Thira

Better known as Santorini, with clifftop white villages overlooking a volcanic caldera bay and world-famous sunsets.

The municipality of Thira covers most of Santorini, in the southern Cyclades. The island was formed by an ancient volcanic eruption, and the circular bay on its west side is ringed by towering cliffs, along which the villages of Fira, Oia and Imerovigli are built, famous worldwide for their blue-domed churches and sunsets. The prehistoric site of Akrotiri reveals what a Bronze Age city looked like, and the island also has black- and red-sand beaches and distinctive volcanic-soil wines, while boat trips go to the volcanic islet and the hot springs. Apr–Oct is the best time to visit, and midsummer is crowded. Santorini International Airport has many flights, and ferries connect Piraeus and the other islands.

Destinations

• Santorini

Itineraries

• Santorini First-Visit Classics – Stay in Fira, hike the caldera cliff path to Oia for sunset, then visit the Akrotiri prehistoric site and Red Beach.
• Greece: Athens, Mykonos, Santorini & Meteora – The classic combination for first-time visitors: Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini, plus Delphi and Meteora.
• Volcanic Islands, Cruises and Caldera Villages – Stay in Imerovigli, take a boat to Nea Kameni volcano and Thirasia, and explore the southern ruins, lighthouse and Pyrg…
• Cyclades Island Hopping: Paros, Naxos & Santorini – Depart from Athens and hop through Paros, Naxos, and Santorini on a one-way southward route with no backtracking.
• Santorini, Folegandros and Crete – Base in Fira, take a ferry to Folegandros for two nights, then make a day trip by fast ferry to Crete to see Knossos.
• Santorini Wineries and Village Food – Base in Fira and explore inland villages including Pyrgos, Megalochori and Emporio, tasting volcanic-soil wines and loc…
• Santorini Ridge Hikes and Beaches – Base in Kamari, hike the ridge to Ancient Thira and the caldera clifftop trail, climb Nea Kameni volcano, and walk the…