Santorini, Thira, is included in the top must-visit destinations worldwide, famous for her unrivalled views, exquisite sunsets and her breathtaking volcanic Island nature, prevailing unspoiled with incomparable beauty. The famous Island, known as the “Black Pearl of the Cyclades”, attracts visitors from all around the globe due to her unseizable romance and unique landscape of idyllic hilltop towns and volcanic multi-coloured beaches.
Emanating from an immense volcanic eruption in 1500 BC, Santorini emerged as the volcano’s central part collapsed into the sea, leaving a crescent-shaped rim of cliffs.
As the centre of the island sank into the sea, only the crater and the imposing cliffs of 150m to 300m in height were left behind, forming the nature of the island we observe nowadays. The last eruption dates to 1956, as the volcano is still alive today!
Santorini is possibly the only volcanic island worldwide dominated by the Caldera, an active underwater crater. It is these sheer lava cliffs of Santorini’s Caldera towering 300m above the emerald waters inducing the iconic beauty and treasure behind its mythical ancient legends.
Santorini is encompassed by a complex of cliff-lined coastlines consisting of Thira, Thirassia, Aspronissi, Palea and Nea Kameni. Its iconic bright white buildings tumbling down the cliff-sides, provide some of the most picturesque backdrops worldwide. Fira is the capital of Santorini and the most important of all villages. It is located on the west side of the island perched on the edge of the Caldera. From its location 260 meters above the sea it offers great panoramic views over the submerged volcano. Most of the cruise ships arrive in the small port of Fira, called Skala. From there guests have three options in order to reach the top of the volcanic crater: use of the cable car, ride a donkey or walk up!
