Santorini Island - What to Expect From the Top Greek Island

One of nature's most generous displays of ethereal beauty and stuff that one can only conjure up in your wildest of fantasies: that is Santorini. The island is famous throughout the world for its breathtakingly beautiful sunsets and magnificent views of the caldera and the neighboring islands.

With a rich history that goes as far back as the third millennium, evidenced by the archeological discoveries made in Akrotiri, human activity on the island ceased when an enormous volcano erupted around 1500 B.C, which engulfed the island beneath very thick layers of volcanic ash. It wasn't until the end of the 13th century B.C, that human activity resumed on Santorini.

The island is a standing testimony to the vagaries of nature, and its unrivalled beauty makes you wonder how anything so magnificent could have come out of one of the most devastating natural phenomena in the history of the world. Towns and villages in Santorini are amphitheatrically built on the edge of the caldera that slopes down to the Aegean on one side, and to a giant lagoon on the other, forming a natural deep water harbor. The eastern and southeastern part of the island has some of the finest beaches in the Greek islands.

Unique black sands created by the volcanic lava fringed by unforgettable sceneries and rock formations of outstanding natural beauty lying alongside the shimmering waters of the Aegean have turned the island into one of the most favored holiday destinations in the world. Most beaches are highly organized with sun loungers, umbrellas and world-class water sporting facilities, as well as a range of accommodation options right on the waterfront.

The island also boasts a rich cuisine based on locally grown produce that have adapted well to the volcanic soil. Traditional dishes, such as fava, tomato balls, white aubergines, cooked capers and fresh cheese are some of the local dishes, which along with a rich assortment of Santorinian wines, have created a unique and eclectic island cuisine, that has found a hearty appreciation among gourmet connoisseurs from around the world.

Santorini also offers a nightlife that is no less exciting than any other cosmopolitan cities in Europe. Fira and Oia, the two most popular villages on the island, have bars, night clubs, and discos located on the rim of the caldera, where one can enjoy a fine selection of cocktails or the famous Santorinian wines while looking down at the magnificent views of the caldera. Good food, live music, great company and wild theme parties have turned Santorini into a destination with an exciting night scene.

Not to be outdone by the nightlife in towns, beach bars at Perivolos, Perissa and Kamari are pulling out all the stops when it comes to entertainment. Loud music and exotic spirits, beach volley and wild theme parties on full moon nights have turned the beaches into a total party place with fun, fun and more fun over the top until the sunset.