Santorini

The archipelago consists of five volcanic islands arranged in a circular formation and is surrounded by a sparkling blue ocean. Located in the Southern Aegean, it is part of the Cyclades island group, making it an ideal destination for island-hopping holidays.

This area was once a single island until a dramatic volcanic eruption around 1600 BC caused part of it to sink. This event has led many to speculate that it may have inspired the myths of Atlantis. The archipelago covers an area of 76 square kilometres and has a population of approximately 16,000, with the capital, Fira, being the most populated area.

Santorini is unique in European terms because it has only two seasons, summer and winter. This means the summer lasts longer than on many neighbouring islands, making it the perfect destination for sun seekers.

The summer generally spans from March to October, with temperatures ranging from 16 degrees in March to 29 degrees in July and August. Santorini also enjoys a cooling summer breeze, preventing you from overheating during the hot months of June, July, and August.

All of this makes Santorini an ideal choice for a summer holiday.

The island experienced a catastrophic volcanic eruption around 1500 BC, which likely contributed to the collapse of the Minoan civilisation in Crete and the surrounding islands. Experts believe that the resulting tsunamis were so massive that they reached Crete, located 70 nautical miles away. Some scholars even speculate that the destruction of this island may have inspired the ancient myth of Atlantis, as the eruption was significant enough to cause it to sink.

Around 1300 BC, the island was recolonised by the Phoenicians, followed by the Lacedaemonians, who occupied it around 1100 BC. Afterwards, the island became an important trading hub due to its strategic location in the Aegean Sea. It passed through Byzantine and Venetian control before being under Ottoman rule for 300 years. In 1821, the island finally became a part of the newly established Greek state.

With a rich culinary tradition, the island offers an array of delicious local delicacies. Fava is probably the most famous dish, a yellow split pea purée served with olive oil and lemon; Ntomatokeftedes (tomato fritters) are a tasty tomato dish fried in olive oil; Kopania are a sweet made with raisins and sesame seeds.

Melitinia is a traditional sweet cheese pie usually eaten around Easter; Chlorotyri is a local cheese unique to the island, sour and creamy; Santorini is also very famous for its capers, which are abundant on the island and used in many dishes.

Discover the island’s natural beauty, stunning Caldera cliffs, and beautiful beaches, making it ideal for couples and nature lovers. The volcano is both fascinating and breathtaking, making it a great day out for anyone interested in geology, as is the hiking trail between Oia and Fira, which takes you along the stunning cliff edge. Santorini also features ancient Thera and ancient Akrotiri for those intrigued by history, along with a wealth of beautiful beaches.