Santorini: A Volcanic Wonder in the Aegean Sea

Officially known by its ancient name of Thera, the striking volcanic islands of Santorini is one of the most visited Greek islands. Once a much larger, single island, Santorini as it looks today is the result of a massive volcanic explosion known as the Minoan or Theran explosion which took place around 3,600 years ago. The explosion left the steep sided caldera on which the main settlements now perch as well as the deep lagoon that provides the island with its safe harbors.

Cruise ships travel to Santorini from all over the Mediterranean and sail across the flooded caldera. Santorini is a world-famous destination that features some of the most striking Mediterranean architecture. The distinctive white washed houses are the visible portions of houses that include rooms built into cliff side caves. Blue domed churches are scattered through the towns and pathways and steps are traversed by keen eyed tourist on their way to the next stunning view or taverna. Away from the main towns that roost on the cliff-tops, there is plenty to see.

Numerous beaches at the base of the cliffs have warm waters to swim in and unusually colored sands. Elsewhere, small boat harbors with great fish tavernas close by and some amazing roads are great options for when you get tired of gazing at the horizon. Sunset is a special time here and thousands come just to witness the sun sinking into the water from the numerous vantage points around the towns. The views from a thousand feet above the water are simply stunning.

Santorini is a scenic volcanic island in the middle of the Aegean Sea, about 250 kilometers southwest of Athens. The island is what is left of a colossal volcanic explosion 3,500 years ago that wiped out a flourishing prehistoric civilization. The original name of Santorini is Thera, and by that name it was settled anew in classical times and prospered through the ages to be an important center of Aegean shipping and trade. Santorini is a corruption of Santa Irene, or Saint Irene, which is what the Venetians called it in the Middle Ages. The scenic beauty of the volcanic rock and the white cubist houses on the cusp of the volcanic crater have made Santorini into a major tourist destination for the past half-century. A passenger ferry takes about eight hours from Piraeus, while the air trip takes about 45 minutes.

The buildings on all the Greek islands tend to blend in with the natural landscape, but on Santorini this blending is especially effective. You aren't going to find any tall buildings on Santorini, not even the smarter hotels. Instead, all the houses and public buildings seem to be outgrowths of the volcanic rock itself. There are several reasons for this. One is that Santorini lies on a volcano and earthquake zone, and tall buildings wouldn't be very wise, for obvious reasons. Another, and more valid, reason is that the spectacular natural landscape dominates the scene to such an extent that anything man-made can only pale in comparison. This is why, for example, we see these plain little cylindrical roofs and simple geometrical shapes dominating the clifftop skyline. They're made to be a part of the rock rather than something imposed on it. Not so long ago, many people on Santorini lived in so-called cave houses, which were literally hewn out of the lava deposits. This made them safe in an earthquake, warm in winter and cool in summer.