Santorini

Santorini

Santorini is the 62nd-largest island in the Mediterranean by Area (76 sq. km). 

Santorini Island Greece is one of the most romantic Island of Greece. See wedding Photos

There are many stories and legends about Santorini. These legends do no refer only to the island’s history but also to the causes of its geological structure and its specific shape. Santorini is recognized at the most valuable pearl in the string of the Greek archipelago.

Universally known and attracting all kinds of people, aesthetes and romantics, realists and dreamers, who ardently with to get acquainted with it. Also the mystery of Atlantis which is identified with this island by legends and writings. The first name of the island was Stronghyle, later it was known as Calliste and eventually as Thera. The name Santorini is evidently modern and derived from the island’s church of St. Irene. Foreign seamen used to call the saint Santo Irini and in the course of the time this became Santorini.

Santorini in particular was formed by the lava and ashes of many volcanic centres. Initially the shape of Santorini was round, hence also its name Stronghyle, before being called Calliste.

The tremendous volcanic explosion of the former island of Stronghyle took place in Santorini around 1500 b.C. The earthquake which accompanied the sinking of the central part of the island at the eruption of the volcano and the huge seismic wave which ensued , hit even the coasts of Egypt. This seismic wave first hit Crete with great speed reaching the island within 20-30 minutes.  Coastal cities and settlements such us Knossos, Mallia, Zakro, Phaistos, Gournia etc. were devastated within a few seconds.

More than 83sq.kms of land, that is about one half of the total surface of Stronghyle (Santorini) submerged into the sea at a depth ranging from 300 to 400 metres, creating from one moment to the other the largest caldera in the world. The Caldera of Santorini has a surface which is two and a half times, and a volume of about five times larger than the similar caldera of Krakatoa. The Tsunami of Stronghyle must have been approximately 200 metres and reaching the coasts of Crete it was still some 70m high.

How To Come to Santorini

There is two ways to come to Santorini from Athens

Santorini By Ferry

Santorini is 5 to 9 hours from Athens by Ferry, depending the type of the ship you will choose to travel and the price range for the tickets per person is between 35 to 80 euros. 
Santorini is one of the most famous island of Greece, and for that reason, the ship connections during the summer season are very common. During summer time, many ships make daily trips from the ports of Piraeus and Rafina (both located near Athens)to Santorini. The classical ferry route from the port of Piraeus is Piraeus – Paros – Naxos – Ios – Santorini. Santorini also has many connections with the other islands of the Cyclades and the Aegean (Mykonos, Anafi, Amorgos, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Rhodes, Crete, etc). A classical ferry needs around nine hours to reach the port of Santorini, seven hours with the modern Blue Star Ferries and around four to five hours with the high-speed boats or hydrofoil.

If you take a trip by cruise boat, the experience will surely leave you with lasting memories. The main port of Santorini is Athinios, where buses and taxis meet each entrance to transport passengers to Oia, Fira, and elsewhere. All vehicles climb up a very steep, winding road (it makes seven 180 degree turns) to get anywhere from Athinios.