The crescent shape of Santorini was created when the volcano erupted in 1450 B.C. during the Minoan period. This resulted in the crater, or caldera, which is now filled with the sea. Once named Thira, many people believed this could be the lost city of Atlantis. When it was conquered by Venetians in the 13th century, the island was renamed Santorini, after St Irene. It is one of the islands in the Cyclades of Greece.
With a population of around 1,550 people, Fira is the main port of Santorini for cruise ships and passenger boats from Athens and other islands. Entering the tiny village of Skala Fira, which is 890 feet below Fira, the easiest way up to the town is by cable car. The more adventurous way is by mule, up the winding 580 steps. The town is packed with narrow cobbled alleys, domed churches and barrel-roofed cave houses.
The bus terminal for transport to other parts of the island is in the main square of Fira. There is a good bus service, with additional organized tours to the major sights of Ancient Thira and Akrotiri. Another option is to explore by bicycle or car. Santorini airport is 8km from Fira. Flights are available from Athens, Thessaloniki, and charter flights from other countries. Ferries run from Piraeus to Santorini.
Situated on the northern edge of Santorini, Oía is another of the island's ports. Damaged by an earthquake in 1956, the cliff-top village was rebuilt with white and pastel-colored buildings and cave houses. It is connected to Thira by a marble pathway. There is a staircase down to the small fishing harbor at Ammouldi, where boats sail to Thirasia. Watch the sun go down in the evening at one of the cliff-edge restaurants.
The ruins of Ancient Thira, on the southeast headland of the island, were excavated in the 1860s. Many of the ruins date from the time of the Egyptian Ptolemies in the fourth and third centuries B.C. View Roman and Hellenistic remains, a Christian basilica, theater and ancient mosaics. The seventh century Santorini vases discovered here are in the Archaeological Museum in Fira.
Once a Minoan settlement on the southwest of the island, the ancient city of Akrotiri was discovered buried under tones of volcanic ash during 1967. Explore the excavations of ancient houses, drainage system and mill. Frescoes dating from around 1500 B.C. were found with color intact, preserved by the lava. They are now on show in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.
