Introducing Santorini

Extraordinary Island! Romantic! Cosmopolitan!

...with a particular energy and with the most amazing sunset you will ever see, it is the island you want to visit!. The deep blue color of the sea and the volcano view will capture your heart… the place that you can live your dream… the island once called Kallisti, meaning the most beautiful one... the island that as described in the myths was the mother place of the legendary city of Atlantis...

Santorini is the last of the Cyclades islands to the South. The closests islands are Ios, Folegandros, Sikinos to the North, Anafi and Amorgos to the East and Crete to the South. We refer to it as one, but actually it is a complex of five islands. Santorini (Thira) is the main island and around it Thirasia and Aspronisi and the two volcanic islands Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni. It was one island named Stroggili (circle in Greek) until about 1645 BC, when the volcano in the middle of the island erupted and the Caldera was created. The two volcanic islands appeared much later from various eruptions starting from 157 BC until the last one in the 20th century (1950).

Many reasons made this island famous worldwide and more or less we all have seen a picture of it (it was that picture the travel agency used for Greece). There is a talk about the connection between Thira and mythical Atlantis. Also Jules Verne made Santorini famous with its books "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" and "The mysterious island" where captain Nemo and his crew watch the volcano eruption. He was one of the visitors and scientists that came to Thira during the eruptions of 1866 - 1870 and wrote the well known book just after it. It is really the mysterious island, the volcano rules, the caldera view is the most breathtaking one on the planet!

The unique caldera (the largest caldera on earth (7X14 miles)), the energy and the beauty of the island are the most important reasons for being ranked as the top island in Europe and one of the "once in a life time" and "must see" destinations of the world.


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Santorini Practical Information & Travel Tips

In order to help you while you prepare yourself to travel to Santorini, Aqua Vista Hotels provided for some travel tips, supporting you before and during your vacation in Santorini...

Access

Santorini can be reached by direct flight during summer months and throughout the year by plane via Athens International Airport (El. Venizelos) with Olympic or Aegean Airlines. All companies fly daily to the Island with frequent flights available from early in the morning till late in the evening during the summer, and daily during the winter. For those who enjoy travelling by boat and want to experience the unique arrival at the Island that is best seen from the sea, there are several Catamarans daily (app. 4 to 5 hours) or Ferryboats (app. 9 hours) to accommodate you.

Climate

Santorini enjoys the typical Mediterranean climate, which is marked by extended periods of sunshine throughout most of the year, warm and dry summers, and mild winters.

Water

Tap water can be used for washing, bathing, and brushing your teeth.

Transportation

The main taxi station is situated in the central square of Fira. With prior notice we will arrange for you to be picked up from any location. The Bus Company operates daily bus routes around the Island.The bus terminal is located next to the taxi station in Fira’s central square and of course, we can always assist you to rent a car or a quad bike to freely experience the Island.

Banks

Banks in Santorini are open from 08:00 - 14:30 from Monday to Thursday and 08:00 - 14:00 on Friday. ATMs are available in most of Santorini’s villages. Visa Master and American Express card, as well as debit cards from internationally recognized financial networks, are widely accepted.

Currency

The currency in Greece is Euro (EUR or €). Notes in circulation are €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500 bills. Coins come in denominations of €1 and €2, and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents. Click here for a currency converter.