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Santorini is an island of the Cycladic group in the Aegean Sea.
It is 63 nautical miles north of Crete.
The surface area of Santorini is 73sq.km.
There are 17 villages and the population is about 13.600 people. |
Santorini has a long history starting from the Bronze Age.
The excavation at Akrotiri shows that there existed a great civilization on
the island. In 1956 the excavations brought to light a well preserved
ancient city with beautiful wall paintings and a particularly advance system of drainage.
The huge eruption of the volcano was in 1500 B.C. destroyed everything and so the Minoan civilization was erased.
Up until then the island was known as Strogili (round) because of its round shape. After the eruption of the volcano and the earthquake a largepart of the island sank into the sea giving it the shape it remains today.
Some believe that Santorini is the location of the mystical lost Antlantis.
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When the Phoenicians conquered the island the name was changed to Kalisti
(the very best).Later on the name was change to Thera in honour of king Thera of Sparta. The Romans used Thera as place to send exiles.
Sometime between the 2th and the 5th century, Christianity was introduced to the island.
Pirates attacked the island numerous times.
The Venetians came in 1204 and conquered. It was then it took the name for which it is known today.The patron saint was Agia Irini and the sailors called Santa Irini.
Thus the name Santorini. |
Finally in 1821 Santorini joined the Greek revolution and was liberated from the Turkish rule.
In 1956 it a terrible earthquake struck again and almost destroyed almost the island.
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0030 22860 23123-4, 23333
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PORT AUTHORITY |
0030 22860 22239 |
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FIRE BRIGADE |
0030 22860 25812 or 199 |
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AIRPORT |
0030 22860 28400 |
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OLYMPIC AIRWAYS |
0030 22860 22493, 22973 or 31525 |
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AEGEAN AIRLINES |
0030 22860 28500 |
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COUNTRY COUNCIL |
0030 22860 22996 |
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FIRA MUNICIPALITY |
0030 22860 22231 |
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TELEPHONE EXCHANGE (OTE) |
0030 22860 22121 |
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ELECTRIC COMPANY (DEH) |
0030 22860 22258 |
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POST OFFICE |
0030 22860 22238 |
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VET |
0030 22860 31482 |
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TAXI STATION |
0030 22860 22555 |
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BUS INFORMATION |
0030 22860 25404 |
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Perissa
13 km. away from Fira.
Next to Perivolos beach. A well organized beach suitable for families how want to spent nice relaxing moments at the beach.
Many taverns and restaurant along the beach
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Perivolos
14 km. from Fira. A well organized beach with great facilities for tourists bars, fish taverns, water sports and beach volley.
Parivolos is the cosmopolitan beach of Santorini you may even see some celebrities taking a swim next to you.
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Agios Georgios
12 km. to drive from Fira.
Next to Perivolos and less crowded.
A well organized beach. Small fish restaurants and some bars available here.
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Vlihada
13 km. away from Fira.
For people who like to enjoy the sun on a quite and protected from the wind. The cliffs of pumice stone protect the beach from the wind.
Organized harbour for fishing boats and yaths next to the beach. Don’t be surprised to see ducks or swans on the beach. They are well cared for here as the fisherman feed them. Fish taverns and a bar available on the beach.
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Akrotiri
The village of Akrotiri has a small harbour and a beach.
Next to the Red beach but the sand here is black.
Traditional fish taverns right on the beach.
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Red beach
Located near the excavation site of Akrotiri. 15 km. from Fira.
Named for the unique colour of the reddish sand. A short walk down a hill and you arrive at the organized beach with sunbeds and umbrellas for rent and a few places to eat.
If it is very windy else where on the island, this is the ideal place to go for a swim.
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White Beach (Aspri Paralia)
Small beach next to the Red beach.
The unusual thing about this beach is the sand which is made up of white pebbles and the larger stones are light white colour.
The only way to this beach is by boat from Red beach or by foot. |
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Mesa Pigadia
Over the past few years this beach has become more popular. A 2 km. drive from Akrotiri.
You can swim in clear, blue water the unique shape of the rocks is very impressive. |
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Kamari
10 km. to drive from Fira.
Very clean sea and black rocky sand. You can find water sports and scuba diving on this well organized beach.
Boat excursions to and from Perissa beach.
The mountain of Profitis Ilia separates the two beaches |
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Monolithos
7 km. away from Fira.
It is the most suitable beach for families with small children.
As the sand is fine and the water is shallow.
You can relax on the beach and your children can play in the sea and without worry.
There are a few taverns if you get hungry. |
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Vourvoulos
In the harbour of Vourvoulos you'll find a large sandy beach next to the small fishing port.
An organized beach, suitable for families with taverns serving fresh fish. |
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Pori
Pori is another beach on the way to Oia. About 8 km. away from Fira. It is situted between Vourvoulos beach and Koloumbo.
A quiet beach with dark reddish stones.
No tourist facilities.
Bring water with you if you go there for a swim. |
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Koloumbo
3 km. from Oia.
Not organized beach, no facilities. A quiet sandy beach.
Bring drinking water with you. |
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Amoudi
Amoudi located below the village Oia. You can reach this small picturesque harbour from Oia on foot going down 200 steps or by car
The colour of the water is green blue in contrast to the red black lava cliffs. Excellent fish taverns.
If you'd like a change you can take a boat and visit the neighbouring island of Thirasia. |
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