Santorini, one of the best-known of the Cyclades, differs from the other islands in the group thanks to its geological morphology, the result of a volcano that is now dormant. The landscape on the western side of the island, where towering cliffs crowned by tiny and blindingly white houses plunge straight into the depths of the sea.
The steep coastline of the west is countered by the vast beaches of the east side, some of them sandy and others with pebbles.
From the landing-place, Skala, we can climb up to Fira, the capital, on foot or by donkey There is a funicular railway for those who wish to avoid the hundreds of steps. Fira is very attractive, with winding narrow streets, arcades and a quarter where the Catholic nobility once dwelt. There is an important Museum, with prehistoric findings. A large collection of vases dating from the 7th and 6th centuries BC, a few Archaic and Classical pieces and some Hellenistic and Roman sculptures and portraits.
There is a superb view out from Fira to the Kamenes, the two islets of black stone created by the volcano. These islets can be visited by boat.
The site at Akrotiri has yielded the remains of a Minoan city destroyed around 1500 BC by an eruption of the volcano on Thira. In effect, this is a prehistoric version of Pompeii buried beneath volcanic ash, with two and three-storey houses, with squares, shops workshops and so on.
The old world village of Oia 11 km. to the north of Fira, is a place of incomparable beauty. At sunset, there is a magnificent view. Among the best bathing beaches some of them with black sand and others with pebbles – are Kamari, Amoudi, Baxedes Perissa, Monolithos and Kokini Paralia.