Santorini, known since ancient times as Thira, is one of the most famous islands in the world. The fact that you can sit in front of the caldera, and enjoy local dishes, a drink, or a coffee while gazing at the remarkable beauty of an active volcano is priceless!
An island is actually a group of islands consisting of Thira, Thirassia, Aspronissi, Palea, and Nea Kameni in the southernmost part of the Cyclades.
Santorini’s volcano is one of the few active volcanoes on Greek and European land The islands that form Santorini came into existence as a result of intensive volcanic activity; twelve huge eruptions occurred, one every 20,000 years approximately, and each violent eruption caused collapse of the volcano’s central part creating a large crater (caldera). The volcano, however, managed to recreate itself over and over again.
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Caldera all day long, but don’t miss the sunset which is simply magical! Unique Experiences
Explore the island’s villages
Fira is the picturesque capital of the island perched on the top edge of the Caldera, 260m above sea level, offering breathtaking views to the Aegean Sea and the island of Nea Kameni. Along the border of the caldera, you’ll come across the renowned villages of Oia – the whole village looks like a work of art as the houses are carved into the lava rock – Imerovigli and Firostefani, which are the best spots for you to get your sunset views.
Other famous yet smaller villages, some cosmopolitan, some more traditional, some with vast vineyards to explore, others on a cliff-top affording amazing views over the Aegean are Akrotiri and Messa Vouno – with their famous archaeological sites – Pyrgos, Karterades, Emporio, Ammoudi, Finikia, Perissa, Perivolos, Megalochori, Kamari, Mesaria and Monolithos. Soaking up the villages’ distinctive topography, whitewashed houses, and alleys vs lava-black terrain is a rewarding experience that one might say is unique!
Santorini is considered to be the most sought-after place for a romantic getaway in Greece since there are not many places in the world where you can enjoy exquisitely clear waters while perched on the rim of a massive active volcano in the middle of the sea! The island has a growing reputation as a “wedding destination” for couples not only from Greece but from all over the world. A trip to Santorini with the other half is a dream for anyone who has seen at least one photo of the island’s famous Caldera and exchanging kisses beneath Santorini’s famous sunset is the ultimate romantic experience!
Venture into Santorini’s seaside treasures and enjoy deep blue waters and beaches with white, red, or black sand or volcanic pebbles, spectacular rock formations, and impressive lunar landscapes. Santorini, the youngest volcanic land in the Eastern Mediterranean, is waiting for you! Don’t think twice! Experience for yourself the once-in-a-lifetime romance and charm of truly.
Venture into Santorini’s seaside treasures and enjoy deep blue waters and beaches with white, red, or black sand or volcanic pebbles, spectacular rock formations, and impressive lunar landscapes. Santorini, the youngest volcanic land in the Eastern Mediterranean, is waiting for you! Don’t think twice! Experience for yourself the once-in-a-lifetime romance and charm of truly.
Fun Facts
Did you know that in Greece, 47 mountains are over 2000m., 105 mountains are between 2000 and 1500m., and 155 mountains are between 1500m. and 1000m. The number of mountains under 1000m. has yet not been recorded.
Travel documents, Passport & Visa
In order to visit Greece you need to have the following travel documents:
-ID card in the case that your country of origin is a signatory to the Schengen Agreement, you may use your national ID to enter the country and you may stay for a three-month period. In these cases, a passport is not necessary, although you will need it in a variety of other transactions, including currency exchange, shopping, etc.
-Visa If your country is not a member of the Schengen Agreement, make sure you obtain further information from the Greek Embassy or Consulate in your country before your trip, or from your travel agency. In case you travel with Visa, make sure you also have suitable insurance coverage for emergency medical or other needs.
-Passport If your country of origin is one of the following non-EU countries, your passport allows you to visit Greece and remain in the country for up to three months (90 days) within a six-month period: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Vatican, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, USA, Uruguay, Venezuela. Find out more on the official webpage of the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Currency
Greece is a Member-State of the European Union and uses its uniform currency – the Euro. Greece, as is the case with the other Member-States of the E.U. uses eight coins as follows: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents or lepta in Greek and 1 and 2 Euros. The banknotes are issued in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 Euros.
Currency exchange rates are clearly displayed in every bank that accepts currency exchange, while credit card holders may acquire money from the ATMs of the collaborating banks. Greek banks are open for the public from 8:00 to 14:30 Mondays to Thursdays and from 8:00 to 13:30 on Fridays. They are closed on Public Holidays. Euros can also be exchanged for notes of other foreign currencies at exchange offices that are situated at the airport and certain main ports, in the larger cities, as well as at many tourist destinations. A passport is required when exchanging currencies.
Use of electronic devices
Electric power voltage in Greece is 230 V / 50 Hz and the plugs are F type. To avoid the danger of short circuits, make sure to have in your suitcase the necessary transformers/adaptors for your electronic devices or make sure that this will be provided by the relevant socket.
Consumer’s protection
During your stay in Greece, as a consumer, you are protected throughout your transactions by Greek legislation. In case of omission or infringement of the above, you can call to Tourist Police in 1571 (24/7 in operation). In the event you need to file a complaint, you may contact the Hellenic Ministry of Tourism, by sending an email to the following address: [email protected] (Pay attention, the dispatching of emails by the Ministry of Tourism in hotmail.com email addresses is temporarily impossible due to safety policies of the service provider.
Weather in Greece
In order to help you to choose which clothing and accessories to put in your suitcase for your trip to Greece, we provide you with certain general information on the climate of our country!
Greece’s climate is Mediterranean with long sunshine, mild temperatures, and limited rainfalls. It is characterized by great variation, due to the country’s geographic location, the intense relief, and the distribution between the mainland and the sea.
In the summer, dry hot days are often cooled by seasonal winds that are called “etesian winds” while mountainous areas are cool.
Winters are mild in the plains with little ice and snow, but the mountains are usually covered with snow.
In addition, it is a common phenomenon to combine different climate conditions in the same season (for instance mild heat near the sea and cool in the mountainous areas).
A few days before your trip, we urge you to seek the weather of the destination that you will visit, by searching through our webpage. For instance, if you are about to travel to the beautiful island of Paros, find the page of the Destination from the search, and on the upper side of the page on Paros, you will find information about the weather now, and for the next 5 days.
We wish you safe Travels, Santorini Tours Greece Team!
Source: Visit Greece