Description
Formed by the massive volcanic eruption which gave rise to the Atlantis legend, Santorini is the most striking island in the Aegean. The island is actually the outer rim of a sunken volcano, its entire eastern coast is a succession of small towns perched on high hills. Fira is the island’s dramatically situated capital. Perched on the cliffs, overlooking the sea, the town of Fira shares with the Parthenon the fame of the best known images of Greece. The narrow streets are filled with souvenir shops, lovely boutiques and a lot of jewellery shops. It has two beautiful churches, the Greek Orthodox and the Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist. It also has a small local museum. Nightlife in Fira is also quite lively with good restaurants and bars, plus a few nightclubs. The city is a spectacle in itself, with a climax at sunset. Another great place to enjoy the sunset is the town of Ia, a small village clinging to the rocky point of land at the northern tip of the island, 300m above the sea. The beaches in Santorini are much different than other beaches in Greece due to their special geographical features. Red and black volcanic pebbles lay the shores of Santorini beaches and steep cliffs provide a picturesque ambience. The most famous of Santorini beaches is the Red beach, while particularly popular are Perissa, Kamari and Perivolos. Santorini is a truly wonderful destination. The siting of some of its major towns along the clifftop rim of the caldera is one of the most spectacularly lovely sights in the world. The buildings seem to defy gravity in the way they cling to the cliffs and are stacked one on top of the other like so many sugar cubes. The sandy, multicoloured beaches are simply the icing on the cake.
Amenities
Experience
Highlights
Volcano Island Cruise, Hot Springs & Thirassia
Discover the volcanic islands of the Santorini Archipelago on a traditional boat cruise!
You'll meet directly at Santorini's old port and board a caïque bound for Néa Kaméni. A guide will accompany you all day to explain the area and answer any questions you may have.
Néa Kameni is the active part of the volcano. It was this volcano that gave rise to the Santorini archipelago. To reach the volcano's crater, you'll need to make a 1h30 ascent. Once at the top, you'll enjoy a panoramic view of the volcano and the island.
You'll then climb back aboard the boat to discover a new island: Paléa Kaméni. Famous for its hot springs, you'll be diving in search of them. Enjoy the turquoise thermal waters and try your hand at mud bathing.
You'll then return by boat for your final stop. Head for the traditional island of Tharissia, where you'll have 1h30 of free time. You can visit the village of Manolas, accessible on foot via a 300-step walled staircase. The view is well worth the detour, as you overlook Tharissia, Santorini and the sea.
Your boat will continue sailing towards Santorini, making a short stop at the port of Oia before returning to old port.
- Seasonal activity: From January to July
- Validity: every day (except in exceptional cases)
- Departure time and place: Old port of Santorini.The boat leaves the port at 10:30 am. Return around 4 pm.
- Your guide is bilingual in English and Greek
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- This activity is not suitable for people with reduced mobility or in wheelchairs.
- This activity involves walking, especially on volcanic terrain, so you must not have walking difficulties or a serious medical history, particularly of a cardiac nature.
Includes
- The cruise around the volcanic islands , The services of an experienced professional guide
Meeting Point
- Port d'Athinios 847 00 Santorini, Grèce
Important Information
Not Included
- Pick-up from your hotel
- Any other extras
- Lunch and drinks
- Tips
- Entrance fees to various sites and volcanoes