Agios Georgios beach in Santorini
Successive to Perivolos, at a distance of 0,5 klm from it, at the south, it is situated the beach of Agios Georgios. The beach is suitable for those preferring a solitary swim and avoid the massive crowds.
The beach is accessible from Emporio and Perissa (3 and 3,5 klm respectively), by rented or private car and motorbike. Walking is also an alternative.
Amoudi beach, Santorini island
Small beach at the foot of the village of Oia , at the caldera, with clear blue water, which get deep just at the first steps; families with children should be cautious.
It is accessible only on foot or on mules’ back via the 214 broad steps which you have to descend and (that is the difficult part of the story!) to ascend.
Although difficult in access, Amoudi attracts many visitors, thanks to its scenic environment, with the imposive colorful volcanic rocks shadowind the sea.
A few taverns and cafes are available.
Armeni beach, Santorini island
Small beach very close to Oia, slightly at the South, Armeni has a view to Thirassia and clear blue deep water. It is accessible on foot or on mules’ back via the 286 steps; more dificult than Ammoudi!
Baxedes beach, Santorini island
Beach at the very North of the island, 3 klm far from Oia at the North-east, it is ideal for those liking to avoid big crowds.
Sandy with black sand and shade. Due to its location the beach is affected by the summer northern winds (“meltemia”) which make it unsuitable for swimming.
Access is possible by rented or private car and motorbike.
Kamari beach, Santorini island
One of the most popular and crowded beaches of Santorini, Kamari is located at the eastern part of the island. It is a long, more than five klm. beach, with black sand and crystal clear deep blue water.
A good number of taverns and cafes are situated along the beach and various sea sports are available, including a scuba diving center.
Access is easy since Kamari is well connected by public bus with Fira and the rest of the island; especially in summer the bus service is very frequent. Travel and rent-a-car facilities are also available, and there is always the alternative of taxi or private car.
Karterados beach, Santorini island
6 klm far from Fira and 4 klm far from Karterados it is found Karterados beach, known also as Exo Gialos. A quiet beach with black sand, clear blue water and excellent view.
Accomodation is available as well as food and drink.
Access is easy by car; public buses run frequently in summer to Karterados and there is always the alternative of rented or private car and motorbike
Kolumbo, Santorini island
A quiet beach at the north of the island, some 4 klm far from Oia and 1 klm at the east of Baxedes, Kolumbo is ideal for those looking for solitary swimming and calmness. It has a marvelous view to the Aegean and if the atmosphere is clear you can see the southern coasts of Ios. Due to its location it is affected by the summer northern winds (meltemia).
Access is possible by rented or private car and motorbike.
Messa Pigadia beach, Santorini island
Small, quiet beaches at the south, with access mostly by boat, suitable for those who don’t like big crowds. Access is possible by car or motorbike.
Monolithos beach, Santorini island
Situated at the eastern part of the island, long enough, with dark sand, deep blue clear water, the beach of Monolithos is more quiet than the near by Kamari, but the landscape is the same beautiful. In fact it is the same beach starting from Perissa at the South and ending to Monolithos.
The beach offers some accomodation in the village and meals and snacks at the beach.
Access is easy by car; public buses run frequently in summer to the homonymous village.
Perissa beach, Santorini island
Situated at the Southeastern part of the island, it is one of the most impressive beaches in the Aegean. Black sand, made of lava, is extended for some 7 klm, combined with crystal clear water and a glaring and burning sun. Due to this unique combination, Perissa is the most popular beach.
Well organised, it offers accomodation facilities, including a camping (it is advised to check if it is available), food and drink at the sea front taverns and bars, and a range of sea sports as windsurfing and water skiing; there is also a diving club. Some trees at the sea front make the beach ideal, since they offer the precious shade, in general difficult to find at the Aegean islands.
It is well connected with the rest of the island by public buses, running regularly especially in summer, by rented or private car and motorbike.
Perivolos beach, Santorini island
3 klm far from Perissa at the South it is found the beach of Perivolos. Sandy with clear water, the beach is one of the quiet ones of Santorini. A few rooms to let and small taverns and cafes are provided for those who choose this place for staying.
Access is possible by rented or private car from Perissa; walking is also a good alternative, since the distance is short.
Pori beach, Santorini island
Another quiet sandy beach, some 10 klm far from Fira at the Northeast. Ideal for those liking to avoid crowded beaches.
Access is possible by rented or private car and motorbike.
Red Beach, Santorini Greece
Just a step from the archaeological site of Akrotiri it is situated Kokkini Ammos. Not only one finds again the black sand and blue water; the beach has taken its name (“red beach”) from the impressive red lava cliffs droping to the sea and surrounding the beach.
This impressive beach seems to have been painted on one of the frescoes found in the Minoan settlement. Tolerant to nudism.
Food and drink are available at the nearby hotel.
Access is possible by car, but also on foot; the beach is some 500 m.at the south of Akrotiri. Boats leaving from Akrotiri can bring you to other and beaches of the area.
Vlihada beach, Santorini island
Situated at the southern part of the island, slightly at the west, Vlyhada is a very beautiful quiet enough beach, 13 klm far from Fira.
Long enough, with dark sand set below the yellowish volcanic cliffs carved by the winds and the water and forming small caves, sharp edges, a natural sculpture, a moon landscape.
Access is possible by car or motorbike.
Vourvoulos beach, Santorini island
Two successive beaches, some 7 klm far from Fira at the Northeast. Sandy, with clear blue water, not very crowded. Access is possible by car (rented or private) and motorbike. Walking from Vourvoulos is also an alternative.
White Beach, Santorini Greece
At a walking distance from Kokkini Ammos at the west there is the beach Aspri Ammos “white beach”. Here again we have the same scenic environment, but the cliffs surrounding the beach are whitish.
Access is possible by boat or by walking.
Fira, Santorini Greece
Clung at the rim of the steep cliff, actually at the middle of the crater of the volcano, Fira, officially Thera, is the capital of the island with approximately 2100 permanent residents.
The town is not typically cycladic. The long period of Venetian domination has left its influence in the architecture of the town and cycladic and venetian architectural features are found side by side in a quite interesting blend. We find here too, the narrow pebble paved streets, the white houses with arches and vaults, small blue windows giving to the sea, the traditional cycladic churches with their light blue cupolas, along with the Catholic cathedral and the women Dominican Monastery.
Fira is fully touristically developed. In summer, when the island “sinks” from the crowds of people, as the natives use to say, Fira is the spot of attraction of most visitors. Fully equipped with lodgings for all budgets, including a camping, with many taverns and restaurants of any taste, cafes, discos and bars, the town promises comfortable staying, good food and lots of amusement.
Bank facilities, tourist agencies, stores of any kind, a medical center and pharmacy, are also available.
Fira used to be one of the two ports of Santorini (the other was Oia) just a few decades ago. In fact it was not a real port; passengers disembarked in small boats, as the ship could not reach the coast, and arrived to the town on foot or on mules’ back, following the zigzagged more or less 800 broad steps climbing the rock. Since the 80’s a more comfortable way was founded: the cable car, more known as “teleferique”(the french name), has been installed, a gift of the ship owner Nomicos originated from Santorini (who actually holds some of the ships of the line) .
The cable car running from early morning to late evening in summer has facilitated the life of the people, mainly of the tourists, but the mules are still an attraction and an original experience.
At the same period, the port has been transferred at the bay Athinios, some 12 km at the south of Fira in order to facilitate access to cars. Athinios is now the main port of Santorini; the ships of the line do not stop at Oia or Fira anymore. Today the old port of Fira is available for yachts, providing good facilities for them.
Three museums are located at Fira: The archaeological Museum lodges finds, mainly pottery from the excavations in ancient Thira, most of them of the Geometric period (800-700 b.C.).
In the Museum of prehistoric Thera one can see prehistoric pottery from all prehistoric periods (neolithic to late Cycladic) found at several parts of the island, cycladic statuettes of marble, and various copper items. There are also plaster reconstructions of wooden furniture coming from the excavations at Akrotiti, as well as samples of plants fossils.
The Folk Museum hosts representations of small manufactures of the past, such as wine press, wine stores etc; a reconstruction of traditional folk houses, furniture and other equipment, give to the visitor an idea of the everyday life of the residents, before the invasion of technology and mass tourism.
Several buildings are also worth seeing: The two Cathedrals, Orthodox and Catholic, are interesting enough, as well as the Dominican Monastery.
The Ghisi Mansion, today hosting the Cultural center of the town, has an interesting architecture; besides it hosts various artistic exhibitions in summer (painting, sculpture, photography etc), some of them worth seeing.
The most interesting and unique place the visitor must visit is Nea Kammeni, where one can observe the volcanic activity. Totally dry, with a hot soil and the smells of sulphur all around, with sulphur vapors emerging from the soil, it gives the impression of how it is like when you are …in a volcano. The island is accessible by boat, mainly in summer, when many excursions are organized by the tourist offices at Fira.
If you decide to visit Kammeni, don’t forget to take water with you; it is more than necessary. Also, take care of your feet; do not wear sandals, snickers are fully recommended.
Various cultural activities are organized in summer. A local feast (“panighyri”) in honor of Prophitis Ilias takes place on the saint’s name day, 20th of July. Traditional musicians are coming to the island and play local folk songs; dance and amusement often last till the next morning.
The Municipality organizes cultural and athletic activities, the “Hefaisteia” during August, whereas in September there is a music festival.
Access to the Fira is possible by public bus from Athinios, taxis and private or rented cars. The village is also connected with public buses with all the villages and touristic resorts of the island
Firostefani village, Santorini island
Built at the edge of the cliff facing the caldera, some 1 to 1,5 klm from Fira at the North, Firostefani offers to the visitor a magnificent view, romantic walks and a sunset of unique beauty, less crowded than that of Oia.
Due to he touristic development of last decades, Firostefani looks more like a quartier of Fira, than like a different village.
Access is possible by the public buses running to Imerovigli and Oia, by taxi and by car and motorbike (rented or private). However, being that close to Fira, walking is a very good choice, especially in spring and in summer evenings.
Imerovigli, Santorini Greece
Situated 3 klm of Fira at the Northwest, Imerovigli is a typically Cycladic settlement, with traditional low, white washed houses with terraces, narrow pebble paved streets and numerous tiny churches found in every quartier. This settlement of 460 permanent residents has been declared preservable.
Built at the rim of the volcanic crater, 300 m. high, it has an extraordinary view to the caldera, fully justifying its name (in greek “imerovigli” means “day watch”) and its fame as “the balcony of the Aegean”.
The castle of Skaros is worthseeing. Never defeated during the more than 350 years of the Venetian domination, the castle is located at a strategic point, watching all the western part of the Aegean. It is in this castle that the Venetian dominant Marco Sanudo and his aristocracy (catholic bishops and military officers) were lodged.
Imerovigli is ideal for walking and taking photos. Either you choose to walk along the public road, or you prefer the old path at the edge of the rim, the view is outstanding, the landscape marvellous and the nature always surprising. Spring and autumn are ideal for staying at Imerovigli, but it is also a good alternative for summer for those who would like to avoid the crowd and noise of Fira.
Full facilities of lodging, eating and amusement are offered to the visitors who choose to stay in the village.
Access to the village is possible by public bus, taxi, private or rented car, but, being so close to Fira, walking is also a very good alternative.
Vourvoulos village, Santorini Greece
2,5 klm far from Fira at the North and the same distance from Imerovigli at the East, just at the center of the northern part of the island, it is situated Vourvoulos. Although a bit remote from the sea the village has exceptional view to the Aegean, traditional architecture and calmness.
In the taverns of the village it is offered good food with local dishes; you will also find a mini market, cafes and a swimming pool bar.
Being that close to Fira and Imerovigli makes Vourvoulos ideal since it combines the peace and relaxation with the alternative of the intense and noisy life in Fira, just at a few minutes drive.
Vourvoulos can also be the base for jaunts to the northern braches of the island, less crowded, more lonely and always idyllic.
Access to the village is possible by taxi, private or rented car and motorbike
Finikia village, Santorini Greece
10 klm far from Fira, at the North west on the public road to Oia and less than 1 klm from it, it is found Finikia, a small inland traditional village with 50 permanent residents. The entrance is quite impressive, as the visitor is faced with a high wall made of dark volcanic stone.
Two churches, that of Aghia Matrona and of Epta Paides, made in the rock, are worthseeing.
Finikia offers to the visitor some lodging in rented rooms and food in small taverns; it is ideal for a quiet staying, without being isolated, as Oia with its various alternatives and nightlife is only a few minutes walk.
The village is accessible by public bus (running to Oia) and of course by taxi and rented or privae car and motorbike.
Oia, Santorini Greece
Situated 11 klm far from Fira, at the northwest edge of the island, Oia shares the same landscape as Fira. Built at the rim of a steep cliff, it views the caldera, the nearby island of Thirasia, but also almost the whole island.
About 500 people live permanently in the village, rather few if compared with its population by the end of the 19th century. In that period of time Oia was a prosperous town of about 9000 people. Prosperity came from the sea, as most of the residents were marines, or ship owners; this development had abruptly stopped by the destructive earthquake of 1956. Many people had then left the village which revived again in the 70’s. Today Oia offers full facilities to the visitors, many of the old traditional houses and churches have been restored, and apart from lodging, restaurants and cafes, it has a cultural center, a few art galleries and a maritime museum established in 1951.
Some windmills discarsed around give to the village a typical Cycladic colour.
One of the most famous attractions in Oia is its view and the sunset, said to be the best in the Aegean. Walking accross the narrow street leading to the town with the sea at one side and the high volcanic cliffs at the other, is an experience you shouldn’ t miss. And as the sun sets, crowds of people are gathered at the square overlooking the sea. From there they watch the sun falling slowly and disappearing into the sea, painting the landscape in yellow, red and purple. Whoever has seen the sunset from Oia, considers it an unforgettable spectacle.
At the foot of the town two small beaches, Ammoudi at the North and Armeni at the South offer to the visitor a magnificent natural environment and the freshness of a swim. The only problem is that access to the beaches is possible only on foot via the countless steps (214 for Ammoudi and 286 for Armeni) leading there. Walking this way in the hot summer days is not very comfortable indeed!
Two local feasts (“panighyri”) take place in the village; one in honor of Aghios Georgios (St. George), on April 23th (or on Monday following the Easter) and the other on August 23th in honour of Kyra Panaghia (“Our Holy Dame”).
Access to Oia is possible by public buses, which run regularly all year round and every half an hour in summer. Taxis, touristic buses and rented cars are also available.
Karterados village, Santorini island
Small inland village just 2 klm far from Fira, at the South, Karterados is situated on the public road leading to Messaria. The village has an interesting architecture and it is surrounded by a mild landscape with vineyards.
The church of Analipsi is worth visiting.
Karterados offers good lodging with sport facilities, taverns with traditional dishes and some cafes and bars. Don’t miss to buy things from the traditional bakery of the village; apart from the tasteful cookies it is also a worthseeing place.
It is accessible by public bus, taxi, rented or private car and walking from Fira.
Messaria, Santorini Greece
Situated almost at the center of the island, this inland village is only 4 klm far from Fira, at the Southeast. Messaria has 1.075 permanent residents and it is the heart of the Santorini wine. Surrounded by gardens and vineyards, with its white houses and narrow paths, it is possibly the most beautiful village of the island and worth visiting and staying all year round.
A few houses of neo-classic style create an interesting blend. The most impressive of them is “Argyros Mansion”; the house belonged to the winemaker George Argyros and was built in 1888. His grandson has restored it recently, as it had suffered serious damages during the earthquake of 1956.
It is worthseeing some of the churches in Messaria. The church of “Metamorfosis tou Sotiros” (Transfiguration of Christ) and Aghia Irini were built in the late 17th or early 18th century and are quite interesting, as it is the Cathedral of the village.
Messaria has been developed last years and the visitor can find good accomodation, for any budget; good food, cafes and places of amusements are also available. But be cautious! The sweet wine and the spirit of the village might get you drunk more easily than you can imagine!
As Messaria is at the center of the island you can easily get there from any other place in the island either by public bus and taxi or by private means and reanted car and motorbikes. And… if you are romantic enough don’t miss an evening walk from Fira, with the full moon to light your way.
Vothonas village, Santorini island
6 klm far from Fira at the Southeast, it is situated Vothonas, a small scenic village built in a valley, with small cute houses and few residents.
It is worthseeing the two churches built in caves; the “Panaghia tis Sergeinas” and the “Panaghia tis Tripas” ( meaning “of the hole”). As Vothonas is close enough to the main road, it is easily accessible.
It is a short walk from Messaria and you can always use your car or rent one.
Monolithos, Santorini island
Small village on the coast 9 klm far from Fira at the East and very close to the airport, Monolithos has 405 residents.
It is a typical cycladic village with narrow streets and white washed houses, less crowded than Kamari or Perissa. Due to the shallow sandy beach it is suitable for families with children.
A local feast (“panighyri”) takes place on the 24th of July in honor of St. John. There are a few hotels and rooms to let and taverns, cafes, and bars.
It is accessible by bus running every hour in summer, taxi and car (rented or private).
Pyrgos, Santorini Greece
An inland village built on the slope of the mountain Profitis Ilias, Pyrgos is situated 7,5 klm far from Fira, at the southeast and has 730 permanent residents.
The houses are arranged amphitheatrically surrounding the remains of the Venetian castle (today known as “kasteli”) offering a magnificent view.
Apart from the “kasteli”, it is worthseeing the Monastery of Profitis Ilias on the top of the mountain, built in the 18th century. Several precious religious artefacts are shown to the visitor; among them the adorned mitre of the Patriarch Gregorius the fifth, crosses and silver bound books, as well as byzantine icons dating back to the 15th century. The view from the Monastery is breathtaking, it can be seen almost all of the island. The monastery is 4 klm far from Pyrgos, at the South.
The church of “Theotokaki” is one of the older churches in Santorini, dating back to the 10th century.
It is also worth visiting the winery of Santo, one of the wine making companies of the island. There is an exhibition of photographs and local products of Santorini.
The visitor can taste various types of wine produced by the company. In the folk museum of the village are hosted items of everyday life of the village in the past.
There are various types of accomodation, including a luxurious hotel, taverns where you can eat well, cafes and some bars.
A series of cultural activities are organised during the first days of September, with plays, music concerts, poetry etc.
Access to Pyrgos is possible by public bus, taxi, private or rented cars and motorbikes. Cars are not allowed in the village; you should leave your vehicle at the parking at the entrance of the village.
Mesa Gonia, Santorini island
Village at the interior of the island 8 klm far from Fira at the southeast, on the way to Kamari. The village suffered from the earthquakes of 1956 and was partly abandonned by its residents who settled to Kamari.
It is a traditional village, surrounded by vineyards, one of the major wine production center of the island.
The church of Panaghia Episkopi dating back to 1100 is one of the older and most interesting of the island. Being an orthodoxe church, it has been turned to catholic during the Venetian domination; orthodoxes have taken it back during the Ottoman domination. At the interior one can admire the sculpted decoration as well as the old byzantine icons, some of them going back to the 11th and 12 th centuries.
The church dedicated to Virgin Mary and a great local feast takes place on the 15th of August with folk music and dance; food and wine are offered to the people participating to the feast.
Don’t miss to visit the Canava Roussos, a family winery established in 1836, at the entrance of the village. You may taste various types of wines produced there, see the place and buy products. Some small taverns offering thypical dishes of Santorini are available in the Village, but there are no logding facilities.
Access to the village is easy by the buses running to Kamari, which run regularly and very frequently in summer. Rented or private car is also an alternative.
Kamari, Santorini Greece
One of the best organised places in Santorini Kamari is situated 10 klm far from Fira, at the South east. It is a new village, reconstructed after the earthquake of 1956 and fully developed in a touristic resort, with 1350 permanent residents.
Apart from the beach, it is worthseeing the ruins of ancient buildings by the sea.
An old winery, that of “Volcan” agency, established in 1880, has been converted to a museum of wine production. It is presented the process of wine making, as well as the equipment and machinery used, traditional artefacts etc. Various cultural activities, including a Jazz festival, take place in August during the local festival known as the “Kamariano Panighyri”.
A local feast, also in honor of Virgin Mary (“Panaghia Myrtidiotissa”) takes place on September 24th. Again, there is plenty of music and dance and food and wine is offered to the participants.
A lot of hotels and rooms to let of any category and for all budgets can cover the needs of the visitors; there is also a camping. However, as Kamari is one of the spots of attraction in Santorini, it is advised to book accomodation, especially during August. You will not have problem with eating, as there are several restaurants, taverns and snack bars for any taste. Bars, cafes and discos can fill your nights and warrantie your entertaintment and an outdoor cinema, the only one on the island, can fill some of your evenings.
You can find various shops for gifts and souvenirs, but also for your needs during vacation. A medical center is available in case of health problems.
Excursions are made in summer to the nearby island of Anafi. The boats depart from the small port of the village.
Kamari is well connected by public bus with Fira and the rest of the island; especially in summer the bus service runs every 15 minutes. Travel agencies and rent-a-car facilities are also available, and there is always the alternative of taxi or private car.
Megalochori, Santorini Greece
At a distance of 10 klm far from Fira at the Southwest, it is found Megalochori. Its name in greek means “big village”, but in fact with 460 permanent residents, the name is not fully justified! However, Megalochori is one of the most representative villages of Santorini, having kept almost intact its features. Typical traditional cycladic houses, neoclassic buildings and small houses dug in the volcanic rock blend together with harmony.
As the rest of the villages, we find here also the typical small white churches, some of them with their blue domes; the most important of them are that of “Panaghia ton Isodion” dedicated to Virgin Mary, with a beautiful woodcarved icon screen and byzantine icons of Russian style, and Aghios Nicolaos Marmaritis. This latter, is in fact a doric temple of the 4th century B.C. converted to Christian church; the features of ancient architecture have been left almost intact. Its name is owed to the marble (“marmaro” in greek) , the main building material of the ancient temple, retained in the christian church
It is also worthseeing the wine factory of Boutaris, one of the most well known firms of wine making in Greece. Various programs in three languages guide the visitor in the history of the island and of wine and teach the secrets of wine tasting.
Two local feasts (“panighyri”) take place on the 1st of July on the feast of Aghioi Anargyri and on 15th of August, in honor of the Assumption of Virgin Mary.
Hotels, rooms to let and a camping are available, as well as taverns and cafes.
Megalochori is on the road to Acrotiri. Public buses running regularly and more frequently in summer connect the village with Athinios, the port, as well as with the other villages of the island. And there is always the choice of taxi, rented or private car and motorbike.
Emporio village, Santorini Greece
Built at the middle of the big plain of the southern part of Santorini, Emporeio is 12 klm far from Fira at the South and has 1770 permanent residents. Due to the touristic development the village has been expanded and it tends to join the nearby resort of Perissa at the east.
Emporio is a rather impressive village. Fortified during the medieval times, the old village has such narrow streets and paths that it difficult even for two people to walk side- by side or cross each other. The houses climb on the slope of a hill and those built higher look like a castle if seen from the exterior.
Only a few remains of the castle are seen today; the remains of the two entrances are better preserved.
It is worthseeing the square tower, known as Goulas, at the northern part of the village. It has been built during the Ottoman occupation of the island to protect the people from pirates’ invasions and host safely the treasures of the Monastery of Patmos kept there.
A local feast (“panighyri”) takes place on the 22 th of October, in honor of Aghios Averkios, the protector of wines.
Several alternatives of accomodation are offered in Emporio. Hotels with sport facilities and rooms to let cover the needs of tourists. However, due to the vicinity with Perissa and the other popular beaches of the eastern part, in summer it may be difficult to find accomodation. As in every other village, food is not a problem. Taverns, cafes and bars are more than sufficient, offering good food, wine and amusement.
Emporeio is easily accessible by public bus (being on the way to Perissa, the bus is very frequent, especially in summer), taxi or rented and private car and motorbike.
Perissa, Santorini Greece
Due to its impressive long black sandy beach, Perissa is the most well known summer resort of Santorini. Situated at the southeastern edge of the island, it is 15 klm far from Fira and has 470 permanent residents. Due to the touristic development, Perissa has almost been joined with the nearby village of Emporio.
It is worthseeing the Byzantine church of Aghia Irini (St. Irene), the patron saint of the island, from whom it has taken its actual name, as St Irene died on the island, while in exile. The church of Panaghia Katefiani, dedicated to Holy Mary, is another interesting church, dug in the rock with a magnificent view to the sea. The Monastery of Timios Stavros (Holy Cross), built at the beach, has an impressive church of 19th century.
If you are interested in archaeological sites, don’t miss to visit the ruins of Ancient Thira on Mesa Vouno, at a height of 300 m. The excavations have revealed part of the dorian city: sanctuaries, a doric temple of Dionysos, the forum, the theater and the gymnasium, all dating back to the periods between 4th and 1st centuries B.C. From Perissa you will reach Ancient Thira only on foot, an hour walk.
Three local feasts (“panighyri”) take place in the village on the 29th of August in honour of St. John, on the 8th of September in honour of Panaghia Katefiani and on the 14th of September in honour of the Holy Cross.
Any kind of accomodation from luxurious hotels to camping is available in Perissa. A good number of tavernas, restaurants and cafes of various taste can satisfy any desir. And plenty of discos, bars and clubs promise to give you an unforgettable and intense nightlife.
There are various shops for with gifts and souvenirs, but also with clothes and anything you might need. In case of health problems, a medical center is available.
Access to Perissa is possible via the public bus, running from Fira every 25 minutes in summer
Athinios Port, Santorini Greece
It is the new port of Santorini, 12 klm far from Fira at the South, almost at the middle of the caldera coasts. Some cafes and one or two mini markets are available to serve the passengers arriving by the ships of the line, but it is not a settlement.
Athinios is connected with Fira, but also with other villages by bus, which run regularly and are more frequent on arrival or departure of the ship.
Akrotiri village, Santorini island
Situated 15 klm far from Fira, at the southwestern part of the island, this village of 450 people has been famous thanks to the very important Minoan settlement brought in light by excavations conducted at the site since 1967, firstly by Sp. Marinatos and after his death by Chr. Doumas, up to now.
Buried under the tons of volcanic ashes, this prehistoric settlement was left almost intact and archaeologists have found a settlement which had been active since at least the 3rd milenium B.C.
The most impressive discovery is that of the Minoan settlement which had been disappeared under the volcanic ashes of the expolosion in circa 1500 B.C. A well organized town, with two – store luxurious houses some of them with fascinating frescoes, pottery and various precious finds, along with burnt food remains have been brought to light during the excavations.
The site is open to visitors, but many of the finds, especially the frescoes have been transferred in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens and the new Archaeological Museum of Fira.
Apart from the prehistoric settlement which is worthseeing more than once, it is interesting to visit the Venetian castle, as well as the churches of Aghia Triada and Ipapandi.
An asphaltated road leads to the cape, 3 klms far, at the very west of the island, with a magnificent view and a lighthouse.
A few hotels and rooms for rent are available, most of them open from April to October, as well as some taverns and cafes.
Akrotiri is close enough to the sea and swiming is possible at the nearby beaches; Kokkini Ammos (“red sand”) is the most well known of them.
A few local feasts (“panighyri”) take place at Acrotiri; two in May (12th and 29th) and two in August (6th and 15th), the latter being more important as they are dedicated to Jesus Christ’s Transfiguration and to the Virgin’s Assumption.
The village is connected with Fira by public buses which run every hour in summer, from 9 a.m to 8 p.m. Taxis and rented cars or motorbikes are always a good alternative. The asphaltated road is good enough and leads also to Kokkini Ammos at the South of the village and to Faros at the very west end of the island.
Thirassia island, Santorini Greece
A small island opposite Oia; a bit of the once round island that was Santorini before the explosion of 1500 b.C. Along with Oia, it forms the northern entrance of the caldera. Its extent is 9 square klm and it has 150 permanent residents.
The main settlement is Chora (or Manolas), not far from the sea and Korfos on the beach at the Eastern part; Riva, just opposite to Oia at the North and Potamos at the west are the rest.
Thirassia is a typical cycladic village with a way of life as it used to be before the invasion of tourism. Tiny houses of various colours give a special character to these small settlements. Few people and fewer tourists stroll around the narrow streets and what is plenty here is calmness, traditional timing and natural life.
Local herbs, scents, an unspoiled beach with clear blue water, a marvellous view of Oia and wilderness are what the island can offer to those who choose to spend some days here.
A few churches at Chora and at Potamos are worthseeing, and if you are on the island on the 21st of September you may attend the local feast in honour of Panaghia Giatrena (Virgin Mary).
A hotel and some rooms to let are available; you will find good food with local dishes in the few taverns and cafes. Access to Thirasia is possible by boat from Oia; excursions are organised in summer.
The boat will leave you in Riva and a taxi can get you to Chora and Potamos.
