Cruising Europe

Discover Santorini, the island jewel of the Aegean

ByChristina Bridge

Santorini, the modern-day name for the island of Thira, was created by a catastrophic volcanic eruption around 1500 B.C. The volcano’s power also has been said to have devastated the island of Crete, some 70 miles south. Many archaeological studies have explored the theory that the island now rests on the ancient and mythological civilization known as Atlantis. The island is situated around a caldera (crater) whose depth reaches 400 meters below sea level; corresponding with Plato's description of Atlantis as red earth surrounded by a circular harbor.

The first sights that visitors see are towering cliffs, with beautiful strata of white stone mixed with blacks and reds; and a truly unique sight of the Aegean Sea. With more than 360 white churches, some with domes painted blue to signify the sea and sky, Santorini boasts an incredibly rich culture of food, wine, museums and music.

The volcanic and pebble beaches invite the weary traveller to soak up the exquisite Aegean sun. For the adventurous, there is horseback riding, hiking, tennis, diving and even donkey rides for the brave. On an island of only 8,000 inhabitants, where there are more donkeys than people, hailing a donkey on Santorini can be much easier than flagging down a cab in New York City. One could even take a boat trip to the small islands of Palea and Nea Kameni in the middle of the caldera for a little Plato-esque inspiration.

There are several museums, each dedicated to different eras and aspects of Santorini life. In the capital city of Fira, the Archaeological Museum of Thera is just as spectacular as the Acropolis Museum of Classical Greece (Parthenon sculptures) and the Vergina Museum of Northern Greece. For wine connoisseurs, a visit to the Wine Museum documents the island’s 3,500-year history of viticulture.

The beach at Oia is a magical place to sip ouzo and watch the sun slip into the crystal waters before heading out to dine at one of many award-winning restaurants and tavernas throughout Fira. Most of the food in Santorini is grown on the island with tastes for the most adventurous palate. Be sure to try wild rabbit with cheese and egg sauce, and wash it all down with a bottle of Boutari, a white wine made only in Santorini.

The winding streets of Fira were built to confuse ancient pirates; today they remain amid a delightful mix of high-class boutiques and small tourist themed shops, where you can pick up the essential stuffed donkey.

Santorini is an island of smiling faces that caters to every taste and budget; you will enjoy magical and truly memorable moments.

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