Santorini Maps

Santorini (officially Thira) is an island in the southern Cyclades, formed by a massive volcanic eruption around 1600 BCE that created one of the world's most spectacular caldera landscapes. The island covers 35 square miles and has a permanent population of approximately 15,500 residents, though visitor numbers can reach 2 million annually. Fira, the capital, is perched dramatically on the caldera rim 900 feet above sea level, featuring iconic white Cycladic buildings with blue-domed churches cascading down the cliff face.

The volcanic eruption that shaped Santorini was one of the largest in recorded history, destroying the Bronze Age settlement and possibly contributing to the decline of the Minoan civilization on Crete. The crescent-shaped main island, along with Thirassia and the uninhabited volcanic islets of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni in the center of the caldera, forms the remnants of the volcanic cone. The archaeological site of Akrotiri in the south preserves a remarkably well-preserved Minoan Bronze Age settlement buried by volcanic ash, often called the "Pompeii of the Aegean," featuring multi-story buildings with frescoes, advanced drainage systems, and pottery.

Oia (pronounced "Ia"), located at the northern tip of the island, rivals Fira as an iconic destination, famous for spectacular sunsets viewed from its caldera-facing terraces. The village features restored cave houses (yposkafa), windmills, and the ruins of a Venetian castle. Imerovigli and Firostefani are smaller settlements along the caldera rim between Fira and Oia. The traditional village of Pyrgos, built amphitheatrically on a hill in the island's center, features a Venetian castle at its summit and offers panoramic views without the caldera crowds.

The eastern side of the island, away from the caldera, features black sand beaches created from volcanic material, including Kamari, Perissa, and Perivolos. Red Beach near Akrotiri features distinctive red volcanic cliffs. The ancient city of Thira, located on Mesa Vouno mountain between Kamari and Perissa, contains Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine ruins. The island produces distinctive wines from indigenous grape varieties grown in a unique basket-shaped vine training system adapted to volcanic soil and strong winds. The Santo Wines winery and other vineyards offer caldera views and tastings of Assyrtiko, Vinsanto, and other varieties.

Santorini International Airport provides connections to Athens and direct international flights during tourist season. Cruise ships anchor in the caldera, with passengers tendered to shore. Ferry connections link Santorini to Piraeus, Crete, and other Cycladic islands. The economy is almost entirely tourism-based, with Santorini being one of the world's most photographed and visited destinations. The island's dramatic landscape, stunning sunsets, luxury accommodations, and romantic atmosphere have made it a premier honeymoon and luxury travel destination, though mass tourism has created challenges including overcrowding, particularly when multiple cruise ships visit simultaneously.

The Facts:
Region: South Aegean.
Regional unit: Thira.
Towns and villages: Oia, Thera, Akrotiri, Emporio, Episkopis Gonia, Exo Gonia, Imerovigli, Karterados, Megalohori, Mesaria, Pyrgos Kallistis, Vothon, and Vourvoulos.
Population: ~ 15,500.
Area: 35 sq mi (90 sq km).