Santorini is the southernmost island in the Cyclades, an island group in the Aegean Sea. The Santorini island group is shaped by a landscape with active volcanoes; Santorini’s caldera was formed by a massive eruption around 1600 BC.

Caldera, Trails and Coastal Scenery

A trail along the caldera rim leads from Imerovigli to Oía and offers views of the sea, the caldera and the volcano. Hiking trails connect Pyrgos with Profitis Ilias, Emporio and Ancient Thera. The trails have different focuses: the caldera rim route centers on the views and the stretch between Imerovigli and Oía, while the hiking trails from Pyrgos lead to named destinations.

At Vlychada Beach, wild, pale cliffs create a distinctive lunar landscape. This is a different scenic feature from the views of the sea and volcano from the caldera rim: here, the pale rock formations define the scenery.

History in Pyrgos and Akrotiri

Pyrgos was designated a protected settlement in 1995. At the Monastery of Profitis Ilias in Pyrgos, the ecclesiastical collection opened as a permanent exhibition in August 1997. Akrotiri preserves remarkably well-preserved Minoan frescoes and buildings buried beneath volcanic ash. Thus, a protected settlement and an ecclesiastical collection stand alongside the Minoan wall paintings and buildings of Akrotiri—different historical themes to explore on a trip around Santorini.

Fava, Tomatoes and Local Specialties

Santorini fava brings the island’s volcanic geology directly into the culinary picture. This product with a protected designation of origin consists of the cotyledons of the legume Lathyrus clymenum L., which grows exclusively in the volcanic soil of Thera. The Santorini tomato is also a product with a protected designation of origin; it has been cultivated since the early 19th century. Local chefs make tomato fritters called tomatokeftedes with cherry tomatoes that have a protected designation of origin.

Another specialty is the white Santorini eggplant: it has a sweet aroma and juicy flesh that does not absorb oil when fried. Chloro is a creamy goat’s cheese made in very limited quantities on Santorini. The products therefore differ not only in how they are used, but also in their origin, cultivation history and characteristics.

Sea, Excursions and a September Event

Santorini’s southeast coast is suited to sailing and kitesurfing; parasailing and views of the Aegean are also on offer there. Excursions may include the world’s largest water-filled crater, the volcano, the island of Thirassia, and swimming stops at unspoiled beaches. The availability of such excursions depends on the provider.

The Ifestia Festival takes place on the third Saturday in September and features a reenactment of the volcanic eruption with fireworks. If the festival is important to your travel plans, check the program for your travel year in advance. You can also plan around the flight connection: the flight from Athens International Airport to Santorini Airport takes 50 minutes. Check flight schedules and duration before your trip.

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

Go to the regional travel overview: South Aegean.