Location

Santorini is essentially what remains after an enormous volcanic explosion that destroyed the earliest settlements on a formerly single island, and created the current geological caldera. A giant central, rectangular lagoon, which measures about 12 by 7 km (7.5 by 4.3 mi), is surrounded by 300 m (980 ft) high, steep cliffs on three sides.

The main island slopes downward to the Aegean Sea. On the fourth side, the lagoon is separated from the sea by another much smaller island called Therasia; the lagoon is connected to the sea in two places, in the northwest and southwest. The caldera being 400m deep makes it possible for all the ships, even the largest ships, to anchor anywhere in the protected bay; there is also a newly built marina in Vlychada on the southwestern coast.

The principal port is called Athinios. The capital, Fira, clings to the top of the cliff looking down on the lagoon. The volcanic rocks present from the prior eruptions feature olivine and have a small presence of hornblende.

• The famous sunset in Oia
• Black pebble beach in Kamari
• Black sand beach in Perissa & Perivolos
• Boat trips from the Old Port "Skala" or the New Port "Athinios" to the Volcano & Hot Springs, Thirassia island & Oia
• Visit the Archaeological Site of Akrotiri
• Visit the wineries and taste the famous Santorini wine "Vinsanto"