Introducing Santorini (Thira)
Santorini (Σαντορίνη (Θήρα)) rocks in more ways than one. Few will be unmoved by the scale of the island’s 16 or so kilometres of multicoloured cliffs, which soar up over 300m from a sea-drowned caldera, the vast crater left by one of the biggest volcanic eruptions in history. Lesser islands curl around the fragmented western edge of the caldera, but it is the main island of Thira that will take your breath away with its snow drift of white Cycladic houses lining the cliff tops and, in places, spilling like icy cornices down the terraced rock.
Thira is geared to a conspicuous tourism that is underpinned by enthralling archaeology, fine dining, major wineries, front-row sunsets and a vibrant nightlife. There are even multicoloured beaches of volcanic sand. You’ll share the experience for most of the year with crowds of fellow holidaymakers and day visitors from huge cruise ships, but the island somehow manages to cope with it all.
Sights in Santorini (Thira)
Activities in Santorini (Thira)
Oia
Fira is the bustling centre of Santorini life, but the island has a number of other settlements, many with their traditional style intact.
Kamari
Santorini (Thira) destination guides
Around Santorini
Santorini is not all about the caldera edge.
Hotels in Santorini (Thira)
Budget Hotels & Hostels in Santorini (Thira)
Guesthouses and B&Bs in Santorini (Thira)
Apartments in Santorini (Thira)
Fira
Santorini’s main town of Fira is a vibrant, bustling place, its caldera edge layered with hotels, cave apartments, infinity pools and swish restaurants, all backed by a warren of narrow streets full of shops and even more bars and restaurants.