Megalochori

Situated to the south of Athinios, Megalochori is the first village we meet when we arrive at Santorini by boat, after climbing Athinios port. It is located among Pyrgos, Emporio and Akrotiri at a distance of less than 5km from Fira. This inland village belies its name (“Big Village”), having only a couple of hundred inhabitants.

Megalochori combines traditional architecture with vaulted houses and “calderimia” (stone-cobbled narrow pathways). It is a lovely choice as a handy base for exploring the island: it is close to Fira, and within easy reach of Akrotiri and the beaches of Perissa, Perivolos, Agios Georgios and Vlyhada of the South coast. It is a tranquil place to enjoy lunch or dinner in the various taverns and restaurants, serving delicious local specialties.
Leave your car and walk through it. Admire the cobbled streets, the yards that are full of flowers, the tiny houses and above all the fine bell towers of the churches that pop up harmoniously in the landscape.For those of you who like adventure, we suggest a visit to the remote beaches of caldera, Plaka and Thermi. There is no access by car and therefore, so be well prepared with sports shoes, hats and plenty of water.Useful links for Megalochori
Hotels Hiking Agios Nikolaos - Megalochori

Kamari

The cosmopolitan Kamari is 10km away from Fira. There is always life, as it accommodates the majority of the charter passengers that inundate the island in summer. It has a well organized that stretches in many kilometers. It has smooth black sand, playground, water sports and diving center.
The town is connected with frequent bus service from Fira. Completely rebuilt after the 1956 earthquake, Kamari was the most important strategic point of the island, and also the port for Ancient Thera, after the decline of Akrotiri in ancient times.
In Kamari, the church of Panagia Episkopi is of great interest. It is an old Byzantine church built in 1100. The best time to visit the church is on August 15th during the feast of Virgin Mary. You will enjoy with all the dancing, singing and the tasty food.
At nights, when the red full moon is rising from the dark waters, a walk in the costal pedestrian precinct is a perfect idea. Enjoy the sight and make a stop for a bite or a drink, since it has restaurants, bars, but also a bank, ATM and cinema.

Useful links for Kamari
Map   Hotels   Kamari beach   Hiking Kamari - Ancient Thera

Imerovigli

Santorini will keep your photo camera operating 24/7 as there are breathtaking views that are worth taking back home with you. Many argue that the most outstanding place is Imerovigli. Maybe they are right if we consider the fact that, its name derives from the words “vigla”=watchtower and “imera”=day and its position, at the center and highest point along the caldera, gave it visual command of the whole sea. It is 20min walking distance away from Fira and it is world famous for its summer sunset view. As the sun sets, the neighboring islands of Ios, Sikinos and Folegandros are being revealed, making it so wonderful.

There lays the medieval castle of Scaros, never been defeated during the 600 years of its existence. From Skaros, follow the path that leads to Theoskepasti church, which is built on a rock with a unique view. Another church of Imerovigli is Panagia Maltesa, taking its name after the icon said to have been found in the sea near Malta.
Because of its location near Fira, it is connected with public road or by the old path, offering tremendous views of the caldera and volcano. You may find here taverns, restaurants, bars and hotels.

Useful links for Imerovigli
Map Hotels

Firostefani

As you go north along the main road, you will find Firostefani, only 1.5 km away from Fira (approximately 10 minutes walking distance). By now Firostefani is an extension of Fira. You will notice that the view is equally exquisite in both villages, but the atmosphere in Firostefani is quieter. It is a perfect choice for those who want to be close enough to the cosmopolitan life of the capital, but not in the heart of it. Of course there are places for you to eat or have a drink here by the caldera.

Located in Firostefani is Petros Nomikos Conference Centre, where you can find an exhibition with life-size reproductions of wall paintings found in Akrotiri’s ancient settlement. You will be surprised by the Center and the unique view will be an unforgettable memory for you. So visit the Center late in the afternoon to experience another sunset from the top of Firostefani.
No doubt this village should be called the “balcony over the Aegean”, since Palaia and Nea Kammeni lie directly opposite.

Useful links for Firostefani
Map Hotels

Oia

The traditional settlement of Oia is located on the highest northern tip of the island and is famous for their spectacular, amazing sunsets, which bathe the hills and buildings in a purple glow when the sun sinks into the Aegean. One distinct characteristic of the place is picturesque road, built just on the rim of the cliff side, which takes you all the way to a village of 79 (!!) churches. Sometimes referred to as Apano Meria, Oia is linked with 10km paved road to Fira.

Oia is built at a lower altitude than Fira, nearer the sea, to which it is connected by two sets of cobbled steps. The one to Ammoudi has 214 steps, the other to Armeni has 286. Definitely the way up is the hard part, but both sights are worth the effort.
Oia’s architecture is typical Santorini-Cycladic with small houses sunk deep into the volcanic rock, white walls and blue domes sparkling in the sunlight.
Oia is considered to be the cultural heart of the island as it hosts a cultural center, a central art gallery and many other popular Greek galleries. Moreover, there are many shops that sell local handcrafts, souvenirs, jewellery and other memorabilia. Taverns and restaurants around Oia have exquisite cuisine with tasty dishes accompanied by the recognized traditional wines of Santorini.
Definitely the ideal place for a peaceful vacation in a setting blessed by unique natural beauty.

Useful links for Oia
Map Hotels Hiking Oia to Fira

Hotels ideal for honeymooners

Fira

Fira, also known as Hora, is the capital of Santorini. It is built on the precipice, on the rim of the caldera, 260m above sea level and dates from 1810. The volcano lies exactly opposite, still emitting puffs of steam.
Fira is a long narrow collection of buildings with steep, narrow, stepped alleyways. The houses on the caldera side are dug-out dwellings, constructed on different levels, one above the other.
You can reach the town of Fira by car or bus from Athinios, and by funicular, walking up the 500 or so steps or on donkeyback from Mesa Yialos. It has one of the most breathtaking views on earth because of its location on the caldera and of course its view of the volcano and the open Aegean Sea. Its dazzling white houses complete the magnificent scenery.
Among its best preserved districts is Kato Fira.
Apart from all this Fira is the center of life on the island, with the numerous hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes to satisfy all tastes and budgets. You will see that Fira changes at dusk. The dazzling sun with draws, the lights lit and before long the quiet of the semi-darkness will surrender to the sounds from the taverns, cafes and clubs.
The churches of Agios Minas and Christos are located here, both masterpieces of ecclesiastical architecture. The Archaeological Museum is also worth to visit, as it houses the finds of the excavations at Akrotiri and Mesa Vouno. And also make sure you stop off at Belloneio Cultural Center, where painting and photography exhibitions as well as interesting lectures and conferences are often organized. Megaro Gkyzi is also a cultural center with a long history, housing extremely interesting exhibitions, lectures and music concerts mainly throughout the summer.

Useful links for Fira
Map   Hotels   Driving from Fira to Oia

And now some history..

Santorini’s history is not only history of people. It is history of a land that has the admirable privilege of evolving on a normal basis, even to this day. For one to understand such an essential issue, must realize that there was a time when the Cyclades resided in the Aegean, absent Santorini.

Santorini, according to Greek mythology, originated from a clod of earth presented to the Argonauts by greek-god Triton, son of Poseidon and Amphitrite. According to Herodotus, the island was primarily called “Strongyle” (the round one), because of its circular shape.
Dorians, Phoenicians, Venetians and Turks occupied Santorini, but its most influential early inhabitants were the Minoans. They came from Crete sometime between 2000 and 1600 BC. The first settlers called the island “Kallisti” (the beautiful one), until the volcanic eruption around 1500 BC, which destroyed the island and together the great Minoan civilization of Crete.
The whole island was buried under a thick layer of pumice, which at many points is over 30 meters deep. The catastrophe must have been accompanied by enormous tidal waves (tsunamis), believed to have reached at height of 210m before slamming the Aegean shores, and causing the center of the island to sink, leaving Caldera with high cliffs. After the eruption of the volcano, the island remained uninhabited for about two centuries.
Another theory that has fired the imaginations of writers, artists and mystics and also being a top debate between archaeologists and scholars, postulates that the island was part of the mythical lost continent of Atlantis, the “Happy Isle”.