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Santorini
is a volcanic island in the Cyclades group of the
Greek islands. It is located between Ios and Anafi
islands. It is famous for dramatic views, stunning
sunsets from Oia town, the strange white aubergine,
the town of Thira and naturally its very own active
volcano. There are naturally fantastic beaches such
as the beach of Perissa, maybe the best beach in
Santorini, the black pebble beach of Kamari, white
beach and red beach.
An alternative name for Santorini is Thira.
Santorini is also a name for the family of islands
surrounding Thira--once forming a single island
prior to a major volcanic event in approximately
1500 B.C.E.
The small island cradles a rich variety of
landscapes and villages. Visit traditional
architecture in the small village of Mesa Gonia
containing a mixture of ruins from the 1956
earthquake and restored villas as well as a winery
at the foot of the settlement. Pyrgos is another
notable village set inland with its grand old houses,
remains of a Venetian castle and several Byzantine
churches.
The
island has no natural source of water and so water
is delivered to the island via tanker from Crete.
Fira is the fiery capital, a marriage of Venetian
and Cycladic architecture, whose white cobblestone
streets bustle with shops, tavernas, hotels and
cafes, while clinging to the rim of the caldera nine
hundred feet above the its port. If arriving by sea
you can take a cable car up from the port or
alternatively take a trip on one of the hundreds of
mules up the three hundred plus zigzagging steps.
You could also attempt to walk up the steps but be
warned, they are winding, narrow in parts with only
low walls, they are covered in donkey excrement and
the donkeys themselves will make no attempt to avoid
you.
Walking along a path about for twenty minutes will
bring you to Imerovigli where you can take in the
magnificent views of the island’s unique scenery
from the tiny town.
Just
above Fira at the highest point of the island is the
quintessentially Santorininian town of Ia, also
sometimes spelled Oia, with its whitewashed walls
sunk into the volcanic rock and its blue domes
rising above the sterling beauty of the stunning,
russet Ammoudi Bay. At dusk, the town attracts
crowds of people venturing to see the sunset.
Santorini's sunsets, as viewed from Oia, are reputed
to be among the world's most beautiful.
Due to the spectacular and unique natural beauty of
Santorini, many Greek singers have chosen the island
as the setting of their videos. Greek and Brazilian
TV series have been shot of Santorini, as well as
some Hollywood movies (e.g. Tomb Raider II).
Generally Santorini is a pole of attraction for
Greek and international celebrities.
Source: http://wikitravel.org/en/Santorini
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