|
 The
existence of Santorini and its geology
Is
the water abundant in Santorini?
What
does Santorini produce?
Beaches
in Santorini
How
to approach Santorini
Check
today's weather in Santorini
 The
existence of Santorini and its geology
 Santorini
is a "dot" at the southern edge of the Cyclades complex.
Its official name is THERA, however people use to call it Santorini
(Santa Irene). It is located between two other smaller islands, known
as Ios and Anafi and 70 nautical miles northern of the biggest Greek
island Crete. Its surface covers 96 square kilometers and has a total
coastline of 69 kilometers. Santorini
includes 14 villages, with around 11,000 people living there permanently.
FIRA is the capital of the island, well known for the nightlife and
action.
Santorini is famous worldwide
for its crescent shape, which is called Caldera (see map). This is
the result of the volcano activity in prehistoric times. Caldera covers
approximately 32 sq. miles, with its depth varying from 300 to 600
meters. The last major eruption of the volcano took place in the late
Bronze Age, 3,600 years back. The activity of the volcano after that
huge eruption continues into modern times (the most recent eruption
occurred in 1950) creating two small islands within the Caldera, Palea
and Nea Kameni.
Is
the water abundant in Santorini?
 Santorini
is mostly dry. For their daily needs, the inhabitants use rainwater
carefully collected in cisterns. Almost every house maintains its
own cistern and this water is drinkable. In nowadays, Santorini
is also supplied water with wagons, deriving from local drills.
However, this water is not drinkable, since it is more salted than
usual. Mineral water is broadly available for the visitors.
What
does Santorini Produce?
Santorini has rich volcanic soil. A major part
of the agricultural sector includes viniculture. Santorini
produces some of the best wines around the world. "Fava"
is another famous local product, made by a legume smaller than a
pea. An exceptional kind of tomatoes also grows in the volcanic
land. The lack of water over the island results in the evolving
of very small, but extremely tasteful tomatoes. These tiny tomatoes
are also used to make the well-known "belte" that is concentrated
tomato-puree. Additionally, a type of cheese, made by goat milk,
is named "chloro". Finally, Santorini exports tones of
pumice stone.
   
Beaches
in SANTORINI
Santorini offers magnificent
beaches, such as Akrotiri, Kamari, Monolithos, Perissa, Perivolos,
Vlihada. The sand of the beaches varies between the black, red,
or white color, and the sea is dark blue and crystal clear. Visitors
can find water sports in most of them.
How
to approach SANTORINI
Santorini has an airport, accepting
both domestic and international flights. The flying time from Athens
to Santorini is approximately
35 minutes. During the summer period, there are also charter flights
linking many European cities directly with the island (for instance Excel Airways from Gatwick Airport-England).
Santorini can also be approached
by a regular ferryboat service from the port of Piraeus (5-7 hours approx.),
the port of Thessalonica, as well as from several Aegean islands and
Crete. During the summer period, there is also a daily high-speed
ferry service from the port of Rafina (one hour car drive from down
town of Athens).
For more information on flights and ferry boats, please go to Useful
Links.
|
(Click
to enlarge)
:: Akrotiri ::
:: Kamari ::
:: Monolithos ::
:: Perissa ::
:: Perlivolos ::
:: Vlihada :: |
