Did you know the official Greek name of Santorini was Thira? In the 13th Century, it was named Santa Irini, from the name of the old Cathedral, in the village of Perissa and today called Santorini, which is a contraction of the name Santa Irini. This supermodel Greek Island was formed by an eruption in the 16th century and is one of the most beautiful islands you can visit at least once in a lifetime! For sure the steep hills, dark sand, and amber sunsets overlooking the blue waters of the Aegean will leave you breathless and make you forget all the worries you thought will never end! If you haven’t added Santorini to your bucket list yet, make sure you do, as you do not want to miss the great food, Greek hospitality, along with romantic orange-red sunsets that can only be seen on this romantic island with vibrations of love and history all in one. The multicolored cliffs soaring out of the sea and whitewashed buildings make it easily recognizable around the world. It has two principal towns and cubical houses above an underwater (caldera) crater. Fira is the modern capital of Santorini, which was originally the ancient name of the island itself. Initially, in the past the island was called Strongyle, meaning ‘Round One’ in Greek, by Herodotus. Santorini is situated in the Aegean Sea and is halfway between Athens and Crete. The island hosts over two million people a year due to its uniqueness and alluring surroundings. You can visit by air or sea depending on the travel experience you wish to add on your list of famous tourist attractions.

Where should you stay?

For the first-timers that visit Santorini, they should stay on the caldera edge to take in the full “WOW” experience. The main attractions are in Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia with villas and hotels that include infinity pools, whitewashed interiors, and terraces that are enough to make anybody fall in love with its transcendental beauty and hospitality.  It is no wonder why so many Hollywood movies were filmed on this Aegean island as it allures producers with its eternal Greek sunshine and steep rocks where the cobalt blue waves end just to begin all over again. If you are planning to stay in one of these locations make sure to book in advance as prices can be overwhelming during peak season which is mainly the summer months of June, July, and August. 

What part of Santorini to visit?

Overall, Santorini has about 15,000 local residents living all over the island. Fira is without a doubt the most vibrant location to visit. It has the most restaurants, bars, and narrow streets packed with little shops and crowds from all around the world! The caldera edge is layered with infinity pools, cave houses, and swish hotels that make you just want to capture every moment with endless photos and videos. Fira is a vibrant place and is the main town on the island. 

What excursions to take while visiting Santorini?

For sure you will want to take one shore excursion or a half-day tour to get a taste of the island’s aroma and natural surroundings. Popular attractions are Mt. Profitis Ilias along with the monastery that was built by two monks in 1711 and has walls that resemble a fortress. What makes this monastery different from all the rest is its location which is 565 meters above sea level. 

Why visit Oia?

This is a village located on the north side of the island and is approximately 12 km away from Fira, the main town on the island. Oia, pronounced “IA”, is the most famous of all the villages of Santorini. Throughout the world, people fall in love with its breathtaking sunset and natural beauty with a panoramic view of the Aegean. The village is situated at the top of the island and offers one of the most spectacular views over the volcano and the island of Tharassia. 

What are the best things to do on the island?

For sure there are many ways to enjoy the island by visiting open-air cinemas, wine caverns, and Santorini Brewery company, which is the home of the island’s in-demand Donkey beers! For the more foodie lovers, they can have a taste of some cooking demonstrations and classes along with some fresh Mediterranean greens and fresh seafood. All in all, anything on the island will remain memorable, especially the long walks along the caldera edge. For the more adventurous tourists, a good experience can be longer walks that can reach Oia which is 5.6 miles (9km) in all, and a good four-hour long rough trail! Be sure to be prepared for this hike and drink lots of water as it can be an everlasting and hot experience.

Conclusion

Santorini, which is part of Greece, is ranked as one of the world’s top island and travel sites. It offers unique attractions and experiences to last a lifetime. The beautiful landscapes that can only be seen in Santorini will make you want to visit it again and again. The island is characterized by its Cycladic Architecture, flourishing wine industry, and famous Fava dishes. Whether you want to have an experience with romantic amber sunsets and blue waters overlooking the Aegean, Santorini is the place for you.sunset

The post 5 Reasons to visit Santorini Greece appeared first on Test Your Language.