Santorini

Santorini, Greece

Rising out of the crystalline waters of the Aegean Sea, Santorini's otherwordly volcanic landscape of black and red-sand beaches and enormous caldera meet quintessentially Greek white-washed houses and blue-domed churches.

Population:

15,550

Currency:

Euro, 1 EUR=100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

Fire Emergency: 199
Ambulance: 166
Police: 100
Tourist Police: 171

Opening Hours:

During summer shops tend to open in the morning at 10am and close at 9pm. During wintertime hours may vary.

Newspapers:

Nea Santorinis (www.neasantorinis.gr)

The Island

The island's beauty has been waxed lyrical over the years, fully earning the epithet "kalliste" (the most beautiful). Along with "Strogili", this was one of the former names lent to the island over its troubled history. Its history is one of battles and conquers, of a tragic eruption and a blossoming renaissence – events that haven't altered Santorini's charm but that undoubtedly scarred it.

Together with the inhabited Therania and five other smaller islands, Thera (Santorini's Greek name) belongs to the namesake archipelago which is the vestige of a volcanic caldera. Places of unspoiled nature and postcard-like views, the islands are reachable by boat and bear the original appeal of the old-fashioned Santorini.

The main island is split further into picturesque villages masterly painted in dazzling blue and white hues, outlining the holiday resort's multi-faceted personality and its extraordinary variety of landscapes.

Do & See

Santorini is a colourful place which sets the senses alight. The scent of wine grapes and vineyards, the unique taste of tomatoes grown solely on volcanic soil, the smoothness of the white pebbles and turquoise waters, the buzz of nightlife, and the visual art that is the sun setting behind the village of Oia and the caldera.. This is a place of colour, flavour and adventure.

Dining

Without mentioning dazzling panoramas, the mesmerising sea or vibrant villages, Santorini's culinary tradition would be something worth experiencing on its own.

Borrowing a pronounced Mediterranean diet from the mainland, Santorini shares a tendency to use vegetables, quality olive oil, meat and fresh seafood generously, creating its own cuisine by adding products that are cultivated solely on its fertile soil.

Try the island's peculiar white eggplant with mozzarella, or sample the unique "Tomatokeftedes", tomato fritters made of Santorini's own produce, and accompany it beautifully with a glass of Vinsanto - the experience will be matched by an unrivalled view from one of the picturesque taverns the island is studded with.

Cafes

A laid-back attitude accompanies the whole Greek lifestyle, and it is little wonder that in Santorini and the Greek Islands it is emphasized even more. Coffee breaks are a serious matter and a remarkable part of the day, making "kafeterias" appealing hangouts in the suggestive towns.

The most popular version of the traditional coffee is an espresso-like brew that tends to share similarities with the Turkish coffee, infused with a sharp flavour, escorting the hearty Greeks throughout the day.

Santorini's scorching sun has led both locals and tourists to opt for a more chilled, and yet equally efficient, option, creating a break that is ideal for an iced coffee, a frappe or an ice-cream.