With its characteristic crescent-like shape, Santorini stands as both the creation and the guardian of the nearby volcano. Together with Aspronisi and Thirasia, it is what is left of the volcanic island of Strongyli, including Palea and Nea Kameni, as well as the active underwater volcano known as Santorini Caldera. Santorini owes its unique geography to the region’s intense geological past. Impressive rock formations, breathtaking landscapes, and beaches with an unconventional character, thanks to their white, red, or black sand or volcanic pebbles. An escape from the ordinary, a destination you’ll remember for a lifetime. Santorini is world famous for its caldera – the perimetric cliffs of the crater in the center of the island formed by one of the strongest volcanic eruptions about 3,000 years ago, traces of which were found in North America. The archaeological dig in Akrotiri has revealed remains of an ancient village frozen in time from the lava which covered it during the eruption. This unique landscape of red and black cliffs with villages of white-washed houses built on their rims combined with the sun setting in the sea makes for a truly romantic spot on earth. If you do venture up to ancient Thira you will be able to see the ruins and take in the majestic panoramic views of the island. Once you get here we would be more than happy to discuss a guided island tour so as to make the most of your visit on Santorini Island.
Santorini’s volcanic nature, unique and incomparable landscapes, the combination of red and black rocks, pumice, white pebbles, and deep blue crystal-clear waters created this magical island which is like no other in the world. When you swim in the black beaches of Kamari and Perissa, walk on the red sand in the Red Beach and the huge beach in Vlychada which resembles lunar landscapes, you know it: this is an experience of a lifetime!
The beaches of Oia, on the north coast of Santorini are not so easily accessible, but worth having a top spot in your bucket list! Most of them are ideal for diving and scuba diving, as Santorini has an extremely rich underwater marine life.
In addition to the famous and crowded beaches of Santorini, visitors can find smaller bays that are not organized, such as: Baxedes, Pori, Vourvoulos, in the center and the beaches of Karterados and Agia Paraskevi and from there to the beaches of the Caldera Mesa Pigadia and Kambia in Akrotiri.
Greece is a wonderful country, rich in culture, history and timeless mythological tales. The island of Santorini has an incredible history. Santorini and the Caldera were formed around 3,600 years ago during a gigantic eruption which completely changed the landscape of the island and shaped many civilizations. To this day Santorini is still an active volcano, although it has laid dormant since 1950. According to Mythology, Santorini was created from a lump of earth that was thrown into the sea by Euphemus, Poseidon’s son. Euphemus had a dream one evening that he had made love to a nymph who was the daughter of Triton (the son of Poseidon and Aphrodite). Within the dream, the nymph fell pregnant and fearing her father’s reaction asked Euphemus to collect a lump of earth from Anaphe (a nearby island) and to throw it to the sea so she can hide there and give birth to their child. Now, although this was a dream, Euphemus in the realm of reality went ahead with the nymph’s request and as the earth landed into the sea the stunning island of Santorini (initially named Kallisti) appeared. The island became the settlement of a great civilization parallel to the Minoans until the volcanic eruption, which not only destroyed Santorini but also devastated the Minoan civilization, burying the island under pumice and rocks.
Many believe the destruction of Santorini was the inspiration behind the lost continent of Atlantis, which is often described as, a ‘great civilization disappearing beneath the waves.’
You will also find a museum on the island which celebrates this possibility!
Volcave Suites
Karterados & Akrotiri, 84700
Santorini