Planning a trip to Santorini? Here’s a list of what to do there
Santorini is one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean sea and it is definitely the most famous island of Greece, which is why it receives millions of visitors every year. There are however a lot of people who are kind of hesitant when it comes to visiting this island because although they know that it is a very well-known destination – and a favorite of the rich and the famous – they do not know what there is to do over there, apart from admiring the gorgeous sunsets. They worry in other words, that they will spend their entire stay there in their hotel room, waiting for the sunset.
The fact of the matter however is that Santorini has a lot to offer to its visitors. Not only is it a very beautiful island, it is also rich in history and culture. Furthermore, thanks to its relatively small size and car rental companies like Santorini Easyrent (http://www.santorinieasyrent.com), exploring Santorini is rather easy. So, here’s a list of things that you should definitely do during your visit there!
Visit the ruins of Akrotiri
The prehistoric town of Akrotiri is Greece’s answer to Pompeii except it is much older and therefore historically and archaeologically more interesting. This town dates back to prehistoric towns and it features two story houses complete with internal planning. It is one of the oldest settlements in the world and it has been perfectly preserved because it was covered by volcanic ash spewed by the island’s volcano during its infamous and devastating prehistoric eruption. After you visit Akrotiri, we suggest that you visit the prehistoric museum in Fira, Santorini’s capital, in order to view some wonderful murals and other artifacts recovered from the site.
Visit the volcano
Santorini is also known for its beautiful caldera, but I am sure that you know that. What you may not know however, is the fact that you can actually visit the islands that were formed after the huge prehistoric eruption. Those small islets lie in the middle of the Caldera and they are constantly expelling sulfur and other gasses, a reminder that the supervolcano lying underneath the island is dormant but not inactive. The island of Nea Kammeni, the biggest of the two islands, is one of Europe’s first geological parks and it is one of the most unique tourist sites in Greece. How often do you get to walk on an active volcano after all?
Visit the wineries and taste the wines
You may not know it, but Santorini’s major export, apart from photos of its sunsets and vistas, is wine. Thanks to the fact that its ground has been covered by volcanic ash for centuries, the wines produced here have a unique taste and feel to them. The island is home to many wineries and most of them offer guided tours of their facilities followed by wine tastings. We strongly suggest that you visit the Santo Winery Association one afternoon and enjoy the sunset tasting their delicious wine on a specially designed terrace overlooking the caldera.
Visit unique beaches
Santorini is also home to some beautiful beaches, like all islands in the Aegean sea, but some of them are truly unique. The red beach is located near the ruins of Akrotiri and it is surrounded by red cliffs and rocks. Its volcanic landscape will make you think that you are on Mars. Then there is Vlychada beach which is surrounded by completely white cliffs and rocks and many have compared it to a lunar landscape. Just remember to have a camera with you when you visit those two beaches since their landscapes are out of this world! Since the beaches can be quite far from each other, you might want to rent a car to do those long distances.