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| Travel Info |
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| Santorini, Greece |
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Enjoy a Relaxing and Spectacular Vacation on Santorini
Santorini offers spectacular views and is generally considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean if not the world. If you arrive by ship in the harbor of Skala, it is quite unlikely that you will miss the huge crater which blew out around 1450 B.C. Some historians now speculate that the ensuing destruction may have given rise to the myth of the lost city of Atlantis.
The two principle towns of Santorini are Ia and Fira; both of which are somewhat perched at the summit of the caldera, or crater. The peak travel season for this beautiful island is during July and August, when a large number of tourists descend upon the island. If you choose to travel in May, June or September; however, you will generally be able to avoid some of the crowds and may even be able to save on hotel rates.
Hotels & Resorts
If you are planning to travel during July or August, you should plan to make reservations at least two months in advance in order to get the booking you desire. There are a variety of different hotels and accommodations on Santorini; however, certainly the most interesting are those that are known as cave houses. These unique accommodations offer distinct whitewashed exteriors with vaulted ceilings and rooms that are sometimes even carved into the surrounding rock. These homes were originally built to hold up against earthquakes; however, today they have become a part of the unique charm that is Santorini.
Fira is one of the largest towns on the island and offers a host of accommodations ranging from modest, comfortable hotels to hostels that are popular with traveling students. Many of the newer hotels are situated in Karterados, with the added benefit that the bus line that stops right in Karterados.
Restaurants
Visitors to Santorini find they can choose from inexpensive but filling food that is popular with the youth making their way through Europe to upscale cuisine that is often enjoyed by the tourists who come to the Greek islands to enjoy an extended vacation. Along the beach you can enjoy any one of many fine restaurants that boast not only exceptional food but also spectacular views.
Attractions
Without a doubt one of the most spectacular attractions on Santorini is the caldera itself. From the summit to the harbor you will find that the caldera offers fabulous views that will seem to be almost ever changing throughout the duration of your visit. While you very well might could enjoy your entire vacation being awed by the sheer natural beauty of Santorini, there are also many other attractions and sites to explore.
One of the most popular activities on Santorini is a relaxing stroll or volta along M. Nomikou Street in Fira. As you stroll along, you will be enchanted not only by the fabulous scenery but also by the evening prayer that resounds from the Orthodox Greek church.
The Archeological Museum offers a variety of artifacts ranging from rare vases to early figurines. If you are looking for a rather unique and interesting way to explore a different side of Santorini, consider taking one of the submarine tours of the surface of the caldera. These one hour tours provide a once in a lifetime underwater view of a submerged volcano.
Dining & Nightlife
Music is quite popular on Santorini and plays a strong role in the nightlife here. During the busy summer season, visitors may wish to take in the annual jazz festival, which attracts some of the most talented artists and bands in the region. If you venture along Kamari beach, you will be able to view many of the jazz performances which are held there nightly.
Much of the nightlife scene on Santorini is located in Fira, with a variety of different cafes, bars and clubs offering plenty of opportunity to party the night away. Many of the smaller bars do not begin to come alive until well after 9pm, so many visitors choose to enjoy a drink in one of the hotel bars on the caldera at sunset and then gradually make their way onto the party scene as the clubs begin to open later in the night.
Historical Attractions
To sample the history of Santorini, visitors need only to gaze up at the caldera. The Ancient Thira; however, certainly does its best to compete in terms of historical attraction. The ruins of this site top the rocky cliffs that separate the beaches of Kamari and Perissa. One of the most fascinating aspects of visiting the Ancient Thira is the fact that so many different periods are on display at the ruins. Visitors can see not only ancient Roman baths but Byzantine walls as well as the ruins of shops that remain from the Hellenistic period.
Getting Around
The quickest way to arrive on Santorini is by air at the local airport; although visitors can also arrive by sea in the local port. Ample public transportation is provided on the island by independent buses. If you choose to explore on your own, it is fairly easy to rent a car once on the island. While there is also taxi service on the island, it is generally a good idea to reserve a taxi in advance of your planned departure time as they can become quite busy during the high travel season. |
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