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TH E RE ’ S M O RE T O
S A NT O R I N I THA N

M E E T S T H E E Y E –
AN D T H E N MOR E
ST I LL

EXPLORE A WEALTH OF
TRADITIONS AND HERITAGE
With a history that spans over four
millennia and more than half a dozen
empires and civilizations, Santorini is a
treasure trove of historic built heritage and
unique traditions that live on in the sites
and customs of its many villages. Fira, the
island’s capital, is a great starting point with
plenty of attractions and museums, but if
you really want to experience Santorini, you
have to get out and explore its charming
traditional settlements and historic
landmarks.
You can stop by the tranquil, traditional
village of Finikia near Oia, head to Imerovigli
to hike to Skaros Rock and the hidden
Church of Panagia Theoskepasti, stroll
through the intriguing village of Episkopi
Gonias and see the historic Byzantine
Church of Panagia Episkopi in Mesa Gonia,
visit Kasteli castle in Pyrgos, see the Chapel
of Panagia Katefiani and the blue-domed
Church of the Holy Cross in Perissa, wander
through the enchanting Medieval town and
walk up to the windmills in Emporio, and
visit the Venetian castle of Akrotiri.

REVEL IN ARTS AND
CULTURE
Maybe it’s the unique landscape or maybe
the brilliant Cycladic light, but artists and
creative spirits seem to have always been
naturally drawn to this island. Throughout
There’s a surprising variety of different ways to experience Santorini’s culture
and heritage, including visiting the Tomato Industrial Museum in Vlychada (top), the centuries, Santorini has been home
exploring traditional music and mythology at Symposion (above), and witnessing to exceptional craftsmen and artisans,
the master potter Andreas Makaris create exact, full-scale reproductions of ancient painters, iconographers, sculptors and
Theraic vessels at his workshop in Megalohori (opposite).
potters. There are plenty of galleries and
studios in Fira and Oia, but even smaller
villages are home to some exceptional
artists and traditional workshops for those
truly interested in discovering the island’s ‣

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