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Known for its iconic caldera, unique and colourful sand known as Stongili, which means round in Greek. Strongili
or pebble beaches resulting from solidified lava such as the Red was the victim of an enormous volcano eruption between
Beach, the Black Beach and the White Beach, whitewashed 1642 and 1540 BC, an eruption so huge that many consider
houses and deep indigo sea, nowhere on earth quite compares it to be the main cause of the destruction of the great Minoan CHRISTOFOROS ASIMIS
Mostly referred to as the «Painter of
with the wild natural beauty of this infamous volcanic island; civilisation on the island of Crete, situated 70 nautical miles Santorini», Christoforos Asimis’ paintings
an island steeped in the legend of the lost Atlantis that has away, through the creation of gigantic tsunami waves that are an ode to the island’s mesmerising
captivated so many imaginations through the decades. Drawing reached the shores of the surrounding islands and Crete. After landscapes and brilliant light. This
renowned artist has dedicated over
visitors from all four corners of the globe who flock to the island the explosion, the centre of Santorini sank, with the many half a century to celebrating the island’s
to view its monumental sunsets, awe inspiring views, cuisine earthquakes that followed destroying a large part of the rest fierce natural beauty. Born and raised
and wines, it is no wonder that Santorini has been voted one of the island. The island has been inhabited by the Minoan on Santorini, Asimis, who studied at
the Athens School of Fine Arts, has
of the most beautiful islands in the world time and time again. civilisation, as well as the Phoenicians, the Dorians and the been inspired from the unique island’s
Inhabited since as early as the Neolithic Period (4th Byzantines; all the way through to the Venetians and Turks landscape and magnificent light.
millennium BC approx), Santorini’s long history is extremely who have all left their mark on the island. The present group
varied: Archaeological discoveries made near Akrotiri and of islands known as Santorini, named after the small chapel ‣
the island’s famous Red Beach show the existence of an of Agia Irini (or Saint Irene) by the Venetians, comprises
important ancient Minoan colony (who settled on the island five distinct islands: Santorini (aka Thira), the main island,
between 2000 and 1600 BC) - very similar to those found on Thirasia and Aspronisi at the periphery and the two Kameni
the island of Crete. In Ancient times, Santorini Island was islands at the centre.

The view of the volcano from
Santorini may be dreamy, but
the grey calmness of ground
zero hides a tension that stirs
powerfur new emotions.
Opposite: The village of
Emporeio is filled with
stairways, arches, gates and
secrets (above). A lonely
church on Nea Kameni island,
near the volcano (below).

NO W H E RE O N E A R T H Q UI TE C O M P A RE S W I TH TH E W I L D
N AT U R A L B E A U T Y O F T H I S F A B U L OU S V O L C A N I C I S L A N D .

50 • ANDRONIS • Magazine