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Lifestyle It’s no surprise that the spirit

of beauty and freedom that
permeates Santorini has
have turned this gem of an
The entire island had become a creative inspired myriad artists, who
island into a veritable art hub.
neighbourhood of distinctive character.

Known for its iconic caldera, unique and colourful sand whitewashed settlements that seem to run along the rim of the
or pebble beaches resulting from solidified lava such as the Red Caldera almost like a ribbon. Probably Santorini’s most famous
Beach, the Black Beach and the White Beach, whitewashed image, these whitewashed settlements with Caldera views in
houses and deep indigo sea, nowhere on earth quite compares Firostefani, Fira, Imerovigli and Oia are built into the rock face
with the wild natural beauty of this infamous volcanic island; from ancient cave dwellings to now boast exclusive hillside
an island steeped in the legend of the lost Atlantis that has hotels showcasing infinity pools and luxury spas, accompanied
captivated so many imaginations through the decades. Drawing by boutique shops, bars, nightclubs and restaurants.
visitors from all four corners of the globe who flock to the island The Caldera itself – famed as one of the most beautiful sights
to view its monumental sunsets, awe inspiring views, cuisine in the entire world – is the result of thousands of years of violent
and wines, it is no wonder that Santorini has been voted one earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, one of which, between
of the most beautiful islands in the world time and time again. 1642 and 1540 BC, caused huge tsunamis that are said to be
Inhabited since as early as the Neolithic Period (4th responsible for wiping out the Minoan civilisation along the
millennium BC approx), Santorini’s long history is extremely north of the island of Crete situated 70 nautical miles away. The
varied: Archaeological discoveries made near Akrotiri and island initially split into three parts in the volcanic eruption -
the island’s famous Red Beach show the existence of an Santorini (Thira), the main island, Therasia and Aspronisi at its
important ancient Minoan colony (who settled on the island periphery. Subsequent underwater eruptions (the most recent
between 2000 and 1600 BC) - very similar to those found on in 1570) threw up the two further islands – Palia Kameni and
the island of Crete. In Ancient times, Santorini Island was Nea Kameni (“Old Burnt Island” and “New Burnt Island”) –
known as Stongili, which means round in Greek. Strongili that complete the fascinating archipelago. Today, the aftereffects
was the victim of an enormous volcano eruption between of these dramatic geological events represent the island’s two
1642 and 1540 BC, an eruption so huge that many consider main sources of wealth, namely tourism and agriculture, with
it to be the main cause of the destruction of the great Minoan the latter owing its success to the island’s unique and very
civilisation on the island of Crete, situated 70 nautical miles fertile volcanic soil and perfect climate allowing it to give birth
away, through the creation of gigantic tsunami waves that to excellent produce such as its fava beans, cherry tomatoes,
reached the shores of the surrounding islands and Crete. After capers and famous goat’s milk cheese known as chloro. What
the explosion, the centre of Santorini sank, with the many Santorini is best known for, however, is its wine production.
earthquakes that followed destroying a large part of the rest Whilst wine was made on the island in Greek and Roman
of the island. The island has been inhabited by the Minoan times, the region became particularly noteworthy in the Middle
civilisation, as well as the Phoenicians, the Dorians and the Ages when Crusaders captured control of the island from the
Byzantines; all the way through to the Venetians and Turks Byzantine Empire after Constantinople was sacked in 1203.
who have all left their mark on the island. The present group Today, its production includes indigenous white grape varieties
of islands known as Santorini, named after the small chapel such as Assyrtiko, Athiri and Aidani, other wines produced
of Agia Irini (or Saint Irene) by the Venetians, comprises using international varieties as well as its unique reds made
five distinct islands: Santorini (aka Thira), the main island, from its indigenous red grapes known as Mandalieria and
Thirasia and Aspronisi at the periphery and the two Kameni Mavrotragano. With approximately 1,200 hectares of vines
islands at the centre. scattered around Santorini, the wines are stored in traditional
The island’s incredible beauty is evident before you even kanaves (cellars), the most well known being at Megalochori,
arrive. An astonishing sight from the air – with its collection Mesa Gonia, Messaria, Pyrgos and Oia.
of five islands floating on the endless blue of the Aegean Sea Naturally, any mention of Santorini has to include its magical
almost like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, it’s hard not to feel drawn sunsets. As one of the best places to view majestic, awe inspiring
to the magical legend of Atlantis – everything below seems to sunsets, few destinations in the world can match the sheer
have a story to tell while the flat glistening blue sea hints at beauty of Santorini’s sunset views. With many incredible
hidden worlds lost deep down below. As the aeroplane prepares vantage points along the edge of the Caldera, visitors agree
to land, a dazzling mosaic of colours gradually becomes visible, that sunsets from Santorini make for a truly surreal experience
from the grey and red rock face of the crater – Caldera from which sees the skies of the Aegean turn into a riotous symphony
the Greek for “cauldron”, studded with windmills, the island’s of pinks and reds as the day slowly comes to a close, beckoning
trademark blue-domed churches and terraces of sugar-cube the arrival of the night ahead. ‣

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