Sculpted by intense volcanic activity, Santorini plays host to a dramatic backdrop that is sure to enchant you. Santorini's classic images epitomise the very essence of Greek island charm - brilliant white houses tumbling like sugar cubes down steep cliffsides and rocky islets adding texture and depth to views across an impossibly blue sea. The shape of Santorini as we know it today was created by the volcanic eruption that sank the centre of this once circular island around 1500 BC leaving only a vast ocean-filled crater - the caldera. Layers of jet-black ash, pale cream pumice stone and vibrant red lava piled steeply upon each other is one of the most spectacular natural sights in all of Greece. The gleaming white towns and villages of Oia, Imerovigli and Fira crown the crater like glistening jewels

Just as old as the houses is the most popular social pastime in Fira - watching the sunset, albeit while listening to classical music on the terrace of one of the town's smart cafe bars. Boasting charming inland villages, labyrinthine cobbled streets, spectacular beaches and exquisite views, this beautiful island exudes a charm all of its own.
The 'caldera' or crater that occupies the centre of the island is one of the world's most dramatic and spectacular geological sights. Some theories state that Santorini was once part of the fabled lost continent of Atlantis - a fact which has provided inspiration to great many artists and writers. The black shining pebbles, the bizarre-looking land formations and the black, white and red sands all form to create unforgettable scenery. Santorini is home to one of the world's most famous sunsets. As evening approaches couples head to the beautiful town of Oia to secure their own romantic candle-lit table and watch the brilliant sun sink beneath the shimmering Aegean Sea.

Holidays in Santorini GREECE
Think holidays in Santorini and you're probably imagining white-washed villages, blue-domed churches and sunsets splashed with pastels. This Greek island dream oozes romance and drama. It's one of those places that'll steal your heart the moment you arrive. So where will your Santorini holiday take you? To the enchanting town of Thira, perhaps? Crowning cliffs high above the dinky port, the town's only accessible by foot, cable car or, the traditional way, donkey. Here, dreamy days are best spent exploring the charming tangle of streets where tavernas, churches and cafes find a home. Come sunset, pull up a seat in a cafe overlooking the caldera and drink in the soul-stirring views. Or maybe your Santorini holiday will take you to Oia, where pastel-washed houses hug the cliff-face. It's in the north of the island and people fall hook, line and sinker for its small-town charm and sensational sunsets.
Perissa's another little charmer. Here, you'll find one of the island's most spectacular beaches, with dark sands slipping into a crystal sea. We've got some great hotels to choose from here, too, like the Hotel Rena and the Villa Atlantis Beach – the ideal base for your Perissa escape. We've put together a great range of holidays to Santorini and we can offer everything from late deals to far-off summer holidays. Be warned though – travel to Santorini once and you'll find yourself coming back for more.
Information about Santorini beaches
Santorini's famous beaches are spread out mainly along the eastern and the south-eastern side of the island. Each beach has special characteristics, which make it unique and outstanding. The black shining pebbles, the unique land formations, the black, white and red sand, make up an unforgettable scenery. Most beaches are well organized offering the choice of lounging chairs, umbrellas, and various water sports.
Starting from the northern part of Santorini island, the beaches on the coastline of Oia will instantly amaze, they have a wild and remote beauty. These beaches were frequented by locals, however recently they have been discovered by few tourists, mainly by families and couples, they can easily be passed by since they cannot be seen from the main road. Coming from Oia, one will first come upon the beach of Baxedes, then follows the beach of Koloumbos and lastly we come upon Pori a small fisherman's port. In the south-eastern part of the island one will find the beaches of Monolithos, Avis and Kamari. Organized beaches mainly preferred by families with small children. Numerous hotels, restaurants, tavernas and small shops are located along the beaches, especially in Kamari. Water sports are offered at the beach of Avis, which attracts younger people.
We continue to the beach of Perissa and Perivolos two of the most famous beaches of Santorini. These two beaches together form the longest black-sanded beach on the island. Here one will find also a variety of tavernas and restaurants as well as hotels. Finally one reaches the most southern beaches of the island. Vlychada with its beautiful carved mountain, the "moonscape" landscape, sculptured by the wind through the years.  The Red beach with its unique vertical cliffs, the White beach, which can be reached only by boat, and the unspoilt beach of Mesa Pigadia form the epilogue of an unrevealing landscape, which has been transformed through the ages.
Santorini sites and attractions
Famous for its spellbinding sunset view and splendid beaches, Santorini also possesses some of Greece's finest archaeological sights. The most impressive Santorini sight is the Minoan City of Akrotiri, which is located on the southern side of Santorini and was one of the most significant centers in the Aegean Sea region during the Bronze Age. Discovered in 1866, it has become closely connected with the legend of the Lost City of Atlantis. Much of the city is intact, offering visitors the chance to get a glimpse of a genuine Minoan town including a number of three-storey buildings, a drainage system, storage rooms, a mill, staircases and pithi (ceramic storage jars). When the Santorini volcano erupted in 1550 - 1500 BC, the entire city of Akrotiri was coved in ash and lava.
Another significant archaeological jewel of Santorini Greece is the site of Ancient Thira, situated on the southeastern side of the island, on the Mesa Vouno headland. During antiquity, the site was as observation post on Santorini Island. Today, visitors can see the remains from the Hellenistic and Roman Periods (the Temples of Artemidoros and Dionysus, the Agora, Sanctuaries, the Graveyard and the Stoa) as well as the ruins of several monuments built in the 3rd and 4th centuries BC by the Ptolemies (the Theater). While in Fira, the capital of Santorini Greece, we recommend visiting the 17th century Gizi Manor and the 2 Cathedrals (one orthodox and one catholic). The excellent Archaeological and Prehistoric Museums in Fira display exquisite collections of objects found during excavations on Santorini Island Greece. The Fira Folklore Museum includes a superb collection of traditional objects of the people of Santorini, while the Maritime Museum in Oia has an extensive collection of nautical paraphernalia
Santorini Nightlife - Clubs, Cafes & Restaurants
After a day of lying on breathtaking beaches, guests of Santorini are treated to a fantastic time at the island's nighttime entertainment venues. If you are fond of dancing and loud music, we suggest spending your nights in Fira and Kamari, where the main concentration of Santorini nightlife venues is located. Clubs and bars of all types, ranging from mainstream pop to rock music are available. Relaxing jazz and classical music cafes can be found not only in Fira and Kamari, but also in Oia, with a spectacular view of the Santorini Caldera..
One of Santorini's most famous features is its delicious cuisine. Visitors can choose from a wide selection of traditional tavernas and gourmet restaurants located throughout the island. Some of the finest Santorini restaurants are the luxurious 1800 Restaurant - Bar in Oia (Ia), the hospitable and traditional Irini's Restaurant in Kamari, the gourmet Zannos Melathron Restaurant in Pyrgos and the Elia Restaurant of the Bellonias Villas Complex in Kamari. While in Santorini, be sure to try the scrumptious local dishes, such as tomato balls, squash balls, fried white eggplants, sun-dried cherry tomatoes, fava (lentil dip) and a plethora of fresh seafood dishes. Any meal becomes even more delicious when accompanied by a bottle of famous Santorini wine, which has a unique bouquet due to the volcanic properties of the soil on the island of Santorini.
To truly experience Santorini, we recommend attending the various cultural events that take place on the island. For a contemporary night, go to the Santorini Jazz Festival, which takes place every year in July, or to the annual Santorini International Music Festival in August and September in Fira. If traditional entertainment is more to your liking we suggest attending the traditional festivals such as the "Ifaisteia" Cultural Festival in Fira or the Episkopi Festival in Mesa Gonia on August 15, where you are served fava (a Santorini lentil dip delicacy).
Climate and weather in Santorini GREECE
The climate and the weather in Santorini is typical of the Mediterranean climate: generally extended periods of sunshine throughout most of the year, relatively warm and dry summers and mild and rainy winters.
The year can be broadly subdivided into two main seasons: the warm and dry season lasting from April until October and the cold and rainy season lasting from November until the end of March.  Long periods of consecutive rainy days are not common in Santorini, even during the winter, and the sky does not remain cloudy for more than a few days in a row, as it does in other regions of the world. During the warm and dry season the weather in Santorini Greece is usually stable, the sky is clear, the sun is bright and there is generally no rainfall. A sweater/jacket is advised, especially in April and October, as evenings often bring cooler temperatures.
Getting to Santorini island - Flights & Ferries
Santorini can be reached from most international airports via Athens. The flying time from Athens to Santorini is approximately 40 minutes. Nearly all international scheduled flights arriving in Athens allow adequate time for making the connecting flight to Santorini. Numerous charter flights from different European Cities fly directly to the island during the summer period. During the same period Santorini is also connected with flights to and from Thessaloniki. Another way to reach the island is by a regular ferry boat service from the port of Piraeus, Thessaloniki or Crete island and almost all the Cycladic islands. The boat trip takes approximately 7-9 hours depending on the ferry and the ports of call. A daily high speed boat is available only during the summer period leaving from the port of Piraeus and from numerous other Cycladic islands and Crete.
Santorini volcano
The cataclysmic eruption of 1640 BC split the island in two and water flooded into the caldera to a depth of around 375m. The tidal wave from this extraordinary event is generally held responsible for the destruction of the Minoan civilisation on the coast of northern Crete. Volcanic ash more than 30m thick in places and quarrying resultant pumice was central to the island's economy before the advent of tourism. This was not the only eruption in Santorini's history there have been many more before and since. A series of 18th century eruptions threw up the island of Nia Kameni at the centre of the caldera and in 1956 severe earthquakes demolished the main town of Thira and reduced many homes in Oia to rubble..
Quick facts - Santorini overview
Santorini, also called Thera or Thira, lies at the south of the Cyclades group at the heart of the Greek islands. It is the hottest spot in the Cyclades in more ways than one. Born in a massive volcanic eruption, fumes still rise from the active offshore volcano to create the most stunning sunsets in the Mediterranean. Cruise ships arrive in droves to take in this startling island with its breathless views, sulphurous air and volcanic nights. It is a hugely popular island and prices reflect the fact. Expect to burn a sizeable hole in your wallet if you want the best views in the best bars and prepare to be slowly grilled on the burning black volcanic sands. The capital Thira is a spectacular sight, perched high on vertical cliffs overlooking the caldera with views due west. The romantic pull of those sunsets make this a favourite island for wedding couples and honeymooners. Busy beach resorts, lively nightlife and expensive entertainment make it a poor choice for a relaxing island holiday but ideal if you are looking for a lively buzz and don't mind the crowds.
Spectacular is a word often used in describing the Greek islands but it must surely apply more than most to Santorini. Visitors sailing into the flooded crater (or caldera) are greeted by dizzying cliffs with dazzling white villages plastered like dollops of cream on the sky hugging rim. Santorini is an island of extraordinary contrasts, it can be both breathtakingly beautiful and deeply unattractive. The sheer cliffs of red and black can feel intimidating and the island beaches of lifeless ash-grey sand are mediocre at best. The white cube houses and blue domed churches may tumble attractively down the cliff side in the capital Thira but its streets are heavily developed with expensive cafes, trendy shops, and near nightmare swarms of tourists. The air is faintly sulphurous but this is, after all, still an active volcano and fumes from the caldera are responsible for the gaudy sunsets that the island is most famous for.
Cruise ships queue up to stop here and most daily visitors are here to watch the sunset which in high summer can only be viewed through a forest of heads and whirring cameras.
The two small islands in the center of the Santorini caldera, Palea and Nea Kameni, " the volcano " to the local people, are the youngest volcanic lands in the Eastern Mediterranean. Palea Kameni (Old Burnt Island) is less than 2000 years old, while Nea Kameni (Young Burnt Island) began to form only 425 years ago and its youngest lavas are less than 50 years old. These two islands represent the volcano's most recent activity.