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Santorini, Greece

A popular yacht charter destination, Santorini is the most southern of the Cycladic islands. Many refer to it as one, but actually it is a complex of five islands. Santorini (Thira) is the main island and around it are Thirasia and Aspronisi (parts of the ancient Stroggili) and the two volcanic islands Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni.

It was one island named Stroggili (circle in Greek) until about 1645 BC, when the volcano in the middle of the island erupted and the caldera was created. The two volcanic islands appeared much later from various eruptions starting from 157 BC until the last one in the 20th century (1950).

Many factors make this island famous worldwide including its oft photographed white buildings overlooking the blue Aegean Sea. Some even have connected Thira to mythical Atlantis. Also, Jules Verne made Santorini famous with its books "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" and "The mysterious island" where captain Nemo and his crew watch the volcano eruption. He was one of the visitors and scientists that came to Thira during the eruptions of 1866 - 1870 and wrote the well known book thereafter. It is an island where volcanoes rules and the caldera view is breathtaking!

Santorini Map

Things to Do

Wine Tasting: Boutari is one of the great wine houses of Greece and their winery in Megalochori appears to be the largest on the island. Boutari is extremely popular with yacht charter visitors. The company gives tours of the installations and wine cellars and a fancy multimedia show in a remodeled vault.

Akrotiri Excavations: Akrotiri are the ruins of a Minoan city buried by the 1500 B.C. volcanic explosion. A truly amazing archeological site, it’s currently undergoing major renovations (the tourist/viewing facilities) and is still very much under excavation. This is an entire village that was discovered in the mid-19th century. It had been covered in volcanic ash, much like Italy's Pompeii, and appears to be undisturbed after being buried for so long.

Frescoes excavated at Akrotiri

Fira:  The capital of Santorini, Fira, straddles the edge of the caldera. Stroll its winding, narrow streets while visiting ancient marketplaces and churches. There is a superb view from Fira to the Kamenes, the two islets of black stones created by the volcano.

Oia:  The most charming and well preserved of all the Santorini villages, Oia is 12 km from Fira. There’s plenty of fine dining for yacht charter guests from which to view spectacular sunsets. Oia is home to artists and writers from around the world who are attracted to its stunning beauty and light.

Santorini's village of Oia