Tatyana Solomatina

Great solution for a summer holiday in Greece: the island of Santorini

Hello dear readers and guests of my blog! I keep talking about interesting resorts Greece. And today we’ll talk about another place beloved by Russian tourists.

Meet the island of Santorini in Greece: mythology and history, geography and climate, population and traditions, resorts and beaches. As well as answers to popular questions: how to get there, what to see and what to do for tourists?

If you believe the myths, then in the distant past, the son of Amphitrite and Poseidon, the god Triton, gave the Argonauts the land from which this island was formed. According to researchers, Santorini is part of Atlantis. Believe it or not - it's up to you.

A long time ago, the Argonauts, who received this place as a gift, gave it the name Kallisti, which is translated from Greek as "the most beautiful." Before the volcanic eruption, the island was called Strongili - "round". Only in the XIII century, the island became Santorini, from "Santa Irina", a saint revered on this island. The capital of Santorini owes its name to the Spartan Fira. The local volcano greatly influenced the history of the island, changing its shape.

During the Peloponnesian War, the island supports Sparta, then falls under the rule of Athens. With the arrival of the Venetians in Santorini, in 1207 it becomes their colony, and then, in 1570, it passes under the protectorate of Turkey. After the end of the War of Independence, it unites with Greece. In 1956 there is another powerful earthquake which changed again appearance and the shape of the island.

Watch a short video. It will allow you to see the island of Santorini from a bird's eye view.

Geography

Santorini in Greece is a group of 5 islands (Palea Kameni, Aspronisi, Nea Kameni, Thirasia and Fira) of volcanic origin, which is located in the south of the Aegean Sea. They are part of the Cyclades group of islands. Thira is the most south island of this group of islands, its area is 76 sq. km, and coastline stretches for 70 km. On the island, fertile plains give way to a mountainous landscape.

How to get there?

You can get to the Santorini region both by sea and by air. The island has its own airport, and steamboats provide communication with both mainland Greece and the islands of the Dodecanese and the Cyclades.

Unfortunately, there are no direct regular flights from Russia. You can get to the island through Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion or Rhodes. And completely by air, only through Athens and Thessaloniki. From other airports, the only way to the island is by ferry. See the current airfare here.

Island climate

The local climate is characterized by a hot season with a short rainy season, they usually take place in February and November. Enough high humidity. Throughout the year, temperature fluctuations are insignificant, and snow here is completely out of the ordinary.

The coldest month is January, during which the air temperature can drop to +10°C. The hottest months are July and August. But thanks to the cool breeze, the heat is practically not noticeable.

The average air temperature of the island of Santorini in Greece:

• in winter +7°С …+17°С
• in spring +17°С …+22°С
• during summer +22°С…+40°С
• in autumn +17°С… 25°С

Population and traditions

The island of Santorini is home to approximately 13,500 people (according to the 2001 census). The administrative center of the island is the small town of Fira, with a population of 1500 people.

This region of Greece is full of customs and traditions. Take, for example, one of them: due to the peculiarities of the climate, the local population has the habit of taking an afternoon nap.

The island celebrates a huge number of holidays, including cultural and religious ones. One of the most interesting is the celebration of the exchange of family roles, which is celebrated on January 8th. On this winter day, women visit those public institutions in which, as a rule, men stay, and the latter sit at home and do housework.

Kitchen

The locals of Santorini, thanks to fertile soil, are engaged in the cultivation of some rare crops, such as a special type of grape. His trunks are specially braided into a round pigtail so that the wind is not afraid of him.

The main attraction of the local food products, without a doubt, are Santorini wines, which are exported even to such a distant Japan. Small, hard-skinned tomatoes are in great demand on the island. In Santorini, another unusual vegetable is grown - a white sweet eggplant, which only here has such a great taste.

Capital: Fira

The administrative center of the island is Fira, it looks like flocks of seagulls on a cliff in the Caldera. The capital is located at an altitude of 260 meters above sea level. Its construction was completed in 1810, during the decline of pirate raids.

The village of Fira stretches along the Caldera from north to south. From the central part of the city, you can easily get to the Old Port area with cruise ships. Local shops are open until night, and young people will enjoy the nightlife of the town.

Island resorts

Oia: Apanomeria

Oia, also known as Apanomeria, is the most colorful place on the entire island of Santorini. Its tiny quarters stretch towards the Caldera and towards the west, where the open sea lies. The main streets of Apanomeria are paved with marble slabs, and the grandiose view of the churches is completed by impressive blue drum domes.

In 1956, there was a serious earthquake, but thanks to the efforts of local residents and a group of architects, the town was soon successfully restored. The tourism industry is quite developed here, but despite this, Oia has characteristics unique to this resort. There is nothing lacking here, all the elements of the town are imbued with quality and elegance.

See housing options here.

Imerovigli

Imerovigli is a small village located north of Firostefani on highest point edge of the caldera. If you translate the name of the village into Russian, it will sound like "day observation". This name is due to the fact that during the raids by the pirates, the village served as a control point over the surroundings and the entrance routes to the Caldera in order to warn the population in time of the approaching danger.

Imerovigli, Fira and Firostefani almost grew together after a while. But all the same, it is impossible to confuse them, since each of them has its own unique atmosphere.

Choose hotels here.

Famous Akrotiri

Akrotiri is located on the east side of Chania. The coast of the island, also known as Stavros, gained popularity after the release of the movie "Alexis Sorbas", in which the final scene takes place here. The bay of the village has the appearance of a semicircle, and the sandy beach is surrounded by mountains. Vacationers with children will be pleased with this choice of resort in Greece. Find accommodation options here.

Athinios: port village

Athinios is the only port village in Santorini. It is quite small, with a few shops, two or three taverns, which are located near the base of the Caldera. The road leading up is steep and full of twists and turns.

Agia Paraskevi

Agia Paraskevi - a village that became famous thanks to the purest air, dark blue sea and magnificent view of the sunset. Here you can take a yacht trip to the volcano, explore the full vegetation and wildlife undersea world, or spend a romantic evening with a glass of wine.

Colorful Karterados

You have not yet decided which town to stay in, but have already firmly decided that you are going to Santorini? Then pay attention to one of the most colorful villages of the island - Karterados. From the capital of Santorini to this village is only some two kilometers.

In this village you can fully experience the real atmosphere of the Greek village. In addition, its architecture has not changed much over the years. last century buildings erected there amaze with the elegance of straight lines and harmony. The local population is very hospitable and good-natured, ready to receive tourists all year round. See housing here.

Excellent weather, cozy hotels, money exchange offices, post office and the Internet - everything you need for a complete and carefree vacation in the outback. Local residents, for the most part, speak Greek, but sellers, owners of shops and shops, speak English.

Megalochori

Going by boat to the island of Santorini, the first locality that tourists see is Megalochori. It contains many beautifully whitewashed traditional Greek houses, dazzlingly sparkling in the sun. Hotels can be found here.

The sea off the coast of this village is clean and warm, but if for some reason you don’t like it, you can go to the nearby towns. The weather in the village, as in the whole island, is full of warmth and sun. Even in winter you will not see cloudy days here.

Oya area

Oia is a small area on the island of Santorini in Greece. Its pretty landscapes are unique high degree: there are houses here, looking at which it seems that they have grown into coastal volcanic rocks (in ancient times, a volcano was located somewhere nearby, but he fell asleep). Some of these houses were erected in the Venetian era, and some of the structures have been preserved since the Middle Ages. And it is not at all surprising that when talking about Oia, many tourists immediately begin to praise the magnificent architecture of this area.

You should definitely visit this village if you are an art connoisseur, a lover of colorful landscapes or an artist, because the view of the sunset, by the way, rated by the locals as the best in the world, captivates and captures for a while. Reviews of tourists enthusiastic.

Perissa

Perissa is a small village located in the southeast of Santorini, 12 km from the central part of Fira and 12 km from the local airport. The duration of the trip from the airport is about 10-15 minutes. Of the nearest villages, in addition to the capital, one can name Kamari (24 km) and Oia (24 km). The village has everything you need for a complete, carefree holiday: villas, hotels, apartments for rent; opportunity to do different types sports; hearty and tasty meal in local taverns.

Santorini beaches

A description of the island of Santorini in Greece would not display the full picture without the most picturesque, as if alive from postcards, beaches, each of which has its own characteristics and is not similar to those that you have seen before. The sea of ​​incredible purity, with a palette of shades from light turquoise to dark blue, as well as sand and pebbles of various colors, act as creators of a spectacle of magical beauty.

• The beaches of Perissa are located near the village of the same name, the total length of the beaches is more than 3 kilometers. Many consider them the best on the island. The beaches have a black tint, which was formed due to their volcanic origin.
• Kamari Beach is probably the most crowded beach of Santorini, which is washed by water of amazing purity. Active life continues here both day and night, and the chic tourist base has a number of luxurious and presentable hotels with clubs, swimming pools, discos, taverns, restaurants, etc.
• Red Beach is located near the village of Akrotiri. As you can understand from its name, the sand on the beach has a red tint that looks great against the backdrop of the blue sea - a very, very unusual combination that will surprise anyone, even the most seasoned tourist.

What to see on the island?

• In the circles of tourists, the island of Santorini, and more specifically, the place of Oia, is quite well known, which is due to the enchanting sunsets. Many people are going to watch this magical spectacle in local bars.
• Love history? Then you are in Akrotiri. Sometime here in time construction works An ancient city was discovered quite by chance.
• In addition, in the town of Imerovigli there are preserved fragments of the Venetian castle of Skaros, the construction of which dates back to the 12th century.
• At the highest point of the island - on Mount Profitis Ilias, there is a monastery of the same name, the beginning of the construction of which dates back to 1711. There is a museum and a library here.
• The next places to visit while on the island of Santorini in Greece are the Archaeological Museum of Fira and the Museum of Prehistoric Fira. The walls of the Prehistoric Museum contain exhibits found during excavations in Akrotiri. The modern Archaeological Museum was erected in 1960, and became a replacement for its old and destroyed counterpart.
• Do not miss the opportunity to visit the Wine Museum, as well as the Kutsuyannopoulou winery, where you can watch the creation of the drink with your own eyes and learn about the history of the development of winemaking art on the island.

What to do on the island?

From Perissa to Kamari stretch magnificent beaches with black sand, on which lovers active rest can go diving or snorkeling. There are many restaurants and bars among the most picturesque eucalyptus groves. At night, discos, taverns and bars offer to continue entertainment.

What to bring home?

Tourists take with them beans (fava) and local wine, ceramics. All these goods can be bought in one of the many shops and souvenir shops. The prices are affordable. Most shops are open until 22:00.

To convey the uniqueness of this island, such words as “fairy tale”, “amazing”, etc. are not enough. You will be fascinated by the island from the very beginning. Every year tourists from all over the world come here to enjoy comfortable rest in the bosom of magnificent nature.

In the crowded bars of Perissa, Kamara, Fira and other settlements, all dishes are known for their quality and great taste. And listening to classical music and watching the world-famous caldera, any, even the most boring tourist, will get aesthetic pleasure!

I would be grateful if you leave comments, it is difficult to move on without seeing the reaction of readers.

I say goodbye to you for a moment. Have a good mood and see you again!

Tatyana Solomatina

The Greek island of Santorini is one of those places that in reality turn out to be as bright as glossy postcards with their image in souvenir shops. White and blue houses have long become a Greek brand, and the island itself has become an iconic destination for newlyweds, romantics, hunters the best views and those who like to relax in comfort.

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When is the best time to go to Santorini

bathing season on the island they open in May - in this sense, Santorini is no different from other Greek islands and resorts. The last vacationers leave the beaches in November, because after the official closing of the season, even if there is wind, sunbathing on the beaches is not prohibited.

The most pleasant time to visit Santorini can be called May and June, when tourists have not yet had time to fill all the free space, and the weather is comfortable for swimming, and even more so for walking. July and August are for those who are not afraid of the heat. And also crowds of tirelessly arriving tourists, the flow of which does not weaken for a minute. In this case, it is difficult to admire the sunsets, you will have to make room. September (especially the end of the month) is another good time to visit Santorini.

How to get there

The easiest way to get from the Russian Federation to Santorini is with a transfer, since every year the number of direct charters changes, and this method of transportation remains unstable. Already in Crete, you can transfer to a speedboat or ferry. Ferries to the island run from the ports of Athens, Rhodes and other major resorts in Greece. Air service is also available, which connects Santorini with many cities in Greece. The flight takes no more than 40 minutes.

Santorini Hotels

Whatever the "star" of the hotel, you should expect helpfulness from the staff, and maximum comfort from the living conditions. After all, hospitality and focus on tourists in Santorini is a good tradition. There are various categories of hotels on the island: there are luxurious villas with terraces, there are apartments, comfortable hotels for honeymoon, budget options. Since prices remain quite high in Santorini, you can safely choose hostels as an option for an overnight stay.

Attractions and entertainment on the island of Santorini

Fortunately, Santorini is not just a pretty picture. This island is able to reveal many historical secrets of Greece. The most notable attraction is Akrotiri. This ancient city is one of the major archaeological complexes of the country. Here they found evidence left from a rich Minoan city. Under the volcanic ash, archaeologists were waiting for buildings of 2-3 floors, shops, squares, household utensils, wall paintings. Many finds are kept in Athens, the rest - in the museums of Santorini.

It is worth continuing the acquaintance with a visit to Fira. There are a lot of interesting things in this city: Prehistoric and Archaeological Museums, old quarters, early Christian buildings, Ayu Mina Church. She has become a symbol of the whole of Santorini and is often featured on advertising posters.

Of interest is the most famous and ancient early Christian building of the island. This is Panagia Episkopi - a church that survived fires, invaders, earthquakes, but remained the best preserved in Greece. Its vaults contain a miraculous icon with a marble iconostasis.

It is worth devoting time to the city of Oia with its old mills, domes, Venetian castle and maritime museum. The main advantage of Oia is the views of the volcanoes and the best points for watching sunsets. The city seemed to hover over a caldera - a depression from a volcanic eruption. The caldera fascinates and impresses, remaining another attraction of Santorini.

One of the reasons why Santorini isn't just an island for romantics is because of the great opportunities for adventure. The most exciting of them are quad biking or hiking to the volcano. It is no less interesting to dive into the sea waters - beautiful diving points will be shown by local instructors. Here they have developed a lot of dive programs that will diversify your vacation in Santorini. And on the island there is an opportunity to make a kayak tour along the coast with a stop at the most picturesque and impressive beaches.

Understanding the needs of millions of tourists, Santorini is actively developing infrastructure. Here you will find many traditional restaurants and noisy clubs. You can choose the way you like to spend your evening leisure: listen to live music, dance or watch the sunset, while enjoying dinner in a restaurant overlooking the sea. And during the day it is worth visiting any Santorini winery, where those wishing to purchase wine from unique grape varieties will be told about the traditions of the production of this drink and will be shown the assortment.

Santorini beaches

After sunsets, Santorini's volcanic beaches are considered the main magnet for tourists. Nature gave them multi-colored sand, which is rarely seen anywhere. For example, the Red Beach is filled with those wishing to relax next to the red rocks in the morning. The lack of space on the Red Beach has affected the infrastructure, which is almost not developed. But it is equipped with the most necessary things (chaise lounges, umbrellas).

Black sand is already waiting on Kamari - no less exotic, where, however, things are much better with infrastructure. There are restaurants nearby, an area for children is equipped, sports centers operate where tourists rent catamarans and everything for diving.

For a family holiday, Paradisos is preferable, known for its gently sloping bottom. If you move along this beach, you can find restaurants and hotels.

It seems that in Santorini everything is done for the sake of beauty. But it is these efforts that do not go unnoticed: every year there are more and more people who want to wander through the narrow streets, make an offer in an atmosphere of romance, watch the best sunsets in the Mediterranean and relax on exotic sands. Probably, this should be the real tourist treasure that every country dreams of. And Greece is very lucky in this regard.

The real pearl of the Aegean is the island of Santorini - one of the most visited resorts in Greece. The weather in Santorini changes throughout the year, so the best time to visit is the end of spring and the beginning of the autumn months.

Climate of Greece

Climate in subtropical mediterranean with hot, dry summers and humid, warm winter. weather features differ depending on the territory - in mountainous areas the air temperature is much lower and snowfall is observed.

In the south, the coldest months are January and February, and the rest of the time the area is pretty cold. warm weather no precipitation.

On islands In the country, the air temperature is slightly higher than on the continent, but the stuffiness is softened by a gentle breeze from the sea. From April to November, warm and dry weather reigns without precipitation, and from November to March it is replaced by a decrease in temperature and heavy rainfall. But the so-called rainy season on the islands does not last long, and even in winter there are few cloudy, really cold days.

The climate of Santorini is largely similar with the climate of neighboring Crete - the air temperature here in winter months rarely falls below +20 degrees. Precipitation in summer months drop rarely.

Monthly air and water temperature in Santorini

The summer months in Santorini are pretty hot and dry- rains for this period are uncharacteristic. Winter, on the contrary, is wet and rainy, but warm and suitable for long walks.

in winter

Winter months in Santorini rainy, with perceptible coolness and strong winds.

• December Santorini is considered the rainiest month - out of 31 calendar days, 10-15 days of precipitation fall.

The average daily air temperature in December is +15-18 degrees Celsius, the water temperature is +16-17 degrees.

January is considered the coldest month on the island - in some years the air temperature can drop to + 5-7 degrees. On average, the daily air temperature is + 10-14 degrees, at night this figure drops by 2-3 degrees.

The water temperature is equal to + 15-17 degrees. Number of drops per month precipitation is 100 mm - this is less than in December, but the weather can deteriorate at any moment.



• February– the weather on the island largely repeats the January one – the air warms up to +15 degrees during the day and up to +12-13 degrees at night. The water temperature in February is +16-17 degrees. This month has a lot more clear days than cloudy days compared to others. winter months.

spring

Spring in Santorini is a period of awakening and flowering of nature, as well as a gradual settlement by tourists and guests.

1. AT March the number of rainy days decreases to 8-7, and the air temperature in daytime during the day it rises to +18 degrees, at night - up to +10 degrees. The water temperature remains unchanged - ranges from +15 to +17 degrees.
2. For April Santorini is characterized by a decrease in the number of rainy days and foggy haze in the dawn hours. The air temperature during the day is +19 degrees, at night - +12-14 degrees. The water temperature is + 17-18 degrees.
3. May- this is the flowering period of Santorini with the most comfortable temperature: there is no more winter coolness, but there is still no suffocating summer heat. The air temperature in the daytime is + 22-23 degrees, at night - + 15-17 degrees.

The water in the Aegean Sea in May warms up to +19 degrees Celsius.

Summer

In summer, dry, hot weather reigns on the island with an absolute absence of precipitation, which attracts a large number of tourists.

autumn

In autumn, the summer heat subsides, but warm weather persists until November.

1. Start September on weather conditions reminds, but by the end of the month the air temperature begins to gradually decrease. During the day, the air temperature is + 25-28 degrees, and at night - + 20-22 degrees. The water this month warms up to +25 degrees.

Santorini has become a favorite wedding venue. Read on how much does a wedding abroad cost.

2. weather in October comfortable for a relaxing holiday- the summer heat and heat are no longer there, and the rainy winter is still far away. In the daytime, the air warms up to + 25-26 degrees, and at night - up to +20. The water temperature in the sea is +23-24 degrees.
3. AT november The air temperature drops noticeably and coolness begins to be felt. During the day, the air warms up to only +19 degrees, and at night the temperature drops to +13 degrees. The water temperature in November is +18-20 degrees.

When is the best time to visit the island?

To understand when to go on vacation to Santorini, you need to know what seasons the year is divided into.

Holiday period

Tourist season on Santorini lasts from April to October - at this time the island is warm, even hot summer weather with minimal rainfall, which attracts tourists.

The largest influx of vacationers occurs in the summer months, when the sun shines dazzlingly and sometimes destructively from the sky. Prices are rising on and services, hotels and entertainment programs are booked in advance.

During these months, not only the nature of the island of Santorini flourishes, but also travel companies.

by the most optimal period to visit the island is the end of May and the beginning of September. At this time, the temperature of air and water is most favorable for beach and other types of recreation. Santorini, due to the volcanic origin of the islands, have different shades - black, gray, red, caramel and others.

Most favorable for a beach holiday southeast side islands - breezes blow in this place, which help to survive the summer heat.

Velvet season - is it worth going?

Mid-September to end of October on Santorini comes the so-called the Velvet season. Most of the tourists leave, and the rest can enjoy the half-empty beaches and the last truly summer days.

Comfortable air temperature allows you to enjoy excursions and visits, and the warm sea allows you to enjoy swimming.

Bad time to rest

November to March Santorini is entering the low, or "dead" season, when tourists practically do not visit the island, and ferries from neighboring islands visit here very rarely.

This period is characterized gusty winds from the sea, rainy, cloudy weather.

But even during this period enjoy your holiday on Santorini: very low prices for services and hotels, there are practically no tourists, on clear days you can visit the sights and walk around the island.

In that video you can look at Santorini during the holiday season:

The fabulous beauty of the Santorini archipelago is perhaps one of the most beautiful places throughout Greece. According to legend, the five islands of the archipelago are the remnants of the former greatness of Atlantis, which has gone under water. Now hundreds of thousands of tourists come to sunbathe on the volcanic beaches of the islands and admire the snow-white houses clinging to the rocks.

Santorini consists of 5 islands, the largest of which is Fira (or Thira). It is his images that are printed on all advertising brochures dedicated to Greece. The two volcanic islands of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni are a popular destination for excursions.

Santorini is a place where you should definitely come at least once. Snow-white walls of houses, blue domes of churches, of which there are about as many as there are days in a year, and colorful beaches will turn your vacation into a real fairy tale.

Climate and weather of Santorini

The climate in Santorini is Mediterranean, with dry summers and warm winters. The swimming season starts in May and ends in September. best time the summer months, as well as the end of spring and the beginning of autumn, are considered for recreation.

Santorini beaches

The beaches of Santorini are a complete attraction. The islands were formed due to a volcanic eruption that occurred 3500 years ago. The "legacy" from the ancient disaster left amazing beaches with multi-colored sand. There are areas with black sand (just like in Tenerife), there are areas with red (like the dunes in Mui Ne), and there are snow-white and golden beaches, which are a pleasure to relax on.

There are few beaches on the island - only 15, but each of them is unique and beautiful. The depth is serious almost everywhere, the water is cool, clear, with a turquoise, green and even black tint - depending on the sand or pebbles at the bottom.

Perivolos is the longest and most popular beach of Fira Island. Umbrellas and sun loungers are placed on 3 kilometers of black sand, the owners of numerous taverns and restaurants are waiting for guests on the embankment. Like almost everywhere in Santorini, the depth starts quickly, so families with children should be careful and make sure that the kids splash around the shore. In the evenings, there are discos on the beach of Perivolos and Perissa. There is a water park near the Perissa beach, and you can wait out the midday heat by taking an excursion to the Museum of Minerals and Fossils.

The Red Beach attracts not only swimmers, but also people with cameras. Red pebbles and red rocks, turquoise water - an amazing combination. If red is not your favorite color, you can choose White Beach - it is strewn with snow-white pebbles. One problem - you can only get to it by boat, although this is also an advantage - there will definitely not be crowds of people.

Kamari Beach is the widest on the island. The infrastructure is well developed here, there are enough sunbeds and umbrellas for everyone. For the purity of the water, the beach was awarded the Blue Flag. Tired of wallowing in the sand, you can go to the archaeological reserve of Fira to admire the sea view.

The depth of the sea in Santorini is decent everywhere, but for families with children and insecure bathers there is the beautiful Monolithos beach, where the entrance to the water is gentle and you can safely let the heirs swim. The sand on the beach is dark, sun loungers and umbrellas are available, you can have a bite to eat in taverns nearby.

For vivid impressions, you can go to the beaches of the islands of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni - by the way, their names are quite telling, they mean "burnt". Tourists are brought to the crater of an ancient volcano, where you can swim in the thermal springs.

Sights of Santorini

Santorini is a symphony of three colors: blue, white and ocher. According to Greek traditions, white symbolizes faith and justice; blue - the sky; yellow-brown, ocher - the power of nature and the power of a volcano.

There are almost as many churches in Santorini as there are 352 days in a year. The most beautiful and famous is Ayiu Mina, perched on a rock. The chime of bells is heard from all over the island of Fira in the mornings and evenings.

You can get acquainted with the past of the volcanic islands in the Archaeological Museum and the museum of the city. The volcanic eruption greatly redrawn the local history: for example, there is even its own "Pompeii" - on Cape Akrotiri there are the ruins of a city buried under a layer of ash. The medieval history of the archipelago can be touched on the ruins of the Venetian castle in Imerovigli. By the way, this is one of the best places to watch the sunset.

The most popular excursion is to the volcanic islands of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni. 3500 years ago, the local volcano exploded, and the echoes of the eruption are still heard: the last activity was observed only 65 years ago. An underwater volcano boils water - there are healing thermal springs here, and the soil itself is very hot. The tour includes the way to the island by boat, climbing to the crater, bathing in healing springs.

Orthodox holidays in Santorini are celebrated on a large scale. AT tourist season you can get to the Assumption of the Virgin (August 15), Transfiguration of the Lord (August 6). In addition, each church has its own patron, whose day the islanders also celebrate with great festivities and church services.

In July, Santorini hosts a jazz festival, and in August, a volcano festival. Eyewitnesses say that this is an incredible sight, arguing in an abundance of pyrotechnics with the Chinese New Year.

Cuisine of Santorini

Due to its volcanic origin, the soil on the islands of Santorini allows you to grow amazing varieties of familiar vegetables and fruits.

The locals are very proud of their white eggplants - they taste sweet, they are fried in oil with thyme and served with seafood, such as fresh octopus grilled on coals.

Traditional Greek salad, "horiatiki salad", in Santorini also has a special taste. Special small Santorini cherry tomatoes grow here - they are added to the salad and cooked tomatokeftedes - vegetable meatballs. Cucumbers in Santorini are also not simple - the variety is called "katsuni". And although feta cheese is traditionally added to horjatiki salad, you can ask for the addition of chloro cheese - a special goat cheese with a creamy structure.

A signature dish in Santorini will definitely contain fava - a special variety of peas. It is especially good with pork, eggplant and tomatoes. You can also try it as a separate dish - the inhabitants of the island have ensured that their precious fava is recognized as a gastronomic asset at the state level.

Wines in Santorini are also special - assyrtiko grapes are grown here, from which they make excellent Vinsanto wine, which has a citrus, fig or coffee hue. Dry white "Asyrtiko" or fortified white "Nichteri" will be excellent aperitifs before a meal in the Greek tradition.

When is the best time to go to Santorini? How long does it take beach season what is good about the velvet season in Santorini, what holidays and festivals can you find on the island?

Santorini is an island of amazing beauty, located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea. The unique geological structure made it famous all over the world, making it one of the most popular. Reddish cliffs against the backdrop of sapphire waters, "sugar" houses with sky-blue domes and volcanic beaches - all this is an integral part of the image of Santorini, where the tourist season begins in April and ends in October.

When does the season start in Santorini?

Numerous flow of travelers "covers" the island in summer, when the sun generously squanders light and warmth. The weather is hot at this time, but light breezes make high temperatures easily portable.

August 15 is the day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, accompanied by luxurious feasts in Santorini with an abundance of music and drinks.

Throughout the day, calm melodies pour from coastal taverns, and with the onset of dusk, the island surrenders to the power of frantic rhythms, to which impulsive youth in nightclubs like to “break away”.

Low season in Santorini

Tourist activity in Santorini is kept to a minimum between November and March. Blame it all strong wind and the abundance of rains, which significantly complicate the rest on the island. At this time, ferry service between Santorini and Rethymno, as well as Athens and the Cyclades, is suspended.

How long is the beach season

The swimming season on the island starts in the second half of May, when sea ​​water warmed up to +22 °C. The color palette of the beaches of Santorini is unusually diverse. Here you can relax on the sands of red, black, white and pink.

In addition, the island is rich in healing thermal springs. beach holiday on Santorini does not lose its relevance until October.

Velvet season in Santorini

Convent - one of the main attractions of the island

In Santorini, the velvet season lasts from September to October. At the end of the first autumn month beachgoers begin to go home, and the island becomes less crowded than in summer. Everyone who goes on a trip at the beginning of autumn is guaranteed to receive pleasant bonuses in the form of comfortable temperatures, gentle sea and a large number free places on the beaches.

Holidays and festivals

Festive events are mainly of a purely religious nature and are arranged in accordance with the Orthodox church calendar. For example, in July, Agios Ionnis is celebrated on a grand scale on the island, and the memory of Profitis Ilias is also honored.

August 15 is the day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, accompanied by luxurious feasts with an abundance of music and drinks.

Volcanic relief and slightly "enraged" development of Santorini

Of particular interest to foreign guests is the jazz festival, as well as the wine festival, which falls on the last days of August or mid-September.