Santorini

It wouldn’t be a trip to Greece without seeing the natural wonder of Santorini. Around the great caldera of Santoríni (Thíra), the land seems to rise up and engulf it. Huge cliffs loom above the deep blue sea, with nothing growing to soften the awesome views.

The Santorini we know today is a crescent-shaped island with a huge crater (caldera) on its western side. The island of Thirassia is nearby to Oia and two smaller islands sit within the caldera  makes for the most incredible sunset views from Santorini’s steep clifftops opposite.

From its iconic sunsets to its historical ruins to its numerous vineyards, Santorini is a picturesque island with plenty to see and do. While one of Greece’s most popular islands, it’s big enough that you can find quiet places away from the overwhelming crowds.

Santorini’s volcanic eruption in the 17th century BCE was one of the biggest explosions in recorded history. It’s responsible for giving the island its unique caldera shape. Today it is one of only 16 Decade Volcanos in the world (closely monitored active volcanos with a history of destructive eruptions located near densely populated areas). While the active part of the volcano is underwater, you can take a boat trip to walk the surface of the uninhabited black lava islands, Nea Kamenion and Palaia Kameni, and enjoy the latter’s hot springs.