Greece travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises spa and resorts

Mykonos is a wonderful Greek island, a tourist destination famous for its cosmopolitan character, intense nightlife and jetsets playgrounds. The island has fabulous white-sand beaches with turquoise water in Greece.

This is a newly-opened Argentine restaurant set in the gorgeous art deco space of Mykonos’s open-air-cinema.

A spectacular overview of Mykonos Town, also known as Chora.

The picture displays the famous windmills, which are situated on a hill overlooking the town and the Little Venice area of the island.

Astra bar was created in the late 1980’s by local jeweler Minas, who incorporated a fiber-optic ‘’starlight’’ ceiling that pulses to the music. Amazing…! Twenty years on, the atmosphere still rocks, the parties often go until dawn.

Crete is the largest of the Greek island and the fifth largest one in the Mediterranean Sea. Crete was centre of the oldest Greek and European civilization. The eastern Lassithi perfecture in Crete is an evidence into life in old Crete. Aspros Potamos, left in this picture is a 300-year-old cottages once used by olive farmers.

Today Aspros Potamos is a peaceful place open to visitors as a rustic retreat. Palaikastro is a village on the eastern end of Crete, where is a Minoan era settlement.

This is Vai beach, located near the ancient town of Itanos.

A sunbath-girl rests surrounded by palm trees on Vai Beach. Nearby are more deserted coves.

Another landmark is Pefki, a mountain village where tourists can hear traditional music, eat snails fried in olive oil and rosemary and drink raki. Go there and dive into the peace of life.....

Semiramis Hotel is located at Kefalari Square, 5 minutes from Kifissia, 10 minutes to Marousi business centre, 20 minutes to Athens airport & 30 minutes to the centre of Athens.

The hotel is the creation of designer, Karim Rashid, well-known for his fluid, soft style that mingles rounded forms with bright, lively colors. All its 51 guestrooms and public areas have Rashid’s distinctive signature.

Light pinks and greens, oranges, yellows are coloured on the walls, floors, furnishings and fittings for an energetic atmosphere. Frosted-glass bathrooms make for extra space and daylight. Balconies and verandas offer pool or park views. To help the Semiramis’ global guests stay in touch with the world or the office – internet TVs complete with cordless keyboards come as standard.

The hotel has two-level restaurant and bar, where the modern Greek, European and international flavours of the menu are mirrored in the cosmopolitan blend that make up the Semiramis’ clientele. Breakfast & all day dining served indoors or on the open air verandas. Drinks & snacks available poolside.The ‘a la carte’ poolside restaurant & bar, serves modern local dishes & international favourites complemented by music & cocktails.

Each room has internet TV access, satellite & pay TV, plasma screens, CD & DVD player, maxi bar, safe, portable phones, hairdryer, scrolling LED signage, remote controlled utilities, curtain control and digital locks, parking concierge, laundry, valet service, limousine service, baby sitting and
doctor on request.

The hotel is located in the area of Ekali in a short distance to Kifissia, with easy access to the main highways. It is about 20 minutes drive from downtown Athens.

The hotel has beautiful shelters with oasis around them, where the style is extremely modern. The Life Gallery’s exterior offers a green environment of exotic gardens, two spectacular pools, sapcious sundecks and outdoor terraces.

There are 30 rooms, studios and suites, decorated in earth tones and open-plan layouts that are complemented by views of the nearby Mount Parnes and Mount Penteli. The well-being of Life Gallery’s guests will also be cared for at the hotel’s extensive “Ananea” spa. Yoga and meditation treatments are available to soothe and rejuvenate, as well as a vitality pool, sauna and hammam, mud treatments and raindrops therapy. Whether on business or a cultural break, the Life Gallery will make sure its discerning guests see a new side of Athens.

Each spacious room-suite has TV, radio & free movie channels, in room Laptop (suites only), free high speed internet access in room, free Wi-Fi access in public areas, ethernet service, ISDN lines, working desk, minibar, safes , furnished balconies, VIP turndown service, laundry & valet service (subject to extra charge), limo (subject to extra charge), valet parking, non smoking rooms, 24 hours security.

Mykonos Blu Hotel is situated just over the bay of Psarou in Greece, minutes walk to the most beautiful and hidden beaches. Mykonos town is 4km away, close enough for those of you who are fans on nightlife.The hotel architecture is very traditional with spectacular seawater swimming pool and Spa center.

Constructed in 1966, Mykonos Blu still attracts the famous and the romantic-minded. The traditional architecture accomplished enough to satisfy the needs of the most demanding guests and provide for a pleasurable and memorable holiday. Majestic views and discrete personal service abound.

The Blu has 100 rooms and bungalows distributed on a hill in nine blocks. Their decoration has been done in Feng Shui style and their installations in function of the most modern technology and comfort.

The food is one of the trump cards of the establishment. It has a wide variety of bars and restaurants, which delight the most demanding food-lovers with the wonderful smells of island cooking, exquisite seafood, delicious champagne.The hotel also boasts four private swimming pools, a spectacular spa with blue-veined marble columns as well as a large conference centre, perfectly conditioned to take 200 people.

The luxurious Six Senses Spa at Porto Elounda, Crete is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking spas in the whole of Greece. Located on a peninsular overlooking a stunning expanse of the Aegean Sea, the spa reflects traditional architecture highlighted with cutting edge trends plus some quite stunning contemporary works of art. Designed With Respect To The Architectural Tradition Of The Land. The First View From The Hilltop Is A Panorama Of The Bay Of Mirabello, Where The Foreground Is Dominated By The Porto Elounda De Luxe Resort And The Green Expanse Of Its Golf Course. An Oasis Of Recreation And Discreet Luxury Comprised Of The Hotel And The Seafront Bungalows And Villas. Location Description Spinalonga Island, Kritsa Traditional Village Monastery, Ancient City Of Olus, Byzantine Mosaic Remains.The two levels of the 23 treatment areas includes Tepidarium – the spa’s focal point providing a bravura space that excites all the senses, Junior Suite, Thalassotherapy Suites, Oriental treatment rooms, Ottoman hammam, couples treatment areas with outdoor bubble-tubs, hair salon and Cleopatra bath. There is also a Caldarium, traditional Finnish sauna, plunge pool, and a private spa area named the Spring Suite.

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In 21st century Athens, discerning guests look for an overall hospitality experience rather than just an overnight stay. They require luxury amenities and comforts that will allow them to concentrate on enjoying the city’s life to the fullest. Occupying an impressive contemporary building, the hotel boasts a modern marble- floored lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the Acropolis. Residence Georgio has 136 rooms and 10 executive suites. There are non-smoking rooms and rooms accessible to the disabled. All rooms are elegantly furnished with attention to detail and comfort.

Rooms have individually controlled air conditioning/heating, marble bathrooms, most with a jacuzzi and jet massage. Decorated in neutral tones and pastel furnishings, the 136 air-conditioned guestrooms feature cable television, minibars and wireless Internet access. The marble bathrooms have jetted tubs. Enjoy the extra space and beautiful decor, the marbled bathrooms with Jacuzzi and separate shower cabin, bathrobes and slippers. The Executive Suite Athens includes 30 inch rotating plasma television.

Slip into our complimentary bathrobe and slippers and let the stress of the day just wash away in your Jacuzzi. Surround yourself in sophisticated comfort and let us cater to you.
Enjoy a romantic dinner by the pool, under the stars with the breathtaking view of the Acropolis and Lycabettus hill nearby.

Enjoy an American style buffet for breakfast with an extensive variety of favourite dishes, divulge in a savory Mediterranean meal during the day and top it off with one of our fabulous cocktails for the evening. A wide selection of culinary delights to choose from but, don’t worry, we only offer the choice selections at our luxury Athens hotel so you can never go wrong! Space to move about, space to stretch out and space to relax. There are know how refreshing that can be. Choose from one of the divine suites and experience what the true meaning of rest and relaxation is.

Corfu is one of the most visually exciting regions of Greece with its variety of natural beauty – green woodlands, wild pine-covered mountains, lakes, cultivated fields and of course, miles of golden beaches. Corfu is a large Greek island of the Ionian islands group, situated between Italy and Greece – its attractions are relaxed coastal towns, secluded and thronged beaches, and its captivating natural beauty. An amalgam of natural beauties, traditional features and archaeological sites. Corfu island lies to the north of the Ionian sea at the entrance of Adriatic. The natural beauties of the island, the picturesque of the city and villages or the wide variety of the magnificent bays and beaches that gather thousands of tourists every year… Some of these beaches have also been awarded by the Blue Flag, the European guaranty for their cleanliness…

The town of Corfu (Kerkyra) impresses and charms the visitor with its two forts, narrow streets, tall houses, arcades, Venetian-built Town Hall, church to Saint Spyridon. Cosmopolitan capital of the island of Corfu, dominated by the striking images of the old fort, separated from the mainland by a narrow channel and flanked by yacht and fishing harbours, and the church of St Spridon, a domed church that houses the remains of the island’s patron saint. With a small beach and easy access to surrounding areas of historical and aesthetic interest, this is the place to visit to experience a mixture of cultural influences and to combine sightseeing with a good dose of relaxation. Corfu is a small paradise on Earth.

The Old Town is located in the northern section between the Esplanade Square and the new fortress. The square of the Esplanade is the central square of Corfu Town. It became a public square during the French occupation and was designed according to the French garden architecture, with many organised trees and parterre of flowers. One of the most beautiful buildings boarding the square is the Liston building which is standing in the western side of the Esplanade and was built during the French occupation. Its superb arched terrace was inspired by the architectural style of the Rue de Rivoli, in Paris, and houses the most elegant and luxurious cafes and restaurants of the island. Many other interesting monuments are embellishing Corfu Town, such as the Old and the New Venetian Fortresses, the Town Hall Square, the Square of the Saints, the Ionian Academy and the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint Georges.

Corfu, the most green of the Greek islands, has three million olive trees. As well as flower-strewn countryside and Adriatic-style villages, it has splendid coastal scenery and some excellent secluded beaches. The eastern coasts offer a calm sea and a wide range of marine sports. Those who come to this side of the island may enjoy excursions on traditional fishing-boats to secluded bays or a romantic rowing-boat trip under the full moon. The western coasts offer vast sandy beaches and some fascinating bays, shaping among the rocky cliffs that actually come down to the sea.

On Corfu island it is easy to combine relaxation with intense night life. Having decided to visit Corfu Greece, one of the most interesting islands of the Ionian sea, prepare yourself for an unparalleled experience. On this cosmopolitan island, you’ll be able to combine relaxation with good times and a full nightlife, for Corfu is an international tourist centre which can satisfy the demands of the most difficult visitor.

Grand Resort Lagonissi is a spectacular luxury resort on an idyllic peninsula, located half way between Athens and Cape Sounion. This magical location offers both natural beauty and nearby cultural treasures of Athens and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. Perfectly situated for a relaxing holiday, the resort’s villas, suites and bungalows are set in 72 acres of a lush green peninsula with several magical sandy coves, surrounded by the blue waters of the Aegean Sea.

All villas, suites and bungalows, divided into ‘Accommodation Clubs,’ offer ultimate privacy in a true dream setting and are all situated along the water’s edge. The Comfort Club offers beautifully decorated rooms and suites located in the center of the peninsula in the main hotel building, offering a majestic view of the Aegean Sea. The Premium Club offers elegantly designed suites, bungalows and rooms located either on the waterfront or beachfront offering magnificent sea views. Bungalows consist of living rooms/bedrooms open plan style, spacious marble lined bathrooms with mini TV set, separate shower cabin, steam bath, air bathtub and private wooden terrace, garden or heated pool with hydro massage devices.

The Grand Sports Club offers brand new bungalows and suites situated on two different sea levels, either on the waterfront or water edge with private or sharing outdoor heated pool, with hydro massage and reverse water flow devices. All bathrooms are marble lined and equipped with steam bath, air bathtub and separate shower cabin. Most of the suites have a private gym area with exercise equipment and accessories for a daily workout. Additional assistance of a personal trainer upon request. The Zen Club offers superb suites located on both east and west side of the resort, with private garden or private pool, deck & heated pools. Either on open plan style or providing separate bedroom and living room area, these unique suites located all on the waterfront, offer the privilege of in-suite-Spa treatments! Special features also include private gym area, massage table, large screen TV, CD & DVD players, reverse water flow with hydro massage device in the swimming pool. The Exclusive Club offers luxuriously decorated bungalows, suites & villas located comfortably along the waterfront designed to fulfil the highest of expectations. Spacious living rooms and bedrooms in open plan style, grand marble lined bathrooms with separate shower cabin, steam bath, air bathtub, remote control mattresses, walk-in closets, heated floor and private terrace or garden.

All private outdoor heated pools with hydro massage and counter current devices. Wooden decks with bamboo furniture and sunshades. The Platinum Club offers supreme palatial suites with spacious bedrooms & living rooms with fireplaces offering the highest degree of luxury: exquisite marble lined bathrooms with steam baths, air bathtubs and separate shower cabins, remote control mattresses and private gyms, walk-in closets, heated floors. Special features include 44” TV screen in bedroom & living room, DVD and CD player, mini TV set in the bathroom, walk in wooden closets.

Colorful gardens with bamboo furniture and private outdoor heated pools with hydro massage and counter current devices. Guests can choose from a variety of restaurants — Ouzeri serves Greek traditional specialties and fresh fish; The Captain’s House is an a la carte Italian restaurant; The Captain’s Deck is an exclusive outdoor bar for special drinks and snacks at late night hours; Galazia Hytra serves contemporary Greek creations, on a wooden deck by the seaside; Kohylia Restaurant & Sushi Bar, situated on the western side of the peninsula on the water, serves Polynesian delicacies and sushi in a relaxing ambience, decorated in an Oriental style with a superb aquarium; La Piscine presents all day dining, music and bar by the pool, offering cool refreshments, snacks and Tex Mex tastes; Mediterraneo, located at Mediterraneo beach, serves a light menu and refreshing beverages all day long; Aphrodite serves international cuisine in the main hotel building, overlooking the sea; The Veranda Bar is a glamorous spot situated in the hotel, an ideal setting with breathtaking sunset; The Grand Pier at Grand Beach is a unique experience in the middle of the sea, in a fun atmosphere with modern music, beach bar with snacks, fresh juices and plenty of beverages;

Poseidon Restaurant, situated on the Grand Beach serves finger food and drinks until the sun sets; and the Veghera Club Restaurant is an international bar-restaurant, discreetly isolated on the South water edge of the peninsula. Chic and modernly designed, with unlimited sea view is the perfect place to relax and enjoy delicious creations. The Blu Spa center, located on Mediterraneo beach, is a perfect place for relaxation and rejuvenation, for physical and mental harmony, offering a variety of facial and body treatments with the signature of the well known ESPA products. Other leisure facilities include a marina with yacht hire, water sports, a freshwater swimming pool and floodlit tennis courts. The resort is open year-round and offers chauffeured limousine and helicopter service from the Athens airport. This is a great base from which to explore the cultural treasures of Athens and the surrounding area, yet have a luxurious resort experience at the same time.

Tinos is one of the biggest Greek islands of the Cyclades. It is the third Cycladic Island in size and it is 195 square kilometers. The perimeter of its coast line is 114 kilometers and it is located south-eastern of Andros and north- western of Myconos. Tinos is basically an island with religious and worshipping tourists. Four major festival days are: January 30- the anniversary of the finding of the icon; March 25- the Annunciation of Mary; July 23- the anniversary of the vision of the nun Pelagia and August 15- the Assumption of Mary. The finding of the icon, the erection of the temple, the improvement of the transportation had a great impact to the social and economic evolution of the island.

Every visitor is amazed by the beauty and calm of the beaches of Tinos Greece. Long beaches with golden sand, pebble and rocky beaches and little coves are offering their crystalline waters and their deserted landscapes. A few of these beaches have sun beds, umbrellas, water sports facilities, accommodation, restaurants and snack bars. It highest mountain is named Tsiknias and is 725 meters high. According to mythology Aelos, the god of the winds lived at the channel of Tsiknias. This explains the fact that the area is very windy.

The architecture of Tinos is a traditional folk art. Most of those exceptional buildings can be found in the central and eastern part of Tinos. They dating from the 18th and 19th century and are more than six hundred decorating the island’s landscape. A broad paved street leads from the harbor to the low hill on which stands the Church of Our Lady. Tinos is famous for the Church of Panagia which has a miraculous icon and is attracting thousands of pilgrims from all over the country on the 15th of August, feast day of the Virgin. The icon, called Our Lady of Good Tidings, is a beautiful portrayal of Mary kneeling with her head bent in prayer. Regarded by scholars as being older than the Byzantine period, it may perhaps be the work of the Apostle and Evangelist St. Luke. Numerous reports of miracles of healing rapidly increased the fame of the Church of the Megolohari. The results of the sacred icon are the most venerated pilgrimage item of the Greek nation. Built in marble the church stands overlooking the town on the site where a miraculous icon of Our Lady was discovered.

Next to the church is the Gallery of Tiniot Artists and Modern Greek Painters, which has a very interesting collection. Close by is the Archaeological Museum of Tinos. It houses finds from the temple of Poseidon and Amphitrite and from the Geometric marble of Exo Meria. Tinos is an island for those who appreciate the old ways and lifestyle of the islanders, the authentic picturesque villages that one hopes to find on a Greek island, and the simple Greek cuisine that Greece itself is famous for. Here on Tinos, it’s back to basics.

Thassos is a green greek island in the Aegean Sea and it is farfamed for its clean beaches, its hospitality, its tasty vine and the magnificent honey. The history of Thassos is lasting back into the antiquity. At that time, Thassos was famous for its goldmines and marble. Until today, you can see much archaeological treasures, which will make your journey to something special. Also the giant marble factories, which are exporting the marble in the whole world, will amaze you.

History of Thassos:

The island was colonized at an early date by Phoenicians, attracted probably by its gold mines; they founded a temple to the god Melqart, whom the Greeks identified as “Tyrian Heracles”, and whose cult was merged with Heracles in the course of the island’s Hellenization; the temple still existed in the time of Herodotus. An eponymous Thasos, son of Phoenix— or of Agenor, as Pausanias reported— is said to have been the leader of the Phoenicians, and to have given his name to the island.

In 720 708 BC, Thasos received a Greek colony from Paros. It was in a war which the Parian colonists waged with the Saians, a Thracian tribe, that the poet Archilochus threw away his shield. The Greeks extended their power to the mainland, where they owned gold mines which were even more valuable than those on the island. From these sources the Thasians drew great wealth, their annual revenues amounting to 200 or even 300 talents. Herodotus, who visited Thasos, says that the best mines on the island were those which had been opened by the Phoenicians on the east side of the island facing Samothrace.

The place was important during the Ionian Revolt against Persia. After the capture of Miletus (494 BC) Histiaeus, the Ionian leader, laid siege to Thasos. The attack failed, but, warned by the danger, the Thasians employed their revenues to build war ships and strengthen their fortifications. This excited the suspicions of the Persians, and Darius compelled them to surrender their ships and pull down their walls. After the defeat of Xerxes the Thasians joined the Delian confederacy; but afterwards, on account of a difference about the mines and marts on the mainland, they revolted.

The Athenians defeated them by sea, and, after a siege that lasted more than two years, took the capital, Thasos, probably in 463 BC, and compelled the Thasians to destroy their walls, surrender their ships, pay an indemnity and an annual contribution (in 449 BC this was 21 talents, from 445 BC about 30 talents), and resign their possessions on the mainland. In 411 BC, at the time of the oligarchical revolution at Athens, Thasos again revolted from Athens and received a Lacedaemonian governor; but in 407 BC the partisans of Lacedaemon were expelled, and the Athenians under Thrasybulus were admitted.

After the Battle of Aegospotami (405 BC), Thasos again fell into the hands of the Lacedaemonians under Lysander who formed a decarchy there; but the Athenians must have recovered it, for it formed one of the subjects of dispute between them and Philip II of Macedonia. In the embroilment between Philip III of Macedonia and the Romans, Thasos submitted to Philip, but received its freedom at the hands of the Romans after the battle of Cynoscephalae (197 BC), and it was still a “free” state in the time of Pliny.

After a period of Latin occupation, it was captured by the Turks in 1462; it was given by the Sultan Mahmud II to Mehemet Ali of Egypt. In 1914 during the Balkan Wars, Thasos became part of Greece. Thasos, the capital, stood on the north side of the island, and had two harbours, one of which was closed. Archilochus described Thasos as “an ass’s backbone crowned with wild wood,” and the description still suits the mountainous island with its forests of fir. The highest mountain, Ipsario or Ypsario, is 1045 m (3428 ft) high. Besides its gold mines, the wine, nuts and marble of Thasos were well known in antiquity. Thasian wine (a light bodied wine with a characteristic apple scent) was, in particular, quite famous; to the point where all Thasian coins carried the head of the wine god on one side and bunches of grape of the other.

Today, Thasos is a part of the Kavala prefecture and is the southernmost and the easternmost points in the prefecture. Thasos serves ferry routes to and from Kavala and a port at the eastern portion of the prefecture.

Thassos is very nice place if you like quiet and private beaches among the big rocks. There are maybe dozen of this kind of beaches along the island ( you can view some pictures taken by me below ).

Quite interesting place to visit is the ancient monastery built on one rock just above the sea. This monastery is dedicated to the Archangel Michel and is located on the road between Astris and Alyki, on a cliff. It is worth-seeing for its breathtaking location and for the construction itself. Unfortunately the local people has banned the photographing inside the monastery but i managed to get some shoots for you. Below are some very cool ancient sabres ( more than 50 indeed ) all different shape, size and time of creation, exhibited in the monastery. And not in last place Thassos is well known after its olive production. It seems that the olives are almost everywhere, except rocks and very steep slopes. Some trees are obviously very old. The three you can see below i more than 500 years old.

The lands of the great gods of Greece and Rome come to life on this unique eight-day cruise across the beautiful Aegean Sea. Throughout this exciting journey, experience the rich history and culture of ancient Greece and Turkey and the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman empires while cruising aboard the m.s. Le Diamant This superb vessel is one of the finest cruisers in Europe and offers well-appointed, deluxe accommodations, as well as excellent service and gourmet cuisine.Begin with the resort island of Mykonos, known for its picturesque seaside villages and windmills, and the nearby island of Delos, mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis Next, explore the stunning volcanic cliffs of Santorini, experience the fantastic Greco-Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman architecture of Rhodes and visit the ancient Monastery of St. John on the island of Patmos. Conclude with a tour of some of the world’s best-preserved Greco-Roman ruins at Ephesus, and the legendary city of Troy, immortalized by Homer Throughout the cruise, expert guides will lead the excursions and special onboard lectures will enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the region.

To make your Aegean experience complete, join a low-priced, optional two-night pre-cruise program in the ancient Greek capital of Athens and/or an optional two-night extension in legendary Istanbul.

Santorini is the most extraordinary island in the Aegean. You sail into a strange, enclosed sea, shut off by the Burnt Islands. The volcanic cliffs of Santorini are red, brown or greenish, surmounted by a string of white villages. It is rather like a model of a monster’s jaw made by some infernal dentist; a sinister and alarming place, like nowhere else.

Jetting out from the deep blue sea its volcanic sheer cliffs topped with gleaming white village homes and churches, resemble snowcapped mountains. The thunderous fury of nature left its mark on the island, the home of Greece’s last active volcano which still smolders today. Layer upon layer of red volcanic rock interspersed with white buildings and specks of greenery form a visual demonstration found nowhere else.
The entire center of the circular island sank into the sea during the tremendous volcanic explosion of 3.500 years ago. The eruption caused tidal waves which virtually wiped out the advanced Minoan civilization of Crete 70 miles to the south. Some scholars believe that the island is part of the legendary lost continent of Atlantis which supposedly slipped underwater during the disaster.

From the sheer cliff-top, where the villages are built, you look down on the gentle, green outer slopes of the mountain: the sea has filled the crater of the volcano. The contrast between these two faces of Santorini is dramatic and extraordinary.

The beauty of Santorini must depend on light and line; there is hardly any vegetation apart from vines, and the volcanic earth has no charm of color, unlike the earth and rock of the limestone islands. Yet it has a strange and uncanny fascination of its own. It has rightly been called the black pearl of the Aegean.
The sunsets of Santorini, with the Burnt Islands in the foreground, the islet of Thirassia behind, Sikinos and Folegandros farther off, and the great rock of Christiana, are among the most exciting aesthetic experiences that the Aegean can provide.

The official name of the island is Thira, but foreigners refer to it by the name given in honor of the island’s patron saint, St. Irene of Thessaloniki, who died here while in exile in 304 A.D.Santorini, which covers 73 square kilometers and is located 127 nautical miles from the port of Piraeus, has an important wine trade. In September visitors may tread the grapes and taste the wines. The rich volcanic soil also produces popular small sweet tomatoes. The island also exports pumice stone, china clay and pistacchio nuts. Two million tons of volcanic soil is exported every year for use in the cement industry. A member of the Cyclades group of Aegean islands, Santorini has a permanent population of aapproxiimately 10.500 but during the tourist season this number swells dramatically.

Santorini has 13 villages. Fira, also known as Thira or Hora, is the island’s capital. It is situated 27,5 m. above the sea and may be reached from the port of Skala climbing the steep, 566 broad steps. This should only be attempted by the untiring while the traditional way up the zigzag path is by renting pack mules or donkeys. For those who prefer modern conveniences, a funicular lift is available.
The cable car lifts 800 persons per hour. The duration is only two minutes and offers unforgettable views of the volcanic island.