Santorini, Greece Guide

The southernmost island of the Cyclades, Santorini’s dramatic beauty is undeniable. Blue-domed roofs preside over the inky waters of the Caldera, white-topped crosses stark against a brilliant blue sky. Pretty blue shutters punctuate whitewashed houses, streaked with fronds of fuchsia bougainvillea, blindingly white in the midday sun.

Spend long, languid days in pure, unadulterated relaxation - gazing out over the cliffs of the Caldera from your infinity pool, horizon swimming in a blue-hued haze. Take refuge in the pared-back minimalism of your hilltop villa, all pristine white lines and cool, contemporary interiors - highlighting the vivid sapphire of the sea and sky.

Drag yourself away from your hilltop retreat and explore the island’s pristine beaches, the famous stretches of sand on the southern end of the island, from glistening volcanic pebbles to red rock formations sinking into cerulean waters. Stroll the jewellery boutiques in glamorous Oia, with its winding narrow streets, or pause for a lazy, candlelit dinner at one of the high-end restaurants or traditional tavernas, where local delicacies like squid and urchin are served straight from the sea. Fall in love all over again, as you watch the fiery sun sink over the vast volcanic bay, ships trailing across the scarlet sea.

Santorini, also known as Thera, is an island located in the Aegean Sea, part of the Cyclades group of islands in Greece. The island is famous for its stunning natural beauty, breathtaking sunsets, and unique architectural style, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

The history of Santorini dates back to the Neolithic period, with evidence of human presence on the island as early as 4500 BC. The island’s first inhabitants were the Minoans, who arrived around 3000 BC and built a prosperous civilization on the island. They were known for their advanced maritime skills, as well as their impressive architecture, which can still be seen in the ruins of the ancient city of Akrotiri.

In the 16th century BC, a massive volcanic eruption destroyed much of the island, causing the center of Santorini to collapse into the sea and creating the caldera that is seen today. This event is believed to have been one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history and had a significant impact on the development of the island.

After the volcanic eruption, the island was deserted for several centuries. It was not until the 9th century BC that the island was re-inhabited by the Phoenicians, who established a trading post on the island. The island then came under the rule of the Persians, followed by the Athenians, and eventually the Romans.

During the Byzantine era, Santorini was an important religious center, with many churches and monasteries built on the island. However, the island’s strategic location also made it vulnerable to pirate attacks, and the locals were forced to build fortified settlements to protect themselves.

In the 13th century, the island came under the rule of the Venetians, who named it Santorini after Saint Irene. The Venetians built a fortress on the island, which is still standing today and serves as a popular tourist attraction.

In the 16th century, Santorini was conquered by the Ottoman Empire and remained under their rule until the Greek War of Independence in the early 19th century. The island then became part of the newly formed Greek state.

Today, the island is a popular destination for honeymooners, families, and travelers from all over the world, making it one of the most sought-after vacation spots in Greece.