Thira' s Dolphin Santorini | Hotels in Akrotiri Santorini
Santorini
 | Santorini, or otherwise called Thira, is on the south side of the Aegean Sea, at the island complex of Cyclades, south of Ios and west of Anafi. It is 128 nautical miles away from Piraeus, it covers 75,8 square kilometers and it is one of the most famous touristic resorts worldwide. It is also known for its volcanoes. |
Santorini is worldwide known for Caldera, its magical sunset and its wonderful beaches which are full of colors. Another distinctive characteristic of Santorini is its extremely important archaeological richness, its “black” beaches with the steep cliffs and the volcanic rocks which offer the island a unique style. Santorini also has some of the most picturesque islands of the Cycladic Island Complex, very well maintained mansions, wonderful chapels and a very well developed touristic infrastructure.
During your stay at the island, it is worth visiting:
- The Volcano: During the summer, daily excursions to the volcano and to the hot springs of the area are organized. The excursion usually includes climbing on the volcanic hill, baths in the hot springs and a stopover at Thirassia for swimming and lunch and return. If you decide to set off from the old port of Thira, you can get there either on foot, by walking for 45 minutes, or by the cable- car which departs every 15 minutes from 7.30-21.00.
- The Archaeological Museum of Fira: It was founded in 1960 by the Ministry of Public Works in order to replace the old museum (which was built in 1920), which collapsed because of the earthquake that occurred in 1956. It includes interesting exhibits which date back to the Archaic, Roman, Geometrical and Hellenistic Period, such as sculptures, inscriptions, ceramic ware and earthen statuettes.
- The Prehistoric Museum of Santorini (Fira): The Museum of Prehistoric Thira includes finds from the excavations that took place in Akrotiri under the auspices of the Archaeological Society of Athens, the early excavations that took place in Potamos by members of the German Archaeological Institute of Athens and other excavations in various areas of the island that were carried out by the 21st Ephorate of Antiquities for Cyclades and Samos, as well as objects that were discovered at random or were delivered to the museum.
- Argyros Mansion: It is an imposing mansion characterized by architectural elegance and it was built in Messaria, in 1860. It is one of the most remarkable modern monuments of the island that combines the traditional architecture of Thira with neoclassical elements. Its architectural style is remarkable and it has arched ceilings and wooden, painted floors.
- The Museum of Wine: Santorini has an important tradition in viniculture, of 3500 years at least, and has one of the most ancient vineyards worldwide which dates back to the prehistoric period. In Santorini you will find the unique in Greece underground museum of wine, 8 meters below the ground and 300 meters long, which has a labyrinthine shape and demonstrates the history of wine as well as the life of the viticulturists in Santorini from 1660 to 1970. Through the representations of movable and immovable effigies, the automatic, personal, e-tour in 9 languages, the visitor can get to know the history of wine.
- The Minoan City in Akrotiri: The excavations have revealed ruins which date back to a thriving Minoan colony that was first destroyed by an earthquake and it was then buried in the ash after a destructive explosion of the volcano during the 17th century B.C.
- The Nautical Museum of Santorini: The nautical history of the island starts from the prior to the explosion that occurred in 1640 B.C. period. During the 19th century the nautical activities are revived, mainly by the residents of Oia. In Oia, this picturesque and traditional village on the north-west side of Santorini, an old mansion was renovated and became the museum that hosts the Nautical History of Thira. Rare jewelry, settles of seamen, ancient nautical equipment, designs and sketches, models of ancient and modern vessels of Thira, water-colored paintings of ancient vessels as well as rare photographs and a library, all show the contribution of the residents of Thira to the glorious history of the Hellenic Navy through the years.
- Villages- Settlements: Santorini has some of the most picturesque villages in Cyclades, each one of them with its unique identity. It is worth visiting Fira, the capital of the island, Oia where you can admire the magnificent sunset, Imerovigli which is at the higher point of Caldera and has a magnificent view of the Volcano and it is also an ideal location from where you can admire the sunset. Moreover, Pyrgos is a medieval “ornament” to the island which prevails on a hill and offers a magnificent, panoramic view of the island. There are more locations that are worth visiting as well, such as Emporeio, Megalochori, Firostefani etc…
