Page 32 - ANDRONIS magazine #1

EXPLORE andronis - santorini

Visitors can discover the island’s unique high
quality wines (due to the unique volcanic elements
of the land on which the vines are grown) and

enjoy incredible wine tastings.

milk cheese known as chloro. What Santorini is best known archaeological site on Santorini. Still unspoilt by mass tourism,
for, however, is its wine production. Whilst wine was made Akrotiri offers one of the most peaceful spots on the island.
on the island in Greek and Roman times, the region became Other traditional villages include Emporio. Surrounded by vast
particularly noteworthy in the Middle Ages when Crusaders vineyards and old windmills, the village is distinguished for
captured control of the island from the Byzantine Empire after its vivid Medieval character, its castle located on top of a hill
Constantinople was sacked in 1203. Today, its production and elegant neoclassical mansions. Others such as Messaria,
includes indigenous white grape varieties such as Assyrtiko, Megalochori, Finikia, Mesa Gonia, Karterados, Ammoudi
Athiri and Aidani, other wines produced using international and Vothanos offer visitors glimpses into quiet traditional
varieties as well as its unique reds made from its indigenous Greek village life.
red grapes known as Mandalieria and Mavrotragano. With Holidays in Santorini are the dream of a lifetime for many
approximately 1,200 hectares of vines scattered around people, with the island famous for its impressive Caldera,
Santorini, the wines are stored in traditional kanaves (cellars), volcano and romantic sunsets frequently included among the
the most well known being at Megalochori, Mesa Gonia, best destinations in the world. Its popularity has gained such
Messaria, Pyrgos and Oia. momentum that over the last few years, the tourist season has
Naturally, any mention of Santorini has to include its magical extended from early April to early November meaning that
sunsets. As one of the best places to view majestic, awe inspiring visitors can enjoy all of the island’s attractions for a longer
sunsets, few destinations in the world can match the sheer period every year.
beauty of Santorini’s sunset views. With many incredible Apart from its traditional villages and awe inspiring views,
vantage points along the edge of the Caldera, visitors agree Santorini offers a multitude of attractions. The island’s many
that sunsets from Santorini make for a truly surreal experience wineries offer incredible wine tasting opportunities. One such
which sees the skies of the Aegean turn into a riotous symphony winery is the Artemis Karamolegos Winery that combines
of pinks and reds as the day slowly comes to a close, beckoning a great respect for Santorini’s winemaking traditions with a
the arrival of the night ahead. modern outlook and constant investment in the vineyards
Despite another catastrophic earthquake which occurred in and in wine-making equipment. Meanwhile, the Minoan Site
1956 causing widespread destruction, Santorini’s many villages of Akrotiri, one of the most important archaeological sites
continue to be spectacular. Oia, pronounced “Ia”, is the most in Greece, provides an incredible insight into the Minoan
famous of all of Santorini’s villages, known for its peace and civilisation, as the town was covered by volcanic ashes from the
tranquillity, fantastic sunsets and beauty. Firostefani is a small eruption of Thera, making for an incredibly interesting visit.
village within walking distance from Fira (the island’s capital The volcano which lies in the centre of the sunken Caldera is
replete with bars, shops, restaurants and nightclubs) and is still active today and can be accessed via boat tours from the old
almost like a suburb to the capital of Santorini, distinguished port of Fira which go to the volcano and the hot springs while
for its traditional architecture, wonderful Caldera views and its the famous Santorini sunset can also be viewed from a boat.
tourism development. Further along the edge of the Caldera, Then of course there are the island’s beaches, including the
Imerovigli is like an extension of Fira albeit situated on a famous Red, White and Black Beaches providing cool respite
higher cliff. Also providing very romantic views, Imerovigli from the summer sun with their clear, cool waters, as well as the
offers peace and quiet as well as proximity to the hustle and opportunity to enjoy a multitude of exhilarating water sports.
bustle of Fira. Akrotiri is a traditional village located next There are also the island’s many tavernas serving the dishes the island’s unique and very fertile volcanic soil allows it to produce excellent wine and cherry
to the famous Red Beach which hosts the most important that wonderful Santorini has come to be so well known for. • tomatoes, among others.

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