| Santorini is the southernmost island of the | | | | built on limestone rock during the ninth century |
| Cycladic group in the Aegean Sea, located 63 | | | | BC. Until the spread of Christianity, Mesa Vouno |
| nautical miles north of Crete. Regarded by many | | | | was the only urban centre on Santorini. |
| as the most spectacular of the Greek Islands, | | | | The Archaeological Museum, which is located in |
| visitors come to Santorini for its impressive | | | | the island's capital, Fira, is well worth a visit as it |
| archaeological sites, its famous beaches and | | | | houses a wide range of sculptures, inscriptions, |
| above all its weather. | | | | vases and clay figurines which document the |
| The island enjoys a marvellously dry climate with | | | | island's lengthy past. Also in Fira is the Museum of |
| virtually unbroken sunshine year-round. Even | | | | Prehistoric Thira, which contains artistic |
| during the winter months, consecutive rainy days | | | | masterpieces from the prehistoric Aegean. |
| are uncommon and the coldest months have a | | | | For the less culturally-inclined, Santorini is |
| relatively mild average temperature of 12 degrees | | | | renowned for its scenic beaches, mainly spread |
| Celsius. | | | | along the eastern and south-eastern edges of the |
| Santorini received its present name in the 13th | | | | island. Perivolos and Perissa are black-sand |
| century, when the Crusaders named the island | | | | beaches which benefit from a range of hotels, |
| after a chapel of Santa Irene. | | | | restaurants and tavernas. |
| The island owes its existence to a volcano, whose | | | | The beaches of Monolithos, Avis and Kamari are |
| last major eruption took place 3,600 years ago. | | | | located on the south-east of the island and are |
| Visitors come to see the island's large, sea-filled | | | | particularly popular with families with young |
| caldera or crater, the remnant of what might | | | | children. |
| possibly have been the world's largest ever | | | | The island benefits from a range of |
| eruption. | | | | accommodation, from budget hotels through to |
| Although man is known to have inhabited the | | | | luxury apartments, and also has a selection of |
| island during the Early Cycladic civilisation from | | | | some 300 restaurants to choose from. Food on |
| 3,200 - 2,000 BC, an eruption around 1,500 BC | | | | Santorini is a pleasure rather than a necessity and |
| buried the entire island and all traces of civilisation | | | | everything from the Greek salads and vegetables |
| disappeared for several centuries. | | | | through to the local goat's cheese and fish is as |
| Evidence of more recent volcanic activity is | | | | fresh as you could find anywhere. |
| apparent, and the two small islands of Palea and | | | | In addition, the island is well-known for its |
| Nea Kameni are the youngest landmasses in the | | | | outstanding wines and it is possible for visitors to |
| Eastern Mediterranean. The latter began to form | | | | indulge in a little wine-tasting at six different |
| just 425 years ago and represents the volcano's | | | | wineries. Even if you don't manage to get to a |
| latest activity in 1950. | | | | tasting, make sure you try some of the local |
| Santorini, like many of the Greek Islands, holds | | | | dessert wines when you are out. |
| significant interest for archaeologists, boasting | | | | Santorini is a 40 minute flight away from Athens |
| remains of both prehistoric and Greek civilisation. | | | | and charter flights travel directly to the island |
| The ancient city of Akrotiri is the most important | | | | during the summer months. With an |
| prehistoric settlement in the Eastern | | | | ever-increasing number of cheap flights travelling |
| Mediterranean, thanks to its excellent state of | | | | to the Greek Islands, there has never been a |
| preservation. | | | | better time to travel to Santorini and experience |
| Mesa Vouno, meanwhile, is an ancient Greek city, | | | | its ancient charm firsthand. |