The islands of the Cyclades comprise one of the most enchanting parts of Greece, and Santorini may be the prettiest of them all. Whitewashed buildings cling to cliffs that plunge to a turquoise sea. This is one of the most dramatic land and seascapes in the entire Mediterranean. A visit to Santorini presents travelers with unforgettable vistas!
The three island group, Santorini, Thiraisa and Aspronisi form the visible rim of a caldera left by a massive volcanic eruption around 1600 B.C. Santorini today is shaped like a fishhook. but centures ago it was shaped like a neat, round, cone.
The eruption in 1600 B.C. may have destroyed one of Europe's earliest civilizations. Before there were civilized towns anywhere else in Greece, a mysterious group called the Minoans built a highly developed culture and today their written language still cannot be read. The Minoans were skilled at making bronze tools and knives but seemed to have no interest in larger weapons. For hundreds of years they constructed huge palaces with indoor plumbing and brightly colored wall paintings and fantastic pottery. Features of this civilization were adopted by the Trojans and Greeks setting the stage for the "Classical Greek" age. All this came to an end for reasons that are still unclear.
After the eruption the island repopulated and recovered quickly. Egyptians used the sheltered harbor as a base for their fleet. There are remnants of Roman buildings and early Christian Churches. Venetians and Turks controlled Santorini and the other Cyclades for more than 300 years. Santorini provides a diverse spectrum of the history of the Aegean region.
Sweeping black sand beaches abound on the eastern shore. Cliffs surrounding the town show levels of volcanic debris laid down after each eruption. Different colors of lava, slag, ash and pumice stone provide a gentle reminder that earthquakes and volcanic activity continue to be a reality here. The last eruption was in 1948 and Santorini is on the same fault line as Stromboli, Vesuvius and Etna.
The most enjoyable part of our visit to Santorini was walking the streets of Oia. Perched atop cliffs at Santorini's northernmost point, this small village has managed to escape the onslaught of modern tourism. Its narrow cobblestone lanes reveal brilliantly whitewashed buildings, shops, caf'es and domed churches. The striking contrast of the briliant blue sky and the white buildings is amazingly beautiful. Such a tranquil spot in the world. We think it's one of the most beautiful places we've ever seen. You just have to visit this place. We want to return again - SOON!
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