ACTIVITIES ON THE ISLAND

 

When visiting Santorini, except from admiring its unique beauty and walking around its picturesque alleys, we have the opportunity to participate in other activities, as well. Specifically, it is possible to go climbing, to dive in its unique seabed and walk around its paths.

 

CLIMBING

 

Generally, the island is not the ideal place for climbing, as the caldera is covered by not so firmly volcanic rocks. However, on the limestone mountain at the eastern side, there are three organized climbing fields: Perissa, Perivolos and Kamari, which are exquisite choices, especially in the afternoon when they have shadow.

 

In particular, the beach of Perissa is surrounded by rocks, which are suitable for climbing. Perivolos, on the other hand, is covered by excellent limestone. Finally, going down the path for Ancient Thira, you find the climbing routes of Kamari.

For more information contact Sea Kayak (tel.: +30 6951801051)

 

 

 

 

 

CYCLING

 

Another activity you can do at Santorini is cycling. Guided tours and excursions are organized in order to see around the island.

For more information call +30 6980289453.

 

 

 

 

 

HORSEBACK RIDING

 

Those, who are interested in horseback riding can visit Monolithos and ride by the sea taking a route lasting two and a half hours. If you do not like the excessive crowds, it would be better for you to start early in the morning. Otherwise, ask to follow a shorter route, the one to the beach Exo Gonia that lasts one hour. After that, visit Panagia Episkopi which is the most important Byzantine monument of the island. Go swimming at Kamari and when the sun sets wander around Mesa Gonia; there, the ruins of the abandoned houses that the residents left behind in 1956, still exist. If you have more time go down towards the lighthouse at Akrotiri to see the sunset. To do this, you should go to the crossroad at Pyrgos on the other side of the island and take the road towards Akrotiri, but instead of turning left to the village, go straight ahead and following the lights of the lighthouse you will arrive soon.

 

SEA KAYAK

 

In addition, several day trips along the coast of the island are organized in order to help tourists discover the wonderful landscape with the volcanic-made rocks. State-of-the-art equipment and understanding guidance, for those who are interested, are offered.

DIVING & SNORKELING

 

Santorini is an island full with diversities and, apart from its beautiful and picturesque places, you should not forget the amazing crystal blue Aegean sea surrounding the island. You can explore the sea itself and its abundant marine life.

 

There is almost everything there: steep walls, rocks, reefs, caves, all decorated with sponges, shells, sea anemones, corals, seahorses, many fish species such as groupers. There are many places ideal for swimming. First of all, Adiaviade has alive coral formation reefs, while Cape Akrotiri consists of a shallow bay with big and small caves. At caldera, the scenery is composed from underwater rock formations that were created because of the volcanic activity. The reef Mansell is an amazing reef with extensive visibility and Palea Kameni has underwater canyons and straight walls. Thirassia is an islet separated from the main land, because of the great volcanic eruption, while there is an interesting shallow wreck near the Volcano.

 

There are professional swimming schools and clubs at every spot that give lessons to everyone, from beginners to experts.

 

Aegean Divers, Dive Center-Dive & Sail Shop, Fira - Pyrgos Highway, tel. +30 22860 33201

Navys Waterworld, Dive Center, Kamari, tel. +30 22860 28190

 

FISHING

 

The sea of Santorini is ideal for fishing. Travel agencies organize fishing trips. Still, you can fish on your own after purchasing the necessary equipment from the shop "Thalassa" in Messaria. The port of fishermen located in Vlychada is a good choice.

 

 

MARBLE / SCULPTURE LESSONS

 

One more option, when being at Thira, is to attend marble / sculpture lessons.

For more information contact:

Soil and Water (tel.: +30 2286082625), at Megalochori

Spira Marble (tel.: +30 22860 33269, www.kouskouris.gr), at Messaria

 

 

 

SAILING AROUND SANTORINI

 

For those who love sailing, Greece is the ideal choice as it provides the appropriate means, natural resources and provisions to the Aegean Sea. The provided facilities and marinas are manufactured by National Tourism Organisation (GNTO), local authorities and private initiatives. Additionally, Santorini offers good facilities and its port is one of the 51 Greek ports and it has customs, health authorities, immigration office and exchange control office. The places that are recommended to visit around the island are:

 

Burnt Islets:

Next to Santorini are the so-called Burnt Isles, known as “Nea Kameni” or “Ifestio” (Volcano) and “Thermes Piges” (Hot Springs) or “Palaiaa Kameni", which was formed between 1707 and 1950 after successive volcanic eruptions.

 

The Volcano, which is also called King George’s I crater, is approximately 100 meters and is still active with its steam reaching the 80-85 ℃. The crater is about 30 minutes walk from the volcano, the earth is hot in some places and the smell of sulfur is strong sometimes.

Near Palaia Kameni a small bay has been created, where you can swim in muddy, murky waters derived from volcanic sources, reaching almost 45 ℃ and they are said to have healing qualities.

 

Thirasia island:

Thirasia is located at the western part of Santorini, about 20 minutes away from the port by boat or yacht. Opposite to Oia is its port and main village, Manolas with 300 residents. Near the first signs of ancient settlers have been found. Located near the picturesque Potamos, there is a remote beach that you can visit and the monastery of the “Kimisis of Theotokou" which has a wooden, carved sign that was made in Russia and was donated to the church in 1872. Furthermore, another village worth-visiting is Agrilia.

 

• Recommended excursions:

• Akrotiri bus tour: the trip begins with a stop at the monastery of Prophet Elias which is at the highest point of the island. Enjoy swimming at Akrotiri and Perissa, while at the end of the route you are going to visit one of the local wineries and try some traditional wines there.

• Daily excursions from the old port to the Volcano, Hot springs, Thirasia and Oia.

• Full-day excursion to the Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirasia: This cruise includes a visit to the Volcano, swimming in the Hot Springs and lunch on Thirassia.

• One-day cruise to the nearby islands; it includes stops at Folegandros, Anafi, Ios, Sikinos (upon request).

• Watching the sunset cruise aboard: Arriving at the port of Athinios, you aboard and sail along the magnificent Caldera. You will have the opportunity to admire the amazing Volcano, Hot Springs and Ammoudi little bay.

• Tour to Oia & traditional villages: Visits to Prophet Elias, Pyrgos village and the oldest church on the island, Panagia Episkopi. Final stop is Oia with its amazing view and stunning sunset.

 

 

WALKING AROUND

 

• NEA & PALEA KAMENI

 

When visiting the island, we can visit the volcanic islands Palea and Nea Kameni. Daily organized excursions depart from Mesa Gialos, the old port of Fira.

 

Descending from Fira, you will find the village of Mesa Gialos and there choose either to hike, ride donkeys or use the cable car to go down to the old port. The downhill walk will take you about 20 minutes.

 

At first, the boat visits the hot sulfur springs behind Palea Kameni, where guests can swim for about one quarter. The boat leaves you about 100 meters before, as it can not approach further, but the spectacle is unique. There the water is greenish but gradually becomes reddish and warmer as you approach. The thermal springs temperature reaches 30-35 ℃.

 

It is possible to skip the visit to Palea Kameni and go directly to Nea Kameni. While you are on board, marvel the huge emerging dark stones on the surface of the sea, which are, in fact, lava erupted from the depths of the earth. The water as you will see is greenish due to the sulfur found in the volcano. After the boat ties to the small wooden jetty small harbor of Nea Kameni, you will be given the necessary instructions for visiting the island. First of all, you should not get too close to the craters, as dangerous gases emerge. Follow the black-ground trail that passes next to the craters, which was actually lava turned into stones. Besides this black color you will not find anything but some red flowers that grow here and remind of the red color of lava. From the top of the dome at Mikri Kameni, i.e. the oldest part of Nea Kameni, you can tell the contrast between the white color of the Santorinian cliff and the black landscape around you. Reaching the highest peak of Nea Kameni (127 meters), where the dome of George I is, you can gaze at the Palea Kameni. The route to the craters lasts 20-25 minutes; gases are coming out of the craters and when touching you can feel its elevated temperature. Finally, return again to the boat, and then, at Santorini.

 

For this trip, it is recommended to wear lightweight clothes, sport shoes, a hat and to carry a bottle of water with you. The feeling from watching the volcano this close will cause you unique emotions, the main of which is admiration.

 

•  THIRASIA

 

Thirasia is a small island next to Thira. It used to be the west coast of the ancient island Strongyli but it was cut off in 1500 B.C. with the devastating earthquake. The remaining pieces of the ancient Strongyli are Thirassia, Nea Kameni (the volcano), Palea Kameni, Aspronisi, the group of islands Christiana and Santorini.

 

According to mythology, the island's name comes from the youngest daughter of the Spartan leader Thera, who was the first to settle on the island after the devastating earthquake. Specifically, the  place was given to the daughter of Thirassia in order to build a grand palace.

 

Thirasia may have a smaller size of Santorini but both have the same morphology and the same architecture of the houses and churches. The land of the island, which is a combination of black and brown soil and pumice, the little vegetation, the whitewashed houses and the turquoise sea create an ideal atmosphere for relaxation on the island.

 

It is located at the west part of Santorini and it is about a mile (20 minutes) from Amoudi of Oia. It has an area of ​​9,246 square kilometers and a population of 319 inhabitants. The capital is Manolas and the port is Riva. There are frequent routes of ships from the port of Piraeus or Athinios, or small boats from the pier at Amoudi. At a high spot of the island there is the church of Agia Irini.

 

The island has a picturesque landscape with fishing boats and fish restaurants but what stands out is the black beach, which is no coincidence that it has been awarded a "Blue Flag" (which indicates that the water is clean). You can move around the island and go to the inland either by local bus or taxi, as well as by hiking.

 

The first residential area you will encounter is Potamos (meaning river) that is built into the gorge from which it took its name. Most houses are dug into the rock and their courtyards are decorated with geraniums and bougainvillea. In the center of the village there is the church of Agios Dimitrios and Panagia Giatrissa. After that you will find Manola at the top of the caldera of Thirassia. There are cobblestone streets and the magnificent Cathedral of St. Constantine. The province Kera or Keradinia is located southeast of the capital and has panoramic view from the Kameni. You can go to the old port Korfos by descending 270 paved steps. The sailboats and the fishing boats coming from Athinios stop here. In the restaurants you can taste the traditional dishes such as fava beans, the "hlorotiri" (type of cheese), tomatoes, capers and wild asparagus, xylangoura and round zucchini. Also, you can taste sykamnoglyko, a kind of sweet from black berries.

 

HIKING

 

• Hiking from Fira to Oia

Duration: 3 hours

Starting point: cable car station

Start walking from Fira to Oia at 300 meters height, next to the edge of the cliff that descends gradually to the sea.

 

Following the narrow path (calderimi) to the northwest direction, you will pass the town of Fira and Firostefani, where the Orthodox monastery of St. Nicholas which was built in 1651 by the family Gyzi and was inhabited by nuns. Then, you will meet Imerovigli which is 2 km away. Fira is built on the highest point of the Caldera, so the view is stunning and the colours of the island and the volcano unique.

 

On your left you can see the ruins of the fortified settlement on the steep hill Skaros that is considered the largest castle of Santorini during the Frankish occupation. If you want to see the fortress closer, follow another path with stairs, at times uphill at times downhill, and in 10 minutes you will be there. The view is amazing and there, behind Skaros the small church of Theoskepi stands. Returning to the original path, the calderimi, you will find several picturesque churches. If you want to buy water or something else, you can leave for a while the path of the Caldera and follow the main road after 300 meters after which you will find a small kiosk. A little further you will see the Caldera on your left and t the plain that reaches Kamari and then at Black Mountain on your right. Start going down the path and before you reach Oia you will pass a desalination factory and after 5 minutes you will reach the village. There stroll the cobblestone streets and admire the unique architecture of the houses, the churches which are painted white and blue. Then go to “Goula” (the castle) of Oia where you can see a wonderful sunset, with the sun dipping into the sea.

 

• Fira - Mesa Gialos (Old Port)

duration: 20 minutes

 

Mesa Gialos is 587 steps downhill away from the capital of the island. Along the way you will be impressed by the picturesque cave houses that have been built amid the rock and the caves created by the erosion of the rock located in the northern part of the bay. Of course, there is the possibility to ride donkeys or to use the cable car for your descent.

 

• Fira - Loutra Plakas Megalochori

 

The path that leads to Akrotiri is quite impressive. You can make a stop at the church of Agios Nikolas and finish your walk at the abandoned baths at Plaka of Megalochori.

 

• Fira - Skaros

 

If you are at the center and want to go to Skaros, you can walk the paved path that goes along caldera and ends in Imerovigli. From there, there is another path that leads to the rock that the castle Skaros stands, which was built during the Venetian period.

 

• Ancient Thera - Kamari

duration: 1 hour

 

Apart from the asphalt road that connects Ancient Thira with Kamari, there is a small but a little steep path; this leads to the church of Zoodochou Pigis, next to which there is a cave. Arriving there, you can rest in the shade of the courtyard of the picturesque church. In addition, for those interested, there are climbing tracks in this trail.

 

• Pyrgos - Ancient Thira

Duration: 2 hours

 

This route is more demanding so wear hiking boots, because the ground is slippery and there are sharp stones, and definitely take water with you.

 

Starting, walk the paved path from Pyrgos to the Monastery of Prophet Elias, a maximum of one hour. The path is on the left of the road and a little above the asphalt road that descends right to Emporio. There, there is a sign indicating the way to the Monastery of Prophet Elias and Ancient Thira. Following the paved path for five minutes, we will find the Church of the Agion Apostolon or the Patriarchal and Stavropegic School of Martinique. At the end of the cobblestoned path is the main paved road and a few meters from the premises of the Radar and the Monastery of Prophet Elias.

 

A few meters before arriving at the gate of the military facilities, you will see on a sign on your left the downhill path that will take you to Ancient Thira after about 1 hour. Follow it and at the first fork keep on going left, towards the side where you see Kamari. Be careful not to get confused at this point because if you go right you must have ropes for the descent. Walking for a while next to the pine trees and on steep and sharp cliffs, you face Ancient Thira on your right side. In many places the trail looks like it was carved in stone for centuries. Be careful because the pumice that exists in many parts of the route makes the path slippery. Going down, you have the panoramic view of the Sellada, Perissa and Perivolos on your right and the beautiful Kamari on your left. Following the snaky, downhill and at the same time slippery because of pumice stone, trail after a while you will be at the parking area of Ancient Thira. From there you can follow the path to Perissa or Kamari.

 

• Pyrgos - Ai Giorgis Katefio

duration: 47 minutes

 

This route is indicated mainly during spring as you can enjoy the flowered landscape of Santorini. If you are at the outside square of Pyrgos, cross the village. The path is on the left side of the road and just above the asphalt road that descends right to Emporio. There, there is a sign, which does not mention the path to Katefio but those to Monastiri and Ancient Thira. The path is with cobblestones and after about five minutes it ends to the Church of Agion Apostolon or the Patriarchal and Stavropegic School of Martinique.

 

Leaving the church we continue on the path and after the first 50 meters we leave the path by turning left at the first ruins we meet. At the top we see the stone stairs that will lead us on the path to Ai Giorgis Katefio. When turning right we stand alongside the quarries. Behind us there is the Santorini Tower and on our left side the villages Exo & Mesa Gonia, Monolithos and Kamari. The trail leads directly to Ai Giorgis Katefio. At the path on the left and a few meters before the chapel, there is a path to Kamari and slightly above to the right, another path to Prophet Elias.

 

• Ai Giorgis Katefio - Prophet Elias

duration: 47 minutes

 

If you are in Ai Giorgis Katefio, you can visit the Monastery of Prophet Elias. Walking 30m. from the chapel of Ai Giorgis, there is an uphill path on the left side that goes directly to the central paved path of Pyrgos towards Prophet Elias - Ancient Thera. It is a relatively short trip but a little uphill. Furthermore, from the monastery, you can follow the path for Ancient Thira and from there the path to Kamari or Perissa and enjoy the island sights.

 

• Imerovigli - Oia

 

There is a path that goes from Fira to Imerovigli. Continuing this route we arrive at Oia, with its spectacular Caldera on our side. On our way we meet the church of the Holy Cross and Prophet Elias.