Santorini (pronounced San- dorini) is a small island located in the southern Aegean Sea and it is what is left from a volcanic eruption back in the prehistoric times that formulated the famous caldera.
The name is given to it, as a reference to Saint Irene, in the medieval times by the Latin Empire. Before, Santorini was known with the names Strogili (because of the round shape of it), Kallisti (the most beautiful) or simply Thera.
Major towns and villages of the island are Fira (capital), Oia (Ia), Imerovigli, Emporio, Kamari, Akrotiri (where the famous prehistoric Minoan archaeological site lies) and Pyrgos.
The lava and volcanic ashes that covered Santorini during the past volcanic eruptions have formulated a particular type soil from which the distinctive Santorini wines are produced. Despite the lack of water, grapes grow on the eastern slopes of the island benefiting from the moisture that exists in the soil, and vines are cultivated in a round shaped way to be protected from the strong winds (another unique feature of Santorinian viticulture).
The prevailing grape variety in Santorini is Assyrtiko, which is considered to be one of the best Greek grape varieties for white wine. Mandilaria and Mayrotragano are among the most important red grape varieties.
Santorini's Vinsanto is the most well known Greek dessert wine made from Assyrtiko. It is naturally sweet and low in alcohol content, while its cousin Mezzo (white and red) is another type of a less sweet dessert wine.
Mandilaria and Mayrotragano are among the most important red grape varieties.
The most well-known and frequently visited wineries in Santorini are Santo winery (in Pyrgos), Sigalas winery (in Oia), Antoniou & Boutaris winery (in Megalochori), and Canava Roussos (in Mesa Gonia).
Santorini is also well-known for its beaches. The most famous being the red and white beaches in Akrotiri, Perivolos and Perissa beaches (black sand) at the eastern side of the island, and Kamari beach. Visitors can enjoy their swim in the deep clear blue waters or practice water sports from the variety
offered. Other beaches in Santorini are: Monolithos beach, Vlichada beach, Ammoudi and Armeni beaches in Oia (Ia) as well as Paradeisos/ Baxedes beach also located in Oia (Ia).
Regarding museums, one must definitely visit the Archeological Museum of Santorini and the Museum of prehistoric Thera in Fira, and the maritime museum in Oia (Ia).
What makes Santorini though unique and attractive, are the panoramas offered especially at the old castle in Oia (Ia), when the sun is going down into the sea and visitors driven by their intense emotions are clapping amazed by the great view!
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