Santorini Italy Tourism (2019) Travel Guide Top Places

Santorini Tourism

Santorini is a volcano island just 200 km away from the mainland Greece. The place was formed after a large volcanic eruption that created a caldera. Santorini is famous for its amazing views, beautiful sunsets, destination weddings, and an active volcano. The white beach, red beach, and black pebble beach in Kamari are some places which should not be missed.

Santorini island is the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the history of mankind: the Minoan eruption which is believed to have led to the downfall of the Minoan civilization. The small island offers a rich variety of landscapes - including beaches, sunsets, and villages. Visit traditional architecture in Mesa Gonia containing the ruins from the 1956 earthquake. Pyrgos is another notable village with its grand old houses, remains of a Venetian castle and several Byzantine churches. The major settlements on the island include Fira (Phira), Oia, Emporio, Kamari, Perissa, Imerovigli, Pyrgos, and Therasia. Akrotiri is a major archaeological site, with ruins from the Minoan era. Santorini was ranked as the world's best island by many magazines and travel sites, including the Travel+Leisure Magazine, the BBC, US News, andTripAdvisor.

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Places to Visit In Santorini

Fira

Oia

Akrotiri

Perissa

The Volcano

Winery

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Santorini Packages

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Panorama of Athens, Santorini & 2 places

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Language of Santorini

The language used in Santorini is Greek but it has some differences with the one spoken in mainland Greece. However, people in cities and tourist places do not have the problem in understanding English. Since many Europeans visit the place, people also understand other European languages.

History of Santorini

Santorini is believed to be continuously inhabited since around 3600 BC with excavations providing proof of Minoan civilization settlement. The island, earlier known as Stongili was a victim of a volcanic eruption in 1500 BC which is said to be the main cause of the destruction of Minoan civilization. In some ancient stories, the legend of Atlantis is related to the destruction of the island. According to history, Phoenicians settled on ancient Thera followed by Lacedaemonian. In the 7th and 6th centuries BC, Thera (old name for Santorini) had commercial and trade relations with other parts of Greece. During 20th century, Santorini's economy declined and the people abandoned the island after the earthquake in 1956. The tourism in Santorini began in the 70s and today it is one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Over the years, Santorini became a popular wedding and honeymoon destination, while many international meetings and conferences take place there in summer.

Nightlife in Santorini

Santorini is a place like no other. The island offers great beaches and cliffs with mesmerising landscapes in the day while the clubs at night won't disappoint you. Plethora of bars and night clubs are in Fira, the capital of the island. Numerous cafes and bars provide you with a unique spot along the caldera and offer incredible panoramic night views over the submerged volcano.

Shopping in Santorini

Santorini is one the Greece's best location where you can find a variety of wines. The method of growing grapes is unique to the island. Wineries open to the public are located throughout the island.

Currency in Santorini

Euro is the currency accepted by almost all the countries in Europe.

Exchanging Money in Santorini

There are plenty of banks on the island andÂ¾currency exchangeÂ¾is not a problem. You can also change money in post offices. In smaller places, you can change currency in tourist shops. There are plenty of ATMs where you can draw Euros with your bank card, visa, and master card. Credit cards are accepted all over the island with 5% commission to the shop.

Daily Budget for Santorini

Santorini is more expensive than Athens with the daily budget being around EUR 40. This includes food, transportation, entertainment, tips, souvenirs and alcohol.

Religion of Santorini

Much of the Greek culture revolves around the Greek Orthodox Church and 97% of the people in Santorini are Greek Orthodox. Religious holidays are rigidly followed and are celebrated with colourful festivals and great enthusiasm.

Santorini Customs

Santorini is a famous marriage destination. Couples from all over Europe visit the islands to tie the knot. People prefer to celebrate name day rather than the day when the baby is born.

Restaurants and Local Food in Santorini

The cuisine in Santorini include: the white aubergine (eggplant); fava caper ; a variety of tomato keftedes, with whole slices of tomatoes fried in batter; dolmades, stuffed vine leaves. Another must-try is fresh fish grilled in tavernas. Don't miss the traditional fried tomato balls of tomato keftedes and be sure to ask for local tomatoes in your salad. They may be the best tasting you have ever had. Santorini is particularly well known for its cherry tomatoes which are very sweet. The cherry tomatoes are usually sundried or sometimes made into sweet tomato marmalade.

Best time to Visit Santorini

Commuting within Santorini

Santorini Photos

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Hotels in Santorini

Top Hotels in Santorini

Il San Pietro di Positano

EUR 495 /night onwards
Maison La Minervetta

EUR 300 /night onwards
Boutique Hotel Don Alfonso 1890

EUR 340 /night onwards

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Santorini Map

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How to Reach Santorini

There are plenty of flight options available from all over the Europe if you want to get into Santorini. Ferries are also available from Greece port. The flight time from Athens is about 30 minutes. (Read More)

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