Santorini: Caldera, Culture and Island Cuisine

Santorini is the southernmost island of the Cyclades. Active volcanoes shape the landscape of the island group; Santorini’s caldera was formed by a massive eruption around 1600 BC. This volcanic heritage gives the trip a clear focus on the landscape. If you’re looking for a hotel in Santorini, you can start with your own interests: Which landscapes, cultural topics or culinary specialties would you like to include in your travel plans?

Caldera Trails and Dramatic Coastal Landscapes

At Vlychada Beach, wild, pale cliffs create a distinctive lunar landscape. The trail along the caldera rim from Imerovigli to Oia offers a different perspective. It follows the edge of the caldera and opens up views of the sea, the caldera and the volcano. Hiking trails also connect Pyrgos with Profitis Ilias, Emporio and Ancient Thera.

There are several different trail themes to choose from: caldera and sea views define the route between Imerovigli and Oia; the trails from Pyrgos connect the village with three named destinations. These differences can help you choose hikes based on the landscapes and places that interest you. The southeast coast offers other activities: it is suitable for sailing and kitesurfing; parasailing and views of the Aegean are also available there.

History and Culture

Pyrgos was designated a protected settlement in 1995. At the Profitis Ilias Monastery in Pyrgos, the ecclesiastical collection opened as a permanent exhibition in August 1997. For a cultural and historical itinerary, you can consider the settlement’s protected status and the history of an ecclesiastical collection as distinct topics.

Akrotiri preserves remarkably well-preserved Minoan frescoes and buildings buried beneath volcanic ash. Architecture and wall paintings are two distinct aspects of the surviving remains. Along with the formation of the caldera, they point to different facets of the island’s volcanic history.

Island Produce and Dishes

Santorini Fava is a product with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), made from the cotyledons of the legume Lathyrus clymenum L. It grows exclusively in the volcanic soil of Thera. The Santorini tomato is also a PDO product; it has been cultivated since the early 19th century. The two products therefore represent different elements of local agriculture.

The white Santorini eggplant has a sweet aroma and juicy flesh that does not absorb oil when fried. Chloro is a creamy goat’s cheese produced in very limited quantities on Santorini. Local cooks make tomato fritters called Tomatokeftedes with PDO cherry tomatoes. These names help distinguish the products and dishes: fava, tomato and eggplant are produce; Tomatokeftedes is a preparation, and Chloro is a cheese.

Plan Events and Excursions

Santorini Experience is held every year by the Municipality of Thira, its Department of Culture and Sports, and Active Media. The Ifestia Festival takes place on the third Saturday in September and features a reenactment of the volcanic eruption with fireworks. Check the dates for your travel year before planning your stay around the event.

Excursions may include the world’s largest water-filled crater, the volcano, the island of Thirassia and swimming stops at unspoiled beaches; what any particular excursion includes depends on the operator. The stated flight time from Athens International Airport to Santorini Airport is 50 minutes. Check flight connections and flight times before you travel. This will help you plan around the activities and travel dates you actually have in mind.

Discover more destinations: Vothonas, Vourvoulos, Agios Georgios, Megalochori, Emporio, Pyrgos, Imerovigli, Oía, Mesariá, Karavostásis, Íos, Éxo Goniá, Perissa, Mylopotas, Karterados, Folegandros, Thira, Agkali, Vlychada, Thirasia, Akrotírion, Alopronoia, Manganari Ios, Psathi, Anafi, Kamari, Agia Theodoti, Ano Meria.

Go to the regional travel overview: South Aegean.