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Spectacular Santorini

Santorini is a name of Italian origin, given by the Venetian merchants to Thira, an island loaded with history. With 73 square km and 1,800 registered inhabitants, the island is the ideal size for a weekend or long holiday weekend break. It's is situated in the extreme south of the archipelago of Cyclades, so it is possible to combine your visit with a tour of some of these marvelous islands. Mykonos is the best known, but you can also visit Anafi, Ios, Amorgos, Naxos or Paros. Crete, the popular, large Greek island offering countless attractions to tourists, is found to the south of Santorini. And what can be said of mainland Greece, with Athens and Mycenae, or the nearby Turkey? As you can see, there are many possibilities for a tour of Greece during a week of vacations, or a perfect voyage around the Greek islands on a cruise ship.

Santorini is a destination to which thousands of tourists flock, in search of whitewashed houses set against the hillsides symbolic its rugged orography; its spectacular views; and the excitement and ambiance of its bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Thera, as the island was formerly known, is also the Greek island used by fable writers to think up legends such as that of Atlantis. Santorini has two sides: a mysterious bay, island of calm and blue waters; and an ancient volcano which stokes the flames of party nights, where everything is possible.

The volcanic beaches of Santorini are not Greece’s best known, but they stand out due to their diversity, their individual charm and the changing color of the sand or stones which cover it. Perivolos, the White Beach, Red Beach, Baxedes, Pori, with its port and colored houses, are names which must not be forgotten. A rugged and hard environment with red, white and black rocks as well as the blue sea… a Mediterranean wonder.

Fira, the capital, is situated right up at the edge of the ancient volcano which can be accessed by one of the most unique and picturesque roads in all of Europe. The precipitous and rugged relief provides the most enthusiastic of tourists with spectacular opportunities to explore the foot of the cliffs. One of the most recommended is the route from Imerovigli to Oia. For the less active there are buses, and it is possible to rent cars, motorbikes and even quads.

For those with a gourmet palate, we recommend sampling the local gastronomy, an example of the virtues of Greek cuisine, having a romantic dinner facing the caldera in the fishing village of Armeni. We also recommend theSantorini Wine Route, with its champagne-like whites and the famous Vinsanto, one of the most vintage wines in the world. Make sure you try it!

For lovers of history, art and culture, a visit to the archaeological sites can provide an ideal balance and change of pace from the partying, gastronomy and beaches of Santorini. Recently reopened, Akrotiri is the main such site, but there are others such as Vlihada, Arhea Thira, Pyrgos, Profitis Elias and Thermi.

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has 2 hotels on the island of Crete, which hold 4-and 5-star ratings, with the option of all-inclusive accommodation. These hotels offer everything visitors look for during their vacations on the Greek island of Thera: a complete culinary service, an entertainment program ranging from the relaxation of a spa to adrenaline-pumping activities such as water skiing, as well as sports that can be practiced within the hotel’s facilities, such as tennis.”