Santorini is one of the most fascinating and beautiful in the world. Greek known as Thira, is the southernmost of the Cyclades islands and one of the most popular destinations in Greece and around the world. The magical island of Santorini with its caldera, the volcano, itramonti and the landscape is truly a site to behold. The rough and rugged island of Santorini formed after the apocalyptic event of the explosion of the volcano more than 3500 years ago is often associated with the mythical Atlantis.

he beautiful and colorful sunsets, seen sipping a local wine on the high tops of the cliffs, are very romantic and exciting. Santorini has a crescent-shaped and together the great island of Thirasia (once connected to the rest of the island) surrounds the dark volcanic islands of Palea and Nea Kameni, which lie at the center of the bay. And 'This is the largest active caldera in the world and was once the island of Thira (or Thera, before Strongili known as "round") under the sea in the eruption of the volcano 1450 BC The bay (lagoon type) which now forms the measure as Caldera and crater 32kmq is 300 to 400 meters deep.

On the western side, where the active volcano, the cliffs overhanging the sea, 300 meters high, are multi-layers of black, red, gray and brown. Perched on the cliff top there are the picturesque villages often depicted on postcards and posters of Greece, surprise and fascinate with their white houses were like lumps of sugar and the brilliant blue-domed churches that call the deep blue of the sky and the Sea Aegean.

The capital of the island is Fira, the island's center, perched on the Caldera in more than 200 feet high, a lively tourist town during the day (though there is no beach) and night, as well as stop for ships cruise. There are other cities interesting and suggestive, as if they were nestled on scoglera cribs, it is worth exploring: Imerovigli (also called "the balcony of Santorini") and Oia, the northern end, where you can admire beautiful sunsets.

The highest mountain is Profitis Ilias, with the only peak that reaches 556 meters above sea level. Also not to be missed are the excavations of Akrotiri, which is the remains of the Minoan civilization buried by volcano eruption in history. For lovers of culture can also visit the ruins of Thira on the top of the mountain that dominates Mesa Vouno Kamari and Perissa.

The eastern side of Santorini is a slight slope towards the sea and comes in stark contrast to the rest of the island, with flat areas and vineyards, ending with the beautiful and organized beaches. Farther east is the seaside resort of Kamari, while to the south than Perissa. These are beaches with black sand mixed with pebbles and crystal clear waters. They are also characterized by a fairly lively nightlife and entertainment during the day (water sports, beach facilities organized, bistros, taverns, restaurants, cafes and bars where you can dance with moss).

In the myriad of traditional taverns of Santorini, to accompany the rich seafood drink the excellent white wine (the Assirtiko) and local specialties such as "stone" (a puree of small yellow beans) and "tomatokeftedes" (fried tomatoes).

Some numbers on Santorini: The island is 96 square kilometers with a coastline 69 km and a population of nearly 12,000 inhabitants, is located 130 nautical miles from Piraeus and 70 nautical miles from Crete, Santorini is 18 km long and varies from 2 to 6 km wide.

Getting to Santorini: Santorini can be reached by plane from most international airports via Athens. The flight time from Athens to Santorini is approximately 30 minutes. Nearly all international scheduled flights arriving in Athens allow adequate time to take the connecting flight to Santorini. Numerous charter flights from several European cities fly directly to the island during the summer. During the same period Santorini is also connected by direct flights to and from Thessaloniki. Santorini can be reached by ferry with regular services from the port of Piraeus in Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos and Crete from (and almost all the Cyclades islands). The journey by ferry takes about 5-9 hours depending on the type of ferry, hydrofoil or catamaran and ports of call. On a daily basis to high-speed ferries and hydrofoils, which takes about 4-5 hours, are available only during the summer and leave the port of Piraeus, from numerous other Cycladic islands and Crete.