Find Santorinitours.org at Emporio 847 03, call us on 694 457 7918 and book a tour from Santorini tours. In our article you will read about 3 + 1 places you should visit in Santorini.
What you must know about Santorini
The volcano erupted in the 2nd millennium BC. dismembering the island of Santorini. The tidal wave, in fact, caused by the explosion destroyed important seaside centers of the Minoan civilization of Crete. Thus, Thirasia, Aspronisi and the underwater crater in the center remained, which today constitute the famous Caldera. The modern name Santorini comes from the Venetians who named the island after the temple of Agia Irini.
In Santorini, everything looks heavenly, as if they have come out of a painting. We’ve put together 4 must-see spots.
1. Emporio
During the Venetian rule it was the commercial and financial center of Santorini. Today it is one of the most interesting villages of the island, especially from an architectural point of view. Emporio is located in the southern part of Thira, very close to Perivolo and Perissa beaches.
Here you will be impressed by the features, houses carved out of the stone, you will be enchanted by the exploration of the Castle (Messana), while you will feel intense immersion in Panagia Kali, located inside the castle. Tip: Don’t miss visiting the windmills on Gavrilos hill. The scenery, especially on cloudy nights, is extremely romantic!
2. Oia
Oia, the first settlement to be classified as preserved (1976), is without a doubt one of the most photographed places in Greece. Its sunset has been a source of inspiration for inexperienced artists, while its alleys act like magnets that invite you to get lost in their well-hidden secrets. Oia, which is about 40 minutes drive from Fira, will enchant you because it is truly irresistible.
The main road divides it into two areas: one, towards the caldera, has impressive cave buildings, the other is decorated with captains’ houses. Don’t be surprised by the infinite domes that appear at every corner, since there are more than 60 churches in Oia. At the end of the settlement is the Castle, with the parts that have been preserved offering a unique view, but also a charming journey into the past.
Quality is synonymous with the area, which is without a doubt one of the most interesting experiences in Santorini. The restaurants and café bars of Oia will satisfy you completely, while the minimal suggestions for shopping (apart from tourist businesses) will tempt you to spend. Tip: Don’t miss going down the 214 steps that separate Oia from the picturesque Amoudi, where you will enjoy guaranteed fresh fish. Also, in Oia is the Maritime Museum, which is worth your visit.
3. Fira
At a distance of 12 km from Oia, the ever-bustling Fira, the capital of Santorini, is one of the must-see stops on the island. At a distance of about 260 meters from the surface of the sea, they seem to have put on their whites and climbed the cliff, to provoke the admiration of every visitor. The unique position of Fira in the caldera offers a breathtaking view of Nea and Palaia Kameni.
Crowds of people flock to the densely built area of Fira at all hours of the day, while the numerous businesses that operate in the narrow streets of the island’s capital attract visitors of various interests and of all ages.
Your walk will start from the central square of Theotokopoulos with its many café bars, while, a little further down, a street full of luxury jewelry shops stretches out in front of you, promising “diamond” experiences! Indulge in the charm of the beautiful narrows of Fira and let your gaze wander to the eerie beauty of the caldera. In Fira you can visit the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, the Gyzi Palace and the Santozeum.
Tip: To enjoy your acquaintance with Fira to the fullest, you can climb the 588 steps from the Old Port. An alternative solution is the cable car, which runs daily every 20 minutes, from 07:00 to 22:20. Lovers of tradition can make the trip to and from the Old Port on donkeys! You will enjoy a wonderful view of Fira from Budi, where very interesting events take place every summer. There are municipal parking lots in the area of Fira.
+1. Firostefani
You can reach Firostefani from Fira, following the “eyebrow” of the caldera and covering a distance of about 10 minutes on foot. Firostefani, which has always been the favorite stop of every visitor to the island, owes its name to the fact that it “crowns” Fira. The view of the caldera is simply unbeatable, with the cliff so steep that many times your heart will beat faster. In Firostefani you will find several worthwhile suggestions for food, in restaurants and taverns whose main characteristic is the relaxing atmosphere.
On the way to Imerovigli you will come across the monastery of Agios Nikolaos, built in 1651 by the Gyzi family. It is considered the border between the two settlements, and it is really worth your visit.