Santorini island lies at the south end of the Cyclades group of islands. Santorini is an island of extraordinary beauty like nowhere else.
Whether arriving by air or sea you are immediately struck by the volcanic cliffs of red brown rock topped by clusters of gleaming white sugar cube homes and villages - likened to the icing on a cake. Its volcanic sheer cliffs, rising straight from the deep blue sea, are layer upon layer of red volcanic rock within which clear strata can be seen.
The island itself was formed into its current crescent shape by an immense volcanic eruption 3,500 years ago. This wiped out the Minoan civilisation in Crete 70 miles to the south leaving the world's biggest caldera - well able to take several cruise ships -and four smaller islands.
Santorini's beauty owes much to the light - there is little in the way of vegetation except for vines and tomatoes - and the volcanic earth is grey or red, yet the contrasts between the deep blue of the sea , the azure of the sky and the redness of the rocks provides a dramatic and fascinating landscape which graces many a photograph.
Santorini is one of the most romantic places in the world. The sunset from Oia or Imerovigli is a sight not to be missed. The sun sets directly to the sea and bathes the whole landscape in colours ranging from blues, purples, reds and yellows, evoking the volcanic eruptions of the past. There are 17 villages on the island all of whom have unique characteristics and attractions. Busy, bustling Thira the main town , old Emporeio with it's maze of winding white painted streets and it's castle, inland Pyrgos with it's white houses and churches and monastery and Akrotiri with its remains of the Minoan civilisation are possibly the most notable. For beaches read course black sand resembling sesame seed! this holds the heat and sandals are a must , the sea is beautifully warm from May to October. Perissa and Kamari are the best beaches and the most touristy resorts and Vlihada is another notable beach with access to submarine trips!
Worthy trips are the Volcano boat trip to nearby Thirasia and Nea Kameni with a trot up it's still active volcano is a spectacular day out - a late afternoon swim in the hot springs diving off the side of the boat is unforgettable! The sunset cruise to the volcano is beautiful but the food left a lot to be desired. Trips to the local wineries are interesting including tasting of the local vintages: Santo and Boutari most notable: Boutari's Santorini dry white is gorgeous!
Food is wholesome and tomato and fish based - staple ingredients for an island with excellent harbours- try the octopus stifado , barbounia or swordfish, and pseudokeftethes (tomato and courgette balls) are a tasty treat.
The downside of all this beauty is the unfortunate influx of cruise ships passengers on a daily basis throughout peak season - with the not unexpected price increases for food and accomodation. If you shop around and eat off the beaten track - in the local family run tavernas with no menus- not the caldera facing restaurants you will still experience the real Santorini and enjoy it .
All in all Santorini is on my list of a "place to return to" one day .... very soon I hope.