DISCOVER SANTORINI

Thera's volcano, which erupted some time between 1645 and 1500 BC according to scientists, radically changed the course of history in the ancient Mediterranean, bringing in its wake environmental changes, which were perceptible right around the globe and leading to the collapse of Minoan civilisation.

This world-shattering event, which took place 3,600 years ago -and which has been deemed the largest eruption in the last 10,000 years- caused a successive wave of tsunamis which crashed onto the shores of Crete annihilating the coastal settlements there. The volcano remains active to this day,  provoking a sense of awe and wonder among the visitors who throng to see it up close on day-trips by boat, yacht or catamaran.

Unforgettable Santorini moments include the volcano's impressive landscape, that special feeling from swimming in hot water on [the island of Palea Kameni], and the feeling of walking on volcanic terrain with the steam still hissing away in certain locations on the island of Nea Kameni.

To enjoy this unique experience book at short cruise to the caldera's volcanic islands on private boats, yachts or catamarans. Alternatively, choose an evening cruise at sunset and enjoy the local wine as you gaze at Oia and the rocky cliffs of the caldera, or take a tour on a private craft around the island and stop off at the locations and beaches of your choosing.

Nature has blessed Santorini! Santorini: the ultimate gastronomic destination 
Santorini has won international prizes for its local products and above all its outstanding wines! The island's unique ecosystem created as a result of the volcanic eruptions, and the volcanic ash which made the soil highly porous have made Santorini exceptionally fertile meaning that the fruits of the land are the envy of the world. Local products include the white aubergine, local fava beans [Lathyrus Clymenum L.], which, according to the finds at Akrotiri, has been grown on the island for 3,500 years, Santorini tomatoes [a Protected Designation of Origin product], capers and caper leaves, fava and pistachios.
Santorini's vineyards, which date back to prehistory, have won many prizes for the Santorini PDO/VDQS varieties: Asyrtiko, Athiri and Aidani. Try the island's red wines [Mantilaria, Mavrotragano and Voudomato], its white wines [Athiri, Aidani and Asyrtiko] and of course the famous sweet wine Vinsanto.

Santorini's idyllic atmosphere and the unique couleur locale not found anywhere else in the world make the island an all-year round destination for travellers of all types. The island has a calendar packed with festivals and cultural/international sporting events.

If you are here during the summer, make sure you attend a local "panigyri" [a church festival celebrating some saint or other] and enjoy the locals dance island-style.
The highpoint of the year though has to be the Ifestia Festival held in September during which the volcanic eruption is recreated. In recent years there have also been a series of international sporting events held on the island attracting hundreds of sportspeople from all over the world.