Page 112 - ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL 2023

ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL
escape
W here is the hidden side of the iconic Greek destination that has been lauded as the WAY TO FIND
THE BEST
“best island in the world” on so many occasions? It’s still here for anyone interested in
discovering it, for Santorini maintains an authenticity and uniqueness that has stayed
constant despite its prominence.
approaching the fable of atlantis AUTHENTICITY
Some attribute the unmistakable energy of Santorini that feels almost magical to the fact that it just might be IS TO FOLLOW
what remains of the fabled lost city of Atlantis. Mentioned by Plato as a prosperous utopia that was forever
lost after a natural destruction, Atlantis has been a mystery since the Ancient Greek era, with hundreds trying YOUR INSTINCT
to locate it, be it by travels or research. One of the most prominent theories is that Atlantis was, in fact, San-
torini before the ancient volcanic eruption that caused more than half of the island to be submerged into the AND LET YOUR
sea. Visit the archaeological findings at Akrotiri from the 17th century BC to catch a glimpse of that distant
past – and then head north to Megalohori to visit Lost Atlantis Experience, an interactive, high-tech exhibition HEART SHOW
dedicated to that legendary possibility.
beyond the blue domes YOU THE WAY.
For a slice of traditional life far from the crowds, less well-known settlements deliver intrigue, history and beauty
in the peaceful sunlight. Emporeio is a medieval hinterland town where the Kasteli – a traditional castle with
tall walls and winding paths – used to protect islanders from the pirate raids and still stands tall today, providing
shade in the summer sun. It is a very different side to a well-known island and even features gorgeous marbles
and evocative shell mosaics in its local churches. A visit to the traditional “kafeneio” café is a great idea, to be
treated to a timeless haunt for locals with its unique smells and flavours. Another gorgeous spot many overlook
is the Gialos, the old harbor tucked away next to the sea at Fira. It is a complex of houses and buildings chiseled
into the rock that looks like it has popped straight out of the pages of a Mediterranean fairytale.
TRYFON GEORGOPOULOS
lighting the path
Lovers of the ocean have a very special place in their heart for lighthouses, and the one on Santorini is an exceptional
spot to watch the sunset from – and it is highly recommended as it is as beautiful as it is off the beaten path. The view
white, dignified mass of the lighthouse imposing in the foreground. Utterly romantic, it has to be visited at least once.
is truly breathtaking, with the Aegean stretching as far as the eye can see as the sun goes down over the horizon with the
Meanwhile, for the more classic Santorini sunset experience, Oia is at the other end of the island, its northwest. This
is the quintessential spot from which to observe the sky change myriad colors as the night approaches – just get there
early to beat the crowds during high season. A more laid-back alternative would be to simply stay put at one of the ter-
races in Oia to enjoy the sunset colors reflected at the infinite expanse of the Aegean archipelago with a drink or meal,
for even more romance.
popularity through time
If the island seems popular now, one should point out that it has always been. Since the beginning of history, human
civilization flourished here. Beyond the aforementioned sites, Minoan antiquities and housing have been found at the
Red Beach. Later came the Dorians, the Phoenicians, the Byzantines... all the way to the Venetians and Turks, and to
Modern Greece, who reintroduced Santorini to the world. Near Kamari, the ruins of Ancient Thira date to the 9th
century BC, while an archaeological museum in Fira features artifacts from the Dorian, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzan-
tine periods. Another museum to visit is the Museum of Prehistoric Thira. As for its Venetian heritage, there is a castle
at Akrotiri. The capital under the Venetians was Skaros, now an interesting rock projecting outwards from Imerovigli,
on the precipice of the cliff. The island’s dozens of churches, chapels and monasteries span centuries – and range from
the 19th century St. John the Baptist Cathedral with its unique color palette to the well-known Panagia Theoskepasti,
which is perched on the edge of a cliff. Climbing the steps from there leads you to the ruins of a 13th-century Byzantine
fortress that is just as atmospheric and has amazing views of the Caldera. History, beauty and inspiration are ever-pres-
ent on Santorini. The best way to find authenticity is to follow your instinct and let your heart show you the way. 
AUTHENTICITY ON YOUR WAY
From the village of Emporeio to Akrotiri village or the Red beach,
Santorini’s charm hides in unexpected moments.