Santorini, the “Black Pearl of the Aegean”, perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek islands.
Around 1500 BC a volcanic eruption caused the central part of the island to sink into the sea, leaving a crescent shaped rim of cliffs around the harbor formed in the volcano’s caldera. The sea is so deep at this spot that ships anchors do not touch bottom. The solid black rocks and the volcanic lava are now covered by famous vineyards and small whitewashed villages.
The town of Thera’s (or Fira) whitewashed houses, narrow streets, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques cling to these cliffs, accessible by cable-car or donkey. To the south is Akrotiri, where recent Minoan excavations support the theories that Santorini might be the fabled lost continent of Atlantis
DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | ATHENS |
TOUR BEGINS | ANYTIME |
TOUR ENDS | NOON CHECK OUT ON DAY 4th |
The beauty of Santorini must depend on light and line; there is hardly any vegetation apart from vines, and the volcanic earth has no charm of color, unlike the earth and rock of the limestone islands. Yet it has a strange and uncanny fascination of its own. It has rightly been called the black pearl of the Aegean. The sunsets of Santorini, with the Burnt Islands in the foreground, the islet of Thirassia behind, Sikinos and Folegandros farther off, and the great rock of Christiana, are among the most exciting aesthetic experiences that the Aegean can provide.
DAY 1
Early morning transfer from your Athens hotel to Piraeus pier for ferry embarkation, sailing for Santorini. Early afternoon arrival and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.
DAYS 2 & 3
Two days spent to tour this picturesque island with black sandy beaches (Kamari, Perissa), archaeological sites (Akrotiri, ancient Thira) and attractive scenic villages (Oia, Fira). Overnight at hotel.
DAY 4
Transfer to Santorini pier for your return ferry/hydro to Athens. On arrival in Piraeus pier, end of our services.
Oia Village
Oia, pronounced Ia, is the most famous of all villages of Santorini. It is known throughout the world for its quiet life and fantastic sunset, and is certainly the most beautiful and picturesque village of Santorini. The village is also situated on top of an impressive cliff and offers a spectacular view over the volcano of Palia and Nea Kameni and the island of Thirassia. Oia is situated on the north of the island, 11 km away from Fira. It is a traditional village with charming houses in narrow streets, blue domed churches, and sun-bathed verandas. Its streets have plenty of tourist shops, taverns, cafes, and other shops. Oia is much quieter that Fira and the busiest area is the main pedestrian that runs along its length. The volcano from here is much less imposing but you can still get some gorgeous views. Oia has several cultural attractions like the Maritime Museum which houses a small library, items from the maritime life of the area, and the vestiges of a Venetian fortress. Many artists fell in love with the area and settled there. For that reason, the village of Oia has many art galleries.
Amoudi Bay
Kamari Beach
Santorini’s volcanic history has led to the formation of some of the more unique beaches in the Greek Isles, and Kamari is no exception. Sitting about 4 miles southeast of Fira on the island’s east coast, this stretch of powdery black sand is the largest on Santorini. The sand and pebbly terrain can get quite hot with the sun beating down on it, so bring protective footwear, chairs and towels if you’re hoping to spend the day on the beach. There are also umbrellas and cabanas available at Kamari Beach, as well as water sports rentals like jet skis and kayaks. Bordering this sandy strip is the town of Kamari, the island’s most developed resort area where you’ll find numerous hotels, restaurants, beachside bars and shops.
Inclusions/Exclusions
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