General
Santorini is unique both in its shape and its landscape. The whole island is a volcano (still active today) and its actual shape is the result of volcanic eruptions over the years. The most important of these eruptions took place in 1500 B.C., when all the western part of the island disappeared underwater. This formed the "caldera" walls, the remains of the volcano’s old crater, a steep, 300m high, rock of volcanic material.
On the opposite side of the “caldera”, to the west, two smaller islands, Thirassia and Aspronissi, form a circle with the main island, giving an impression of the island’s shape before the eruption. Virtually, one can reconstruct a rather round island, as its ancient Greek name - Strongyli (meaning "round") - suggests. In the middle of this circle, two small islands made of volcanic material, appeared in more recent periods - Palaia Kammeni (“kammeni” meaning burnt in Greek) and Nea Kammeni. When reaching Santorini by boat the view of the “caldera” is truly breathtaking.
Volcano
The present-day crescent shape of the island is a consequence of volcanic activity that took place in prehistoric times. The island owes its very existence to the volcano.
The last huge volcanic eruption dates back 3,600 years, to the late Bronze Age. Thirty million cubic meters of magma in the form of pumice and ash were blown up to a height of 36 kilometers above the island. Pumice deposits, dozens of meters thick, buried one of the most prosperous prehistoric settlements of that period, feeding the myth of the lost Atlantis.
Mild volcanic activity continues, after this major eruption into the present (the most recent eruption occurred in 1950) building up two small islands within the caldera, Palea and Nea Kammeni. These islands represent the volcano's most recent activity.
The marvelous dry climate and continuous sunshine create conditions which are perfect for observation and photography under an extraordinary variety of natural lights and colours. Visitors to Santorini often take advantage of the unique opportunity of reaching the interior of the volcano by boat.
History
Ancient Thera
Ancient Thera, is located on Mesa Vouno, 396 m. above sea level. It was founded in the 9th century B.C. by Dorian colonists whose leader was Theras, and continued to be inhabited until the early Byzantine period.
The preserved ruins belong to the Hellenistic and Roman phases of the city.
There are many important monuments in Ancient Thera, such as the Sanctuary of Artemidoros (with its many engravings), the Temple of Dionysus, the Cemeteries of Ancient Thera and the Agora.
The Sanctuary of Artemidoros, entirely hewn into the rock-face, was founded by Artemidoros of Perge. Engraved on the rock-face are epigrams and inscriptions, as well as symbols of the gods worshipped there: an eagle for Zeus, a lion for Apollo, a dolphin for Poseidon. Also engraved is the portrait of a wreathed Artemidoros, the sanctuary’s founder. The whole structure is dated to the end of the 4th or the beginning of the 3rd century B.C.
The Agora lies almost in the city’s centre. Its southern part was actually the commercial centre and the middle part was the administrative centre. The northern part was added in the Roman period and included a portico, monuments and temple-like buildings, erected in honour of distinguished persons.
The Royal Stoa (46 x 10 m.) was built in the time of Augustus (1st century A.D.), in the South-western part of the Agora. The main entrance is on the East side, towards the Agora and the roof was supported by an interior Doric colonnade along the axis of the building. Statues of members of Caesar’s family were erected in the northern part. Two inscribed slabs built in the west wall, record that the portico was repaired in A.D. 149 by Kleitosthenes, a rich Theran.
Temple of Dionysus. This is a small, Doric temple with a small cella and pronaos, built on an artificial terrace to the north of the Agora. The facade and roof were made of marble while the rest of the building was of local stone. Dated to the 3rd century B.C. (Hellenistic period).
Sanctuaries on the city’s South-Eastern side. This area is occupied exclusively by sanctuaries, open-air or roofed (such as the sanctuary of Apollo Karneios, of Hermes and Heracles, of Ptolemy III etc.) and the square, where the Gymnopaediae (dances of nude boys) were held in honor of Apollo Karneios. Engraved in the rocks are numerous inscriptions dating from the Archaic to the Roman period, referring to deities and youths.
The Sanctuary of Apollo Karneios, dated to the 6th century B.C., is partially hewn into the rock and partially built on an artificial terrace. It includes a temple with pronaos and cella, a square courtyard with an underground cistern, the roof of which was supported by six large monolithic pillars and a small building, probably a repository.
Gymnasium of the Youths. It lies on the city’s Southern edge and dates back to the 2nd century A.D. A small cave, partially hewn from rock, it was dedicated to Hermes and Heracles.
Cemeteries of Ancient Thera. These are located on the slopes of the Sellada, on either side of the roads that led to the north and south harbours of the ancient city, the modern villages of Kamari and Perissa, respectively. The graves span the long period between the Geometric and Roman times.
The Theatre lies Southeast of the Agora. It was constructed in the Ptolemaic period (3rd century B.C.) and in its original form had a circular orchestra. During alterations in the 1st century A.D., the stage was extended and took over part of the original orchestra.
Thera Akrotiri
One of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean, Akrotiri was a large settlement with an elaborate drainage system, sophisticated multi-storeyed buildings with magnificent wall-paintings, furniture and vessels, all indicating its great development and prosperity. Please note that the Akrotiri museum is presently closed due to renovation.
Akrotiri at Thera is one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean. First signs of habitation on the site date back to the Late Neolithic times. During the Early Bronze Age, a sizeable settlement was founded and in the Middle and early Late Bronze Age (ca. 20th-17th centuries B.C.) it was extended and gradually developed into one of the Aegean’s main urban centres. The settlement’s size (ca. 20 hectares), elaborate drainage system, sophisticated multi-storeyed buildings with magnificent wall-paintings, furniture and vessels, all indicate its great development and prosperity.
Various imported objects found in Akrotiri buildings indicate a wide network of external relations. Akrotiri was in contact with Crete but also communicated with the Greek Mainland, the Dodecanese, Cyprus, Syria and Egypt. The town's life came to an abrupt end in the last quarter of the 17th century B.C. when the inhabitants were obliged to abandon it as a result of severe earthquakes. A severe volcanic eruption followed. Volcanic material covered the entire island and the town itself. This volcanic material, however, protected the buildings and their contents, up to now, just like in Pompei.
Evidence of habitation at Akrotiri first came to light in the second half of the 19th century. Systematic excavation begun much later, in 1967, by Professor Spyridon Marinatos under the auspices of the Archaeological Society at Athens. He decided to excavate at Akrotiri in the hope of verifying an old theory of his, published in the 1930's, that the eruption of the Thera volcano was responsible for the collapse of the Minoan civilization. Since his death in 1974, the excavations have been continued under the direction of Professor Christos Doumas.
The most important buildings of the site are:
Xeste 3: A large edifice, at least two-storeys high, with fourteen rooms on each floor. Some of the rooms were connected by multiple doors and decorated with magnificent wall-paintings. In one of them there was a "Lustral basin", which was considered a sacred area. The most interesting of the frescoes there, are the ones of the Altar and of the Saffron Gatherers. The former depicts three women in a field with bloomed crocuses and an altar, and the latter, female figures engaged in collecting crocuses which they offer to a seated goddess, flanked by a blue monkey and a griffin. Judging from the architectural peculiarities of the building and the themes of the frescoes, one may conclude that Xeste 3 was used for ritual performances.
Sector B possibly comprises two separate buildings, the one attached to the other. The famous wall paintings of Antelopes and the Boxing Children are from the western building. The eastern building yielded the “fresco of the Monkeys”, a composition of monkeys climbing on rocks at the side of a river.
The West House is a relatively small, but well-organized building. On the ground floor there are storerooms, workshops, a kitchen and a mill-installation. The first floor has a spacious chamber used for weaving activities, a room for the storage of clay vessels, a lavatory and two rooms, the one next to the other, embellished with magnificent murals. The first room was decorated with two frescoes of the Fishermen, a fresco of the Young Priestess and the famous Flotilla miniature frieze. The latter, ran around all four walls and depicted a major overseas voyage, in the course of which, the fleet visited several harbours and towns. The rocky landscape, the configuration of the harbour and the multi-storeyed buildings identify the port, as the prehistoric settlement at Akrotiri. The walls of the second room were decorated with a single motif which was repeated eight times. This motif is identified as the cabin at the stern of the ships depicted in the miniature frieze.
Complex Delta includes four houses. A room in the eastern building is decorated with the Spring fresco: the artist represented a rocky landscape, planted with blossoming lilies, between which swallows are depicted in a variety of flying positions. Linear A script tablets have recently been found in the same building. All four buildings yielded interesting finds such as abundant imported pottery and precious stone and bronze objects.
House of the Ladies. The large, two-storey building was named after the fresco with the Ladies and the Papyruses, which decorated the interior. The most interesting architectural feature of the building is a light-well constructed at its centre.
Xeste 4. This is a magnificent three-storey building, the largest excavated up to now. The fragments of frescoes that have so far come to light belong to a composition which adorned the walls on either side of the staircase at the entrance of the building, depicting life-size male figures ascending the steps in procession. It was in all probability a public building, judging from its unusually large dimensions, the impressive exterior and the walls’ decoration.
The Lost Civilisation of Atlantis
The story of Atlantis, a fabled utopia destroyed overnight, in ancient times, has captured the imagination of scholars ever since it was first described in 355 B.C. by the philosopher Plato more than 2,000 years ago.
Plato’s depiction of a land of fabulous wealth, advanced civilisation and natural beauty has spurred many adventurers to seek out its location. Debate rages over where it may lie, however various studies place it to be submerged, near Santorini island.
According to Plato, Atlantis was a great island (larger than Libya and Asia combined) in the Atlantic Ocean, but its control extended beyond the 'Pillars of Heracles' into the Mediterranean as far as Egypt and Tyrrhenia (Italy). Its powerful and remarkable dynasty of kings arose directly from Poseidon, god of sea and of earthquakes, though this divine and heroic lineage gradually became diluted by mixing with mortal stock.
The resulting degeneration of this noble civilisation led it into a war with its former ally, Athens, and culminated in its cataclysmic destruction.
Plato wrote that the sea god Poseidon (Neptune) was given Atlantis and then built a large home for his mortal wife on a hill in the middle of the island. This palace was surrounded by five rings of water and land connected only by tunnels large enough for ships to pass through.
A dual pipe system suggesting hot and cold running water, the advanced architecture, and the apparent layout of the Akrotiri find, resembles Plato's description of the legendary lost city of Atlantis, further indicating the Minoans as the culture which primarily inspired the Atlantis legend.
One theory about Atlantis came from the Greek archaeologist Angelos Galanopoulos in the late '60s. He theorized that around 1500 BC, a massive eruption from a volcano ripped apart the island of Santorini in the Mediterranean and probably wiped out most civilization on the Greek islands and regions of Greece. Galanopoulos suggested this disaster is the one that sank Atlantis.
Other theories include placing Atlantis as part of the Egyptian civilization, as being located somewhere in the Azores and as being destroyed by a comet.
However, the question still remains: was there such a place as Atlantis?
Museums in Santorini
In Santorini there are a variety of museums showing the island’s history from prehistoric times, up until today. Ancient engravings, Cycladic style dresses and shoes as well as books about Santorini can all be found in one of the various museums in Santorini.
- The Archaeological Museum
- Museum of Prehistoric Thera
- The Naval Museum
- The Megaron Gyzi
- The Folklore Museum
The Archaeological Museum
The museum is located in Thera, the island's capital, opposite the cable car station. You will be able to see a selection of Hellenistic and Roman sculpture from the Archaic to the Roman period. Noteworthy are a fine collection of geometric red and black vases from the fifth century B.C. Inscriptions are plentiful among the displays in the museum and a certain amount of Minoan ware is also on exhibit.Opening Times: 8.30 a.m. - 3.00 p.m. (Monday closed)
Tel: +30 22860 22217
Admission fee: 3 euro (free to under 18 year olds and 2 euro for over 65 year olds)
Museum of Prehistoric Thera
Located in Thera, the island's capital, this museum houses masterpieces of art from the prehistoric Cyclades. The exhibition is structured in four units, referring to the history of research at Thera, the geology of Thera, the island's history from the Late Neolithic to the Late Cycladic I period (early 17th century B.C.) and the heyday of the city at Akrotiri (mature Late Cycladic 1 period, 17th century B.C.).
In the last unit, various aspects are presented, such as the plan and architecture of the city and its organization as an urban centre, the emergent bureaucratic system, the development of the monumental art of wall painting, the rich and diverse pottery repertoire, the elegant jewellery, the reciprocal influences between vase painting and wall painting, and the city's and island's complex network of contacts with the outside word.
The exhibits include fossils of plants that flourished before the human habitation of Thera as well as archeological objects.
Among the earliest pieces are Neolithic pottery, Early Cycladic marble figurines, Early Cycladic pottery, including interesting pieces of the transitional phase from Late Cycladic II to Late Cycladic III period from the Christiana islets and Akrotiri (3300-2000 B.C.) Middle Cycladic pottery with a series of impressive bird jugs, many of them decorated with swallows - from Ftellos, Megalochori and Akrotiri (20th-18th century B.C.), and Early Cycladic metal artifacts from the last two sites.
Opening Times: 8.30 a.m. - 3.00 p.m.(Monday closed)
Tel: +30 22860 23217
Admission fee: 3 euro (free to under 18 year olds and 2 euro for over 65 year olds)
The Naval museum
Located in Oia, a picturesque town in the north of Santorini, this museum houses all kinds of marine objects tracing the maritime history of the island. The museum also features a small library and the vestiges of a Venetian fortress.
Opening times:10.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.(Tuesday closed) Tel: +30 22860 71156
Admission fee: 3 euro (Students– 1.5 euro)
The Megaron Gyzi
Museum Megaron Gyzi is located in Thera, behind the Catholic cathedral. It exhibits engravings from the 16th to the 19th century with dresses, views and maps of the Cycladic islands as well as fascinating photographs of Thera before and after the earthquake of 1956.
Opening times: (Daily) 10:30 - 13:30 & 17:00 - 20:00, Sun 10:30 – 16:00
Tel: +30 22860 23077
Admission fee: 3 euro (Students– 1.5 euro)
The Folklore museum
The Folklore Museum is located in Kontohori, in Thera. It was built in a cave-house in 1861. You will find a variety of exhibits in this museum: barrel and shoe makers, an old traditional winery and also the work of local artists.
Opening times: 10:00 – 14:00 and 18:00 – 20:00 (daily)
Tel: + 30 22860 22792
Admission fee: 3 euro
Villages
Santorini’s villages have kept their traditional character with white-washed buildings, narrow, winding, cobbled streets and exquisite blue-roofed churches. Some of the villages are perched on the top of 300 m high cliffs and offer gorgeous views. Some of the most beautiful villages include: Thera, Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, Megalochori, Akrotiri, Pyrgos, Messaria, Exo Gonia, Finikia, Emporio, Katarados.
Click here for short descriptions of each unique village.
Thera Village
Clinging to the rim of a steep cliff, Thera is actually in the middle of the volcano’s crater. It is the island’s capital, although the town is not typically Cycladic. The long period of Venetian domination left its influence on the town’s architecture while Cycladic and Venetian architectural features are found side by side making for quite an interesting blend.
Firostefani
Built on the cliff edge facing the caldera, some 1 to 1,5 km from Thera, in the North, Firostefani offers the visitor a magnificent view, romantic walks and a sunset of unique beauty, less crowded than that of Oia.
Imerovigli
Situated 3 km from Thera in 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 quarter. Built on the rim of the volcanic crater, 300 m. high, it has an extraordinary beautiful view of the caldera.
Vourvoulos
2,5 km from Thera in the North and just in the centre of the island’s northern part is Vourvoulos. Although a bit remote from the sea, the village has exceptional views of the Aegean, traditional architecture and is a tranquil setting.
Finikia
10 km from Thera, in the Northeest on the public road to Oia is 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, which are cut out of rock, are worth seeing.
Oia
Situated 11 km from Thera, on the northwest edge of the island, Oia shares the same landscape as Thera. Built on the rim of a steep cliff, it has views of the “caldera”, the nearby island of Thirasia, and almost the whole island.
Karterados
Small inland village just 2 km from Thera, in the South, Karterados is situated on the public road leading to Messaria. The village has interesting architecture and is surrounded by vineyards.
Messaria
Situated almost in the centre of the island, this inland village is only 4 km from Thera, in the southeast. Messaria has 1.075 permanent residents and is the heart of Santorini wine-making. Surrounded by gardens and vineyards, with white-washed houses and narrow paths, it is possibly the island’s most beautiful village.
Vothonas
6 km from Thera in the southeast, is Vothonas, a small scenic village built in a valley, with small, cute houses and few residents. It is worth seeing the two churches built within caves; the "Panaghia tis Sergeinas" and the "Panaghia tis Tripas" (meaning "of the hole").
Monolithos
Small village on the coast, 9 km far from Thera 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.
Pyrgos
An inland village built on the slope of the mountain Profitis Ilias, Pyrgos is situated 7,5 km from Thera, in the southeast and has 730 permanent residents. The houses are arranged amphitheatrically surrounding the remains of a Venetian castle (today known as "kasteli") offering magnificent views.
Messa Gonia
Village in the island’s interior, 8km far from Thera, on the way to Kamari. The village suffered from the 1956 earthquakes and was partly abandoned by its residents who resettled in Kamari. It is a traditional village, surrounded by vineyards, one of the island’s major wine producing centres.
Exo Gonia
Small traditional village, 12 km far from Thera, with very few permanent residents. The village is quiet with narrow streets, beautiful houses, a flat landscape and marvellous views.
Kamari
One of the best organised places in Santorini, Kamari is situated 10 km from Thera, to the South east. It is a new village, reconstructed after the earthquake of 1956 and fully developed into a tourist resort, with 1350 permanent residents. Apart from the beach, it is worth seeing the ruins of ancient buildings by the sea.
Megalochori
Megalochori is at a distance of 10 km from Thera at the Southwest. 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 Santorini’s most representative villages, having kept its features almost intact. Traditional Cycladic houses, neoclassic buildings and small houses dug into the volcanic rock blend together in harmony.
Emporio
Built in the middle of a big plain in the southern part of Santorini, Emporio is 12 km from Thera and has 1770 permanent residents. Due to tourist development the village has expanded and it tends to join the nearby resort of Perissa to the east.
Perissa
Due to its impressive long, black, sandy beach, Perissa is Santorini’s best known summer resort. Situated on the island’s south-eastern edge, it is 15 km from Thera and has 470 permanent residents. It is worth seeing the Byzantine church of Aghia Irini (St. Irene) there.
Athinio Port
This is the new port of Santorini, 12 km from Thera, almost in the middle of the caldera coasts. Some cafes and one or two mini markets are available to serve the passengers arriving by ferry, but it is not a settlement.
Akrotiri
Situated 15 km from Thera, in the south-western part of the island, this village is famous due to the very important Minoan settlement brought to light by excavations conducted at the site since 1967.
Thirassia
A small island opposite Oia. Thirassia is a part of what was once the round island of Santorini before the 1500 B.C. explosion. Along with Oia, it forms the caldera’s northern entrance. The main settlement is Chora (or Manolas), not far from the sea and Korfos on the beach in the Eastern part; Riva, just opposite to Oia in the North and Potamos in the west are the other settlements.
Beaches
The island is full of original and scenic beaches that have unusually colored sand due to past volcanic activity. Deep, clear-blue water is found in the western part of the island, where the caldera is, where as beaches with black or red sand, polished black stones and pumice stones are found in the eastern part. Most beaches have full tourist facilities, offering a wide range of amenities.
When sunbathing, please note that the sun is fierce, so avoid the hours of 12 midday to 3 in the afternoon, wear a sun-hat, plenty of sun block and drink a lot of water. Too much alcohol the night before could result in severe dehydration and sun stroke.
Red Beach (Kokkini Ammos)
Just a step from the archaeological site of Akrotiri is Kokkini Ammos. Here, one does not only find black sand and blue water, but also red sand. The beach took its name ("red beach") from the impressive red lava cliffs dropping 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.
If you like excursions, boats leave from Akrotiri to other beaches further down the southwest coast.
White Beach (Aspri Ammos)
At a walking distance from Kokkini Ammos, in the West, you will find Aspri Ammos "white beach". Another scenic environment, where the cliffs surrounding the beach are whitish. Access is possible by boat or on foot.
Perissa
An array of water sports is available at Perissa (water skiing, windsurfing and paddle boats), one of the most popular beaches on the island. The unique black lava sand and clear deep blue sea are the main attraction. Seafront taverns, hotels, camping facilities and trees for shade add to the attraction. The beach is located on Santorini’s southeastern tip.
Perivolos
A quiet beach with small taverns, located on the island’s southern tip where water-sport facilities are available.
Vlihada
In the Perivolos area, this beach also offers a perfect spot for those wishing to avoid the big crowds.
Tastes of Santorini
Santorini owes its worldwide uniqueness to the peculiar ecosystem that was created due to successive volcanic explosions and lava that burnt rocks and formed a porous terrain of porcelain slabs. The composition of this terrain combined with drought and the island’s microclimate, which is a result of territorial humidity and the morning coolness, caused by sea vaporization at the point where the caldera is located, give the produce of this land an extra special taste.
You may try these locally produced delicacies in one of the many restaurants in Santorini. Definitely do not miss trying “Tomatokeftedes”, which resemble meatballs with tomatoes instead of meat and are the most traditional Santorini delicacy.
The Santorini Cherry Tomato
It is unique of its kind. It came from Suez and adapted easily to the volcanic terrain of the island. In 1875, I. Kiriakos, a folklorist from Thera, described the Santorini cherry tomato as a golden apple. This variety is shrubby and produces fruit the size of a cherry. Its skin is hard and therefore has a unique taste. Tomato paste is also produced from this variety of tomato. The dry terrain results in an increased amount of sugar and therefore increased tastiness. Prior to the 1956 earthquake there were 13 factories in operation on the island producing “Thera style paste”. After this, due to the low yield per, cultivation of tomatoes was considered unfavorable. Nowadays, there is only one tomato factory in operation in the island.
Fava - Split Peas
Santorini split peas are considered unique as they originate from the variety lathyrus clymenous, although this presents a paradox as it is the only type that is not registered in the official Greek catalogue. Traces of this exact type of split peas were found during excavations at Akrotiri which means that they were cultivated since then on the island. Based on this, the co-operative is taking steps towards making them a PDI product (Protected Designation of Origin). They are roughly the size of a large grain of sand and differ from other split peas as they become mushy on their own and have a purer aroma. They are sown in mid-November and harvested in May. They are then dried in the sun, cleaned, skinned and split by the producers. Split peas can be found in many recipes from Santorini, with onions, pork pieces and also in soup or with aubergines and tomatoes.
Capers
This shrub grows on the steep slopes of the caldera above the island’s traditional terraces. The blossom and leaves are collected from wild capers and because they have a more intense aroma and a more spicy taste. They are used in salads both fresh and pickled.
White Aubergine
Traditional produce of Santorini. Its seed originates from Egypt (from the time when pumice stone was exported to Suez). Due to the terrain it does not have the same bitterness as purple aubergines. On the contrary it is sweet and juicy and has few seeds.
Wines
Santorini is home to a small but flourishing wine industry, based on the indigenous grape variety, Assyrtiko. Assyrtiko vines are an extremely old variety and are resistant to phylloxera, attributed by local winemakers to the well drained volcanic soil and its chemistry. Consequently they did not need to be replaced during the great phylloxera epidemic of the early 20th century. Assyrtiko vines are well adapted to the Santorini habitat and are planted far apart, as their principal source of moisture is dew.
They are pruned in the shape of low spiraling baskets, with the grapes hanging inside to protect them from the wind. Also unique is the red, sweet and extremely strong Vinsanto. Vinsanto is distinguished by its superb velvety palate with aromas of creme brulee, chocolate and dried apricots.
White wines from the island are extremely dry with a strong, citrus scent; the ashy volcanic soil gives the white wines a slightly sulphurous flavor.
You can visit some of the wineries for a wine-tasting session and to view their winery. It is best to contact the winery concerned before your planned visit.
Santorini Wineries
(please use the prefix 22860 if calling from a Greek telephone or +30 22860 if calling from an international telephone)ARGIRIS SIGALAS WINE HOUSES - Thera tel: 22802 fax: 25400
ANTONIOU WINES - Megalochori tel: 23557
BOUTARI WINES - Megalochori tel: 81607 / 81011 fax: 81606
CANAVA ROUSSOS - Exo Gonia tel: 31349
HATZIDAKIS WINERY - Pyrgos tel: 32552
KASTELLI WINES KARAMOLEKOS I.S. - Vothonas tel/ fax : 32047 KOYTSOYIANNOPOYLOS tel: 22266
SANTO WINES - Pyrgos tel: 32128 / 22596
Night Life
Santorini Island is famous for its lively nightlife. There are many lively bars and clubs in the main tourist areas of Thera, Oia, Perisa and Kamari.
Thera is the most popular place in Santorini and many cafe bars or clubs are situated along the caldera (the cliff-top).
Caldera (Thera) bars and cafes are usually built into decorated caves and renovated old houses. In this area there are very strict laws about music and closing time and therefore these café/bars will generally close earlier.
Clubs and large bars operate during summer months and stay open to the early hours. There is usually a fee at the door which includes the first drink. Enigma, Koo and Dom are the best known clubs, where the partying continues till dawn.
If you are searching for quieter nightlife experiences you could enjoy an evening watching a film in an open air cinema. “Cinetheater” is a beautiful, new, open-air cinema built in the traditional Cycladic architectural style with a bar for snacks & refreshments. Films start every evening at 21:00 & 23:15 (subject to alteration). Films are shown in original versions with Greek sub-titles.
Tel: +30 22860 28881
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