GR - Thira Santorini

Geographical notes:
An alternative name for Santorini is Thira. Santorini also indicates the islands surrounding Thira, which once formed a single island before the devastating volcanic eruption of 1628 BC. about.

When to go:
The tourist season starts on April 1st, or towards Greek Easter. The period from December to March is largely out of season and is characterized by colder temperatures, rain and winds. Although the temperature is rarely cold, bad weather makes the experience on this beautiful island less than optimal. Most businesses, including hotels and guesthouses, can be closed down. The air is usually hot and dry during the summer months, with little rain between May and September. The ideal periods to visit, for a milder climate, lower prices and crowds, are April-June and September-October.

Territories and tourist destinations.
Urban centers:

On the west coast
Akrotiri (Ακρωτήρι) – At the southern end of the western coast with splendid views of the caldera, Akrotiri is the place where archaeological excavations have highlighted many aspects of the Minoan civilization of about 3,500 years, preserved in volcanic ash like Pompeii, it is one of the ” must see “of Santorini. The excavation site is covered by a roofing system, making it a place that can be visited comfortably at any time of the year. The ruins are extremely well preserved. Roads, buildings, stairs and even the second floor of buildings are still visible. Visitors can stand in the ruins and watch the Minoan ceramics and frescoes and, with a little imagination, feel what it would have been like to live in ancient Greece. Akrotiri is also famous for its red arena beach.
Fira (Θήρα, Thira or Thera) – The capital of Santorini perched on a rocky outcrop 300 meters high. Ancient Thera, the classic city of the island is located in Mesa Vouno, at 396 m. above sea level. It was founded in the 9th century BC. by Doric colonists whose head was Theras, and continued to be inhabited until the early Byzantine period. The preserved ruins belong to the Hellenistic and Roman phase of the city. The residential area and most of the cemeteries were excavated by German archaeologists between 1895 and 1902. The cemeteries on the north-east and north-west slopes of Sellada were excavated by N. Zapheiropoulos in the years 1961-1982. Fira has a Prehistoric Museum which contains some of the artifacts, which have been found in the ruins of Akrotiri. So, first visit Akrotiri, where the objects come from and then Thira to understand what the objects are. The museum has vases, pottery and other household items, but the highlight is the frescoes of the blue monkeys – a mystery as historians say there is no evidence that monkeys have ever been on Santorini. Also in Fira, near the cable car station, there is the Archaeological Museum which contains finds from various eras. Most of the finds date back to the classical and Roman period of the ancient city of Thera and its cemeteries.
Imerovigli (Ημεροβίγλη) – Located 2 km north of Thira, Imerovigli was the capital of the island from the Byzantine times until the eighteenth century, when it was abandoned by its inhabitants following a terrible earthquake.
Megalochori – Center remained almost untouched by the upheaval of mass tourism. Classic Santorini village: small streets with whitewashed houses and small local craft shops, but also small squares where you can find the characteristic taverns with an exclusive Greek menu.
Oia – At the northern end of the island and 10 km from Fira, Oia, pronounced “Ia”, faces the islet of Thirassià and is famous for its incomparable sunsets. In the summer afternoons flocks of hikers flock to enjoy the show. Oia has two beaches, Ammoudi and Armeni.

On the east coast
Kamari, Aghia Paraskevi, Monolithos – Three villages near the airport runway. Avis is Kamari beach, the busiest center of Santorini, after Fira.
Emporio (Εμπόριο) – A large village close to Perissa. It has a typically Cycladic character with white houses grouped around a medieval castle and the inevitable windmills.
Karterados (Καρτεράδος)
Kodochori (Κοδοχώρι)
Gonià Mass (Μέσα Γωνιά)
Perissa – The village where the famous black beach of Santorini is located.
Vourvoulos (Βούρβουλος).

Other destinations
Thirassia (Θηρασιά) – Islet facing Santorini.