Santorini is an island of myth and legend. With awe inspiring backdrops, sunsets to die for, and archaeological sites to take you back 3500 years. Do yourself a favour and see the magical island of Santorini.
Santorini is a Greek island located in the island group known as the Cyclades. For most first-time visitors to the Greek islands, it is a must see stop.
The island itself is essentially a giant volcano. The Crescent shaped main island, along with the small island of Thirasia, make up the rim of the volcano.
Was Atlantis on Santorini?
Santorini and Atlantis have long been linked, and indeed still are. Whether Atlantis truly existed or was just a legend is up for debate.
What is known, is that conditions on Santorini, existed at the time Atlantis was supposed to be around.
Atlantis was supposedly a utopian society, well advanced compared to other societies around it. When it was suddenly drowned beneath the waves and all physical traces of its existence were removed.
At around 2000 BC, Santorini had a well-developed society. The inhabitants had mastered building multi storey structures. Agriculture was also well developed.
In 1450 BC the volcano erupted in an almighty blast. The central section of the island was sunk beneath the waves, and all who were on the island perished.
The timelines for these events seem to be close, and the similarity of the societies and their demise is uncanny. Scholars however have several theories regarding the true location of Atlantis.
Ancient texts, whilst giving us some tantalizing details, are just vague enough to be interpreted in a few different ways. This allows for several locations to be put forward as possible sites of Atlantis.
Getting To Santorini.
For me, the experience of approaching Santorini by ferry, is unforgettable. It is as close as I’m ever likely to get to being inside a volcano, while still feeling relatively safe.
The main island of Santorini is a huge, towering mass of black volcanic rock that rises sharply out of the water. Indeed, the port itself appears to have a tenuous toehold.
Standing on the deck, staring up at the ominous skyline. It’s not too hard to get carried away with thoughts of the final hours of Atlantis.
The nature of the landscape here, is such that the port is at the bottom of the hill, and the town is on the top. Actually, most things are on the top in this area.
There is a road that zig zags its way up the side of the mountain, and you’ll want to be in a motor vehicle to get up there.
Accommodation
Make sure that you have let your accommodation know when you’re arriving, and they will have a van there to meet you. If you haven’t booked accommodation yet, there are plenty of providers at the port who will be happy to entice you in.
At least, that was our experience during peak summer period. Things may be quieter during the off season.
The ride up the side of the mountain starts to give you an idea of the magnificent views that await.
We had only booked 2 nights on the island, as we were trying to see as many as we could during our stay. Our accommodation boasted a magnificent pool, with a poolside bar and restaurant.
The plan was to spend our arrival day around the pool as a relaxation day. We had been hitting the trail pretty hard for the previous couple of weeks, and a rest day was welcomed by all.
The Tour
There were several tours available, which could be booked for us by the staff at our accommodation. Even though we were booking for the next day, there was no problem with availability.
The tour didn’t start until 1100, which is normal for Santorini. The idea is always to end up with a spectacular sunset. So, obviously they can’t run the tours 9 till 5.
The first stop was a stunning little village for a walk through. Unfortunately, I can’t remember the name of that village. I’ve checked my diary and gone right through all my Santorini guides. But, sadly, for now the name is to lost me.
The village is from another time and is happily stuck there. Wandering through the little alleyways was a real treat.
We spent about half an hour there and it was a absolute delight.
Back onto the bus, and off to the southern end of the island. This was to visit the magnificent site of Akrotiri.
Akrotiri
Akrotiri was a town that was lost during the eruption. This town was completely buried under tons of volcanic dust.
Excavations on the site were started in the late 1960’s, and the area uncovered now is immense. Estimates are that the site uncovered now, represents 10% of the town. So, work will be continuing for many years to come.
The main area has had a purpose made building erected above it, to keep it protected from the elements. Walkways have been installed to allow visitors access, with causing damage to the site.
It truly is an amazing feeling to walk through a town that ceased to exist 3500 years ago. Walk the streets lined with shops and houses. It was the discovery of this town, that helped to firm up the idea of Santorini being the site of Atlantis.
Black Sand Beaches
One of the things that Santorini is famous for are the black sand beaches. Made up of volcanic sand and small pebbles, they are a totally different experience.
They don’t turn your clothes black, in the same way the white sand beaches don’t turn your clothes white.
There are very few things that I dislike in the Greek islands. Overall I love them dearly. But, I don’t like that restaurants get to own the beaches, and make you pay for a sun lounger.
I’m just not the sort of person that wants to lie around on a beach. I like to get in and have a swim, then dry off and move on. Greek island beaches weren’t designed with me in mind.
Luckily there were a couple of members of our party that didn’t want to swim, so they got a table at the restaurant and had a drink. Meanwhile, we got to have a swim, and they kept our towels for us.
Winery
The next stop was some wine tasting at a local winery. I don’t think that anyone in the party remembers what the wine tasted like.
That’s not me putting the winery down. It’s just that the location was so spectacular, that everything else got lost.
Overall, we just used it as a great photo opportunity.
The Sunset
There’s something about sunsets in the Greek islands that sets them apart from all others.
I’d say that it’s the light. It just has a special quality about it that I haven’t seen anywhere else. Add to that, a stark black mountainside, a few white and blue painted houses and windmills, and everyone wants to get a photo.
Our last stop on the tour was the village of Oia. Nestled into the northwest corner of the island. All the elements have combined to make for some stunning photographs.
And if it’s photographs that contain several hundred people that you’re after, then you’re in luck.
Unsurprisingly, everyone wants to be there at sunset for the perfect holiday snap. So, getting the right shot can be tricky.
Still, my photos may not win any awards. But when I look back through at them, I’m instantly transported back to that place, and the stunning light.
Once the light has gone, it’s time to get back on the bus for the ride home.
Final Thoughts
So, that was our 2 days spent on Santorini. We had ancient cultures and archaeology. Stunning views and a light show. Along with a well-earned rest day.
Would we do it again. Yes. Definitely.
To be fair though there are several different tours that take in other aspects of the island that we didn’t get to see.
Given the opportunity, I’d be back in a heartbeat.
We enjoyed the accommodation that we were in. But in hindsight, I would either hire a car, or get something closer to town. I would also want to spend more time on the island.
We knew in advance that we weren’t going to get to see everything. Who does on holiday? But we treated this trip as a taster plate. Just to see what kinds of things we would like to see in the future.
If you’re interested in traveling to Santorini, there are daily ferries. For more information on getting there click here, and you can check out the prices and timetable.
If you’re traveling to the Greek islands, why not check out these posts for more information.
How to spend a few days in Naxos
How to travel the Greek islands
Cheers and happy travels.