atlantis, occurred according to the Plinian type and received an index of VEI-7 on an 8-point explosiveness scale. The enormity of this explosion was surpassed only by seven terrestrial eruptions that have occurred over the past four millennia, including.

Before the disaster, Santorini was a large round island with an estuary filled with sea water. At the end of the Bronze Age, as a result of an eruption, its central highlands collapsed, and in their place a large caldera formed. The island was divided into three parts, which today represent the islets of Thira, Thirasia and Aspronisi.

The collapse of the caldera is associated with intense seismic activity, volumetric pyroclastic flows and a tsunami that washed away all coastal settlements. During the eruption, the Santorini volcano completely emptied its interior, after which its cone, unable to withstand its own weight, collapsed into an empty magma reservoir, into which sea waters poured in after it. The resulting giant wave, about 18 meters high, swept across the Cyclades archipelago and reached the northern coast of the island of Crete. The tsunami destroyed all settlements on the islands of the Aegean Sea, and also affected the shores of Egypt and other countries of the Mediterranean Sea, stopping the development of mankind for a long thousand years.

Modern history of Santorini

After the eruption of Santorini, many other eruptive events occurred in the center of the resulting caldera. Some of them affected the archipelago in the 19th and 20th centuries. In particular, the last major eruption occurred in 1950. Today, Santorini exhibits constant seismic activity, and fumaroles and hydrothermal vents are still active on some of its islands. Scientists are confident that sooner or later a new eruption will occur here. Most likely, its strength will be small to moderate. However, volcanoes such as Santorini are unpredictable, so the likelihood of a powerful eruption similar to the one that destroyed the Minoan civilization still remains very high.

The beaches of Santorini are as popular as the legendary sunsets. On this Greek island there is always a place where you can sunbathe, swim, spend time with the children, dance and have a snack - along with other travelers or as far away from them as possible. Let us immediately note that people do not go to Santorini for a beach holiday.

The local beaches are a landmark that remains in memory of the volcanic eruption that occurred long before our era, plunging the island into the sea and covering the remaining part on the surface with ash.

The most famous beaches on Santorini are Red and Kamari with black sand, but besides these two the island has many places in the sun for a pleasant pastime.

The multi-colored coastlines of intricate shapes, covered with dark gray sand, black pebbles or red volcanic scoria, are definitely worth seeing with your own eyes, as is the surface of the sea - blue, turquoise, green or almost black. If you are going to Santorini for a couple of days, stay at the most accessible beaches, a visit to which can be combined with excursions to ancient cities, archaeological sites, churches and monasteries. And if you have enough time, explore the entire coast, following the advice of experienced tourists.

Perissa Beach

Located in a small village at the foot of Mount Messa Vuno, 15 km from the capital of the island. You can get here by car, bus or water taxi. The black sand of the coast, hot from the midday sun, stretches for almost 7 km, which the owners of numerous taverns, nightclubs, attractions and diving centers took advantage of, placing their establishments along the recreation area.


There are practically no winds on Perissa, so the sea is calm, the water is crystal clear, but you shouldn’t run into it from a running start - you risk slipping on slabs of solidified lava. It is better to go in carefully, feeling for the rocky bottom. Otherwise, the beach is absolutely safe and well-maintained - there are showers, changing cabins and toilets, paid sun loungers and umbrellas.

Kamari is the pride of Santorini; this beach is chosen by most vacationers for its spaciousness, well-groomed water area and clear water. The beach is covered with a mixture of black sand and small pebbles, making it easy to get the perfect tan and have fun.


The black beach of Kamari is one of the most unique in all of Greece. People come here by regular buses, cars and island taxis to spend the whole day. For adults - badminton, beach volleyball and mini-football, restaurants, taverns and souvenir shops, for children - animators and attractions in the children's area. The beach is fully equipped with everything you need, but be careful - the entrance to the sea is not entirely comfortable in some places due to volcanic plates.

Perivolos

Perivolos beach is located 3 km from Perisa beach, in the south of Santorini. The sand is also black, the water is just as clean, and entering the sea is much more comfortable. The wide coastline meets all the standards for a pleasant stay: changing rooms, showers and toilets, sun loungers and umbrellas, rental of water sports equipment, playgrounds. The beach is surrounded by eateries, luring visitors with the wonderful aromas of Greek cuisine.


When it is unbearably hot in Santorini, this black beach invites you to plunge into the cool waters of the Aegean Sea, and then wait until the evening and light up at the disco that is held during the tourist season.

Vlychada Beach

A secluded place near Perivolos, 13 km from Fira, in the southernmost part of Satorini. Everything here resembles the planet Mars - the harsh rugged rocks, the black sand and pebble beach, and the turquoise water rising into high waves. The unusual landscape is either beautified or spoiled by the chimneys of a former brick factory.


The advantages of Vlychada are a smooth descent into the sea, distance from a noisy resort, the presence of the necessary infrastructure, including eateries. The beach, stretching for 2.5 km, will appeal to romantics and those who like to soak up the sun without clothes (nudists usually sunbathe with right side beach). There is only one drawback - a pier for mooring private yachts, which can interfere with your vacation.

Red beach

The red beach on Santorini is called Kokkini Paralia by Greek residents. It is located near the archaeological site and pavilion museum of Akrotiri, 8 km from Fira. You can get to this part of Santorini by car, reaching a certain point with a large parking lot - then you have to walk 200 meters along the path.


It’s worth taking a photo at the observation deck in front of the rocky descent (bring sports shoes) - this is where you can enjoy an incomparable view of the Red Beach. A fantastic combination of brick-colored rocks and greenish sea waves can only be seen in Santorini in Greece. The beach strewn with porous pebbles with rocky shores is landscaped in season, but has a deep entrance to the sea, so be careful.

And remember - it is better not to come to Red Beach in light-colored clothes for swimming, as they may take on a reddish tint.

Eros


Eros Beach, 6 km long and 35 meters wide, is located in the south and is considered one of the most glamorous holiday spots in Santorini.

They say that nudists often come here, but they are quite difficult to find - apparently, they prefer to remain unnoticed.

A quiet and calm beach, protected from strong winds by a high hill, is conducive to relaxation. There are no noisy restaurants and bars - only huge umbrellas, comfortable sun loungers, dark gray sand, unusual rock relief and reconnection with nature. If you want to have a snack, you can go a little higher and look into a tavern serving Mediterranean cuisine. The water is blue, clean and transparent, but sharp stones near the shore spoil the swimming experience a little. You can only get to Eros with a rented car, leaving it in the parking lot adjacent to the beach.

White Beach is 14 km away from Fira and is “hidden” in a small bay, accessible only to those who are ready for a sea voyage by boat or speedboat - they regularly depart from the Red Beach, disembarking passengers directly into the water, since there is no pier on the beach provided.


It is shallow here, there are stone slabs of natural origin near the shore, there is a rental of sun loungers and umbrellas, and a food tent. The most romantic beach of Santorini, photos of which cannot reflect the grandeur of the white rocks and blue water, will be appreciated by couples in love. Wear comfortable shoes to explore the caves of White Beach and simply walk effortlessly on the sand and large rocks that cover the coast.

Caldera


Caldera Beach bears a name reminiscent of the disaster that changed the face of Santorini. As a result of a powerful eruption of the Santorini volcano, its crater collapsed, forming a crater (caldera), which was immediately filled with sea water. Caldera Beach is a rare Santorini beach facing the volcanic caldera. It is located next to the village of Akrotiri, near which archaeological excavations are being carried out. Black sand and pebbles, easy access to the sea, several taverns - the infrastructure is modest, but sufficient for an unpretentious holiday.

Mesa Pigadia


Mesa Pigadia beach in the southwest of Santorini attracts with its privacy and silence. Located in the Akrotiri area, close to the lighthouse, it is accessible to boats, cars and ATVs - from the main road it is approximately one kilometer on dirt to a compact parking area. The small beach, surrounded by steep white cliffs with caves and “houses”, is divided into two parts according to the type of coverage - sand and pebbles. The water is clear, there are few people, and in the winter fishing boats stop at Mesa Pigadia, so the doors of the nearby restaurants and taverns are open year-round.

Katharos


Katharos is located near the town of Oia (aka Oia and Oia), making it an ideal choice for those staying in the northwestern part of Santorini and not wanting to travel long distances to take a swim. The black pebble beach of Katharos, surrounded by high cliffs, cannot boast of amenities. Among the amenities there is only a smooth entry into the sea, but many come here for the Katharos Lounge restaurant.

This beachfront establishment is said to offer the best food not only in Santorini, but in all of Greece.

Monolithos

Monolithos Beach is located in the village of the same name in the southeast of the island, just behind Santorini airport, so you can while away the time on the beach while waiting for your flight. Excellent for parents with children due to the gentle and long entrance to the sea, as well as fine and soft sand, on which walking barefoot is a real pleasure.


Monolithos has everything you need for convenience - clear water, sun loungers and umbrellas, a playground for children, cafes and taverns. The perfection of Monolithos is disturbed only by the periodically rising strong wind, swirling clouds of sand.

Vourvoulos

Vourvoulos is located in the north-eastern part of Satorini, 7 km from Fira. The sandy and pebble coastal strip of dark gray (sometimes deep black) color, turquoise water and complete isolation promote relaxation from the hustle and bustle. It’s nice to walk along the shore and have picnics at a safe distance from the surf line - due to the winds, the sea is sometimes stormy and waves rise. The rest of the time, Vourvoulos is a quiet surf beach without sun loungers or umbrellas, but with a small restaurant.


Cambia

Kambia Beach is located in the southwest of Santorini, between Mesa Pigadia and Red Beach. You can get to it by car - it’s good if it’s an SUV, since the road to the beach is quite difficult. Not far from the beach there are two churches and a picturesque cave.


Cambia is securely hidden from the winds by coastal cliffs and strewn with large pebbles. On thoughtfully installed beds, in the shade of large umbrellas, you can hide from crowds of tourists, and in a typical Greek tavern you can try simple but tasty food.

Baxedes

Baxedes Beach is an ideal option for those who want to avoid overly busy beaches, take lots of beautiful photos and fully enjoy the atmosphere of Santorini and Greece. Baxedes, with a narrow coastal strip, a mixture of black sand, small pebbles and large stones, is located 3 km from Oia.

Entry into the sea is convenient, but the depth begins immediately from the shore, and high waves rise due to the northern winds, so the beach is not recommended for elderly people and families with children. The rest are provided with an acquaintance with untouched nature, rental of everything necessary for relaxation and a pleasant pastime in a local tavern.

Columbus

Koloumbos is a small beach ten minutes walk from Baxedes. The road to the “secret” place is surrounded by rocks and bottomless gorges. Along the way you can see a small church - white, with a blue dome, like many others in Santorini.


Previously, Columbus, with dark pebbles and an underwater volcano, belonged entirely to nudists - today everyone relaxes on the beach, but it remains uncrowded due to undeveloped infrastructure, which only adds to its natural charm.

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Paradisos

Paradisos Beach or Paradise Beach is located a short drive from Oia. It will appeal to those who are looking for peace and are ready to give up some of the benefits of civilization for the sake of it. During the season, sun loungers and umbrellas are installed on the coastal strip, covered with black and gray sand interspersed with small pebbles. The sea is shallow near the shore, but large rocks make it difficult to enter the clear water. Like other beaches in Santorini, Paradisos is surrounded by restaurants, eateries and taverns.

Map of Santorini with beaches in Russian.

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Santorini is the number one destination in Greece according to Tripadvisor. And indeed it is. The Acropolis of Athens pales in comparison to this extraordinary island.

In fact, Santorini is a group of islands in the Aegean Sea. The group includes the islands of Thira, Thirasia, Palea Kameni, Nea Kameni and Aspro. The population of Thirasia is very small; Palea Kameni, Nea Kameni and Aspro are generally uninhabited, which is why the main island of Thira is simply called by the name of the archipelago.

Volcano Santorini

The main attraction of the island is the Santorini volcano. Arriving in Santorini, it is simply impossible not to visit the volcano - the island is the volcano. The exception is Santorini Peak, but more on that later. The volcano is active. The island shakes regularly. The last serious earthquake here occurred in 1956.

Until 1500 BC the island had a round shape and was called Strongyla. The Santorini volcano, which was located in the center of the island, had a height of 1.5 km. About one and a half thousand years BC, an event occurred that decisively changed both the history of the ancient world and the shape of the island - an eruption with a force of up to 7 points on the eruption scale. As a result of the eruption, the crater of the volcano collapsed and a huge caldera (funnel) was formed, which was immediately filled with the sea. The sea surface area of ​​the caldera reaches about 32 square meters. miles, and the depth is 300-400 m. All that remains of ancient Strongyla is the currently visible crescent with a steep cliff of more than 300 m in the western part and flat beaches in the eastern part.

This is what Santorini looks like today. In the very center there is an island-crater (Palea Kameni), surrounded by a flooded caldera and individual islands. Source: Wikipedia.

After the volcano's mouth was filled with water, it evaporated and a huge explosion occurred (the effect of a steam boiler), which caused a huge tsunami, presumably 100 to 200 m high, that hit the northern coast of Crete. The aftermath of the tsunami was sunset Minoan civilization. The disaster was completed by strong earthquakes and volcanic ash thrown over a considerable distance. A tsunami several tens of meters high destroyed everything that was on the islands of the Aegean Sea, Crete, coastal Greek settlements, northern Egypt, everyone who lived on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, and suspended the development of civilizations for a thousand years. There is a version that it was this tsunami that destroyed Atlantis.

If you look closely at the satellite image, you can clearly see the mountain on the right. This is the peak of Santorini. It has nothing to do with the volcano and was here before it. It has exactly the same structure and origin as all the other islands of the Cyclades archipelago.

From the side of the island, the caldera is framed by steep slopes. It is on these slopes that the top attractions are located - the cities of Fira and Oia.

Sheer cliffs around the caldera of the Santorini volcano. The dark island in the center is a crater.

Santorini is conventionally a Greek island. This can be seen in the architecture, culture, names and Catholics. The name of the island itself is of Latin origin - Santa Irini (in Greek it would be Agios Irini). Obviously Latin names are also found among settlements- Emporio, Perissa, Messario, etc.

Carter of Santorini volcano. Oia is visible in the background, and even further away is the island of Ios.

I'm very skeptical about crowds of tourists, but this island was built for that. We spent five days on the island and didn’t have time to see everything.

Transport in Santorini

Volcano Santorini

Ruins of a Minoan city on Cape Akrotiri

Akrotiri is the name of excavations at the site of a Bronze Age settlement attributed to the Minoan civilization. The name of the excavations is given by the name of the modern village located on a hill nearby. The original name of the ancient settlement is unknown. It was buried under a layer of ash after a volcanic eruption around 1500 BC, leaving it remarkably well preserved. According to experts, before the city was covered with volcanic ash, a strong earthquake occurred, and therefore residents managed to leave their homes in time.

The Akrotiri Museum is one of the most civilized places in Santorini. It's clean, neat and everything is thought out. The infrastructure is very reminiscent of the pyramids of Guimar in Tenerife. The only thing I didn't like was the paid parking (3 euros). More paid parking We didn’t see any in Santorini.

The Akrotiri Excavation Museum is a branch of Tenerife in Santorini.

Shortly before the completion of the excavations in 2005, the roof that covered the entire excavation area collapsed, killing one of the visitors. The excavations were not damaged, but after this the site was closed to the public. In June 2008 it was announced that Akrotiri would be closed to tourists until at least 2010. I don’t know exactly when they opened, but the museum is open.

Red Beach

Red Beach is located very close to Akrotiri. The beach is like a beach, only red. For such a popular and organized beach, the parking and approach are surprisingly poor. Poor aunties have difficulty making their way over stones and other gullies. The parking lot near the beach resembles the average Novgorod courtyard.

Black Beach

Black beach is everywhere in Santorini. A volcano is a volcano. There are beaches with very small pebbles - they are called sandy. They are located in the beach villages of Perissa and Kamari.

Surprisingly, Santorini is developed beach holiday. Beach villages and beaches here are so-so; if you want a beach, go somewhere else (better not to Greece at all).

Santorini Peak

Santorini Peak is the highest point on the island. There is a NATO radar at the peak and the peak itself is closed to visitors. However, almost at the very top, there is observation decks. From the peak the entire archipelago is clearly visible.