BURATO+Alessandra


 * BURATO Alessandra ||

·  Santorini is one of the most magical islands of Greece. It is a barren, rocky island just opposite a volcano, with black and red beaches and towns situated on high cliffs offering breathtaking views and fantastic sunsets. Santorini has a dramatic beauty as opposed to lush and green islands. ·  The volcano is still active, and the last eruption was in 1950, causing an earthquake that destroyed many villages on the island. ·  The island's official name is Thira ·  Today, Santorini is the only inhabited Caldera (volcano cauldron) in the world. · It was about then the island got its current name. The islands patron saint was Ag Irini (St Eirene) and the foreign sailors called her St Irini - thus Santorini. **__ What to See in Santorini __** Akrotiri is an ancient town that was buried when the volcano erupted 3500 years ago. Archaeologists are still excavating it, but you can walk around in the little street quarters and see the buildings almost like they were back then. This ancient city is bigger than Pompeii! **__ What to Do __**. In Perissa there is mini golf, Water Park, go cart and roller-skating. In Fira and Kamari there are fields for volleyball and basketball. There are also many places to go biking. Many people enjoy the two hour walk from Imerovigli to Fira- it is a very beautiful experience, but make sure you have water with you. There are also opportunities to go horse riding. Most of the nightlife is in Kamari, Perissa and Fira. But if you visit Santorini the one thing you must do is go donkey riding. **__ Nightlife __** Santorini has a varied nightlife, and most bars and discos are in Fira, Kamari and Perissa. Fira is probably the most popular place, and here you shouldn't miss having a drink in one of the little cafes on the steep side. The amazing view, relaxed atmosphere and soft live Jazz music from The Zafora cafeteria, for example, will give you an unforgettable experience. **__ Food __** **__and Restaurants:__** You can get almost everything on Santorini - from traditional Greeks food to international gourmet dinners. In Fira on the side of the Caldera there are numerous eateries and grill taverns where you can enjoy all kind of foods from cheap souvlaki, Giros with pita bread and hamburgers to expensive up market restaurants .The same setting of eateries can be found in Oia, Imerovigli and all the other resorts of the island. **__ Weather __** The weather in Santorini like in most of the Aegean islands consists of beautiful and dry Summers with temperatures reaching sometimes 35- 37 degrees but the Meletemia (north summer winds) decrease the high summer temperatures. The north east part of the islands is mostly windy while the west part is protected from the winds from the island of Thirasia. Winters can be cold and wet but never reaching below zero temperatures. **__ Getting Around __** Santorini is quite a small island, and it is easy to get around. There are local buses to take you to most places, but of course you can also rent a car or a bike. There are also taxis on the island and donkey rides. The harbour of Athinios where the ferryboats stop is connected to Fira and the rest of the island by a well made serpentine road. Driving up or down this road can be quite an experience for anyone afraid of heights. The old port of Fira under the town is used only for passengers from the cruise ships. You can also walk up or down that road (almost 900steps) or take a donkey ride all the way. There is also a cable car taking you straight to Fira. As you arrive at Athinios you can rent a car straight away from the spot. Santorini has a very good road network and a car or a bike will make your stay more convenient.