Santorini, Greece - a Lava Tale

The most southern Aegean archipelago - Cyclades, is relatively unknown destination for Bulgarians and Santorini (or Therra as the Greeks call it) is the most distant point from it to us. Located 128 nautical miles from the capital of Greece, Athens, which means that if you take the plane from Athens you will have one hour flight, another hour by metro from the Eleftherios Venizelos airport to the port of Piraeus and finally 8-12 hours ferry trip - depending on the company chosen to travel with. There is also a cheaper option - by bus, train or car to Athens, but then the journey becomes a double.

However, every kilometer, every penny of this trip worth it.

Santorini is the last remnant of a volcano erupted monstrously in 1600 BC. and one caused by the sinking of Atlantis, others - the decline of Minoan Crete civilization. After the last major eruption 500 years ago in the middle of the Aegean Sea remain what we see today - Santorini island crescent against its two tiny pieces of land named Tiraziya and Aspronisi.

By boarding at the port, the long winding road to Santorini seem to does not end - caldera to be climbed by bus, funicular lifts or donkey, depending on the amount of adrenaline you want to deliver. The main town on the island - Fira, is situated 330 meters above sea level. In general, rent a car is recommended when making vacation in Greek islands, but however, not on Santorini. Here the roads are steep, narrow and unimaginable serpents, posing a test of skills and most experienced driver.

Santorini is not just white houses grouped in four villages on the west coast - Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Ia. On the east side of the island - in Kamari and Perissa, the tourism machine spins at full speed. There, on beaches with black and red sand, vacation turns into a fire-dancing - volcanic beach summer gets so hot that it is impossible to walk the distance from the umbrella to the water barefoot without burning first or second degree. In the middle of the island are Pyrgos and Megalohori - sparsely populated villages with medieval architecture, numerous wineries and the Akrotiri archaeological site - a 3600 years old town, only opened in 1967 under layers of volcanic ash and stones. Walking in the footsteps of mass tourism, however, is the most stupidest thing you can do in this magical place.

If, however, there is a organized tourist attraction that worth to book, this is a boat trip to Nea Kameni. Get off the boat, climb a hundred meters, peek into the throat of a sleeping volcano - erupted five times in the last hundred years - and I ask very logical question: when will the next awakening that will sweep away the careless tourists and will immerse lava back into the realm of Poseidon?

Check for more Santorini travel resources in Europe Travel Directory.