Page 79 - ANDRONIS MAGAZINE 2024

ESCAPE_ Santorini

and Vlychada), a visit to the Kameni islands is one of GO BEACH HOPPING
the best and most authentic experiences to be had in ALONG THE SOUTH COAST
Santorini: humbling, awe-inspiring, and fun. Explore There’s no shortage of stunning beaches and remarkably
Nea Kameni, hike up to the five craters, enjoy a dip at clear waters on Santorini, but nothing quite beats the
one of the tiny, otherworldly beaches, go scuba diving spectacular diversity that’s packed into just a couple of
to explore underwater lava formations, and then wrap kilometres of shoreline on Akrotiri’s south coast: the
up the experience with a relaxing soak at the islands’ Red Beach (Kókkini Paralía) with its red-hued sand and
natural volcanic hot springs. The best tip? Make sure crimson cliffs, the secluded White Beach (Lefkí Ámmos)
to choose appropriate footwear for the hike (you don’t that’s backed by a wall of bright white limestone, and
want sandals for this one!) and pack a hat, sunblock, the Black Beach (Mésa Pigádia) with its black volcanic
snacks, and plenty of water. The islands, which are sand and lava pebbles. With great swimming spots, iconic
also included in the Natura 2000 European network scenery, and fantastic peeks into the island’s unique
of protected areas, are barren and wild, and you’ll find volcanic background, this stretch of the south coast is a
no shade or amenities in their magnificent landscape. fast favourite and a go-to recommendation, and while you
can get there by road, getting there by sea is guaranteed
DISCOVER ANCIENT SANTORINI to up the wow factor. A visit to Akrotiri Lighthouse,
Growing up in a place of considerable historical perched on the westernmost point of the peninsula is
significance doesn’t really mean that much when you’re a great way to wrap up your day with panoramic sunset
a kid and the most important things in your life are views that easily rival those from Oia.
trips to the beach, playing outside, and being allowed
an extra scoop of ice cream on a hot summer afternoon. EXPLORE A WEALTH OF TRADITIONS
But then you grow up, and there comes a moment when AND HERITAGE
you feel like you’re seeing your surrounding for the very With a history that spans over four millennia and more
first time. The significance of all these things you took than half a dozen empires and civilisations Santorini
for granted suddenly hits you and you kind of need to is a treasure trove of historic heirlooms and unique
stop and catch your breath. And that’s the secret to traditions that live on in the sites and customs of its
the most common sightseeing recommendation on the many villages. Fira, the island’s capital, is a great starting
island: Visiting Ancient Akrotiri and Ancient Thera point with plenty of attractions and museums, but if
isn’t about checking the big names off a list; it is about you really want to experience Santorini, you have to
tapping into that sense of awe, of seeing something get out and explore its charming traditional settlements
magnificent for the very first time. and historic landmarks.
Ancient Akrotiri (which according to many is the You can stop by the tranquil, traditional village of
inspiration behind the mythical lost city of Atlantis) Finikia near Oia, head to Imerovigli to hike to Skaros
is home to a prehistoric Minoan city that was buried Rock and the hidden Church of Panagia Theoskepasti,
under ash during a violent volcanic eruption around stroll through the intriguing village of Episkopi Gonias
1600 BCE. Excavations in the second half of the 20th and see the historic Byzantine Church of Panagia
century revealed a remarkably well preserved ancient Episkopi in Mesa Gonia, visit Kasteli castle in Pyrgos,
town, with whole streets, houses, stunning frescoes, see the Chapel of Panagia Katefiani and the blue-
furniture, and other precious antiquities that offer a rare domed Church of the Holy Cross in Perissa, wander Santorini’s unique
landscape and
glimpse back through time to how our ancient ancestors through the enchanting Medieval town and walk up culture draws
once lived. Meanwhile, on the other side of the island, to the windmills in Emporio, and visit the Venetian creatives, like
the hilltop ruins of Ancient Thera bear witness to the castle of Akrotiri. Emporio is Santorini’s largest village award-winning
potter Andreas
island’s legacy through the centuries: Founded in the nestled in the foothills of Mount Prophet Elias. Once a Makaris. Its volcanic
9th century BCE, the settlement was in turn under bustling hub of commerce, Emporio’s medieval charm soil, mastered
Greek, Ptolemaic, Roman, and Byzantine control before emanates from its well-preserved architecture, evoking over generations,
another volcanic eruption led to its abandonment in images of a fortress town where buildings stand cheek also grows superb
the 8th century CE. As you journey into Santorini’s to cheek, a testament to its past defenses against produce, as the
Tomato Industrial
ancient history and view some gorgeous antiquities, marauding pirates. At its heart lies Kasteli, a unique Museum and high-
don’t forget to visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera castle town with narrow alleys, lovingly preserved by quality wineries
and the Archaeological Museum of Santorini in Fira. locals as a living heritage. can attest.

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