Santorini is located in the Cyclades of the Aegean Sea, near the Sea of Crete.Basics of Santorini
-Santorini gets its current name now from the island's patron, Agia Irini. Foreigners would pronounce the name Saint Irini, so eventually the name stuck.
-The 24 square kilometer island contains 13 villages with a population of around 13,680 people.
-The climate is often a dry and cool summer and a mild winter containing a short, rainy season
-Some key characteristics of Santorini include its gray and red beaches, the white houses, and the many different towns built into the cliffs overlooking the blue waters.
-The island of Santorini contains a caldera, which was formed during the Minoan eruption of the island's volcano, Nea Kameni.
-Santorini can be travelled to by boat (~ 9 hour ferry ride) or by flight.
-Some popular tourist destinations include
-Fira
-Imerovigli
-Oia
-Akrotiri
-The 24 square kilometer island contains 13 villages with a population of around 13,680 people.
-The climate is often a dry and cool summer and a mild winter containing a short, rainy season
-Some key characteristics of Santorini include its gray and red beaches, the white houses, and the many different towns built into the cliffs overlooking the blue waters.
-The island of Santorini contains a caldera, which was formed during the Minoan eruption of the island's volcano, Nea Kameni.
-Santorini can be travelled to by boat (~ 9 hour ferry ride) or by flight.
-Some popular tourist destinations include
-Fira
-Imerovigli
-Oia
-Akrotiri
Fira-Capital of Santorini
-Located on the western side of the island.
-~250 meters above sea level.
-Has been the capital of Santorini since the 19th century.
-Holds a classical musical festival annually in September.
-Located on the western side of the island.
-~250 meters above sea level.
-Has been the capital of Santorini since the 19th century.
-Holds a classical musical festival annually in September.
Imerovigli-Located on the western side of the island between Oia and Fira.
-~300 meters above sea level,
-Deemed a National Heritage Village.
-Contains the Castle of Skaros, an ancient fortress that was used to defend the island a long time ago. It was once a city but has since become entirely vacated and is now considered a part of Imerovigli.
Oia
-Contains both the Armeni and Ammouda Harbours
-Home to the Church of Panagia of Platsani
-There is a single street that runs throughout the entire city of Oia. There are also many streets constructed strictly for pedestrians.
Akrotiri
-This city was buried when Nea Kameni erupted back during the Minoan occupation of Santorini. When it did erupt, it buried and preserved most all of the city.
-When it was discovered and began excavation in 1870, it was found to contain houses with running water, a sign that these people had developed very advanced in the field of technology.
-It was once open to the public, but after an accident several years ago, it has since been closed to the public.
History of Santorini
-Santorini has had a variety of name changes. It was initially called Stroggili, or "The Round One." Then it was changed to Kallisti, or "The Fairest One." Finally, it was named Thira after its first ruler. It has since adopted the name Santorini.
-The island's first ruler was Theras, the vice King of Sparta who retired to Santorini after his nephews took over the throne in Sparta. This is why the island was named Thira.
-The volcano Nea Kameni erupted around 1647 BC and had a dramatic influence on the shape of the island. Prior to the volcano, the island was a round shape (hence, Stroggili). After the volcanic eruption and formation of the caldera, the island took on a crescent shape due to the sunken land forming the caldera.
-Rumor has it that the Lost City of Atlantis may have existed here prior to the volcanic eruption of Nea Kameni.
Nea Kameni, the volcano
-Nea Kameni is most noted for its eruption around 1647 BC that reshaped the island, formed the caldera, and allegedly, claimed the Lost City of Atlantis.
-The last eruption of the volcano occurred in 1950.
Atlantis, the Lost City
-The Lost City of Atlantis is claimed to be lost due to the volcanic eruption back in the Minoan eruption.
-This possibly fictional city was referred to by Plato, the famous Greek philosopher, within his dialogues. He wrote of a small, yet thriving and powerful city on an island with a relative location to Santorini. After the city became too powerful for its own good, the gods grew angry with its destruction and power-hungry ways. So the gods decided to destroy the city in a single day and night by earthquakes, causing it to sink.
-Other possible locations for the city of Atlantis include Spain, Antarctica, and the Atlantic Ocean. Santorini, however, is believed to be one of the most logical and popular locations for the Lost City.
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