Page 88 - ANDRONIS_2020

Wellness Wellness

Winding Paths and toWers
Just 12km from Fira, Emporeio is the island’s biggest
village. This hinterland settlement served to protect locals
from pirate raids in the Middle Ages, which explains
the Kasteli, a castle settlement at its heart with tall walls
to keep social and economic activity hidden. Also visit
Goulas Tower, dating back to the15th century, the church
of Agios Nikolaos Marmaritis with its gorgeous marbles,
Metamorfosi church to see its impressive seashell mosaic
– and discover intriguing architecture all around.

Life With the VoLcano
Santorini boasts the only inhabited caldera in the globe.
The island’s shape is telling in the extent of damage caused
by a 17th century BC explosion. Nea Kameni and the islets
seen from the slopes of Imerovigli, Fira and the rest of the
west coastline used to be part of a larger, unified island
before disaster stroke. Yet, this geological particularity was
responsible for the large pumice deposits that used to bring
in much of the island’s income. What’s more, this is why
we can now sunbathe on stunning red and black beaches
that look right out of a sci-fi film – including Perivolos, Red
Beach and White Beach – a secluded lunar landscape in
black, white and blue.

discoVering the oLd harbour
Hidden away underneath Fira is Gialos, the island’s old
port. Today, it serves only cruise ships, and is where you
can hop on a cable car to Fira – very useful for those who
cannot walk the 588 steps uphill, which take most about
half an hour. Looking suspended above the sea, Gialos
hides unique caved houses chiselled into the rock as well
as mysterious caves formed by erosion. Straight out of
the pages of a fairy-tale, it’s worth heading downhill for.

the Lost city of atLantis
Santorini’s volcano has inspired artists and scientists
alike to explore its singular properties. Along with
archaeological evidence from Akrotiri, an ancient city
that was abandoned when the volcano erupted, they
have inspired theories of the island being the location of
the legendary lost city of Atlantis. The Hellenic Centre
for Marine Research concluded that even if Santorini is
somehow linked to Atlantis, it is difficult to find evidence
in the bottom of the sea. However, the experience of a visit
to Nea and Palea Kameni islets is not to be missed: you
can see steam emitting from the depths of the earth and
swim in warm, sulphur-rich waters. •
Peace and tranquility, fantastic sunsets and beauty!

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