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Taking a Look At What Makes Santorini So Special

Sunset Dreams || Oia SantoriniBy Cliff Blaylock
Santorini is perhaps the most famous island in all of Greece, however, it is also one of the youngest. Born roughly three thousand years ago, when a volcanic eruption led to the formation of the dark and mysterious looking island we all know and love, Santorini’s violent past sits very much in contrast with its present. One of the more peaceful and refined Greek islands Santorini, known classically as Thera, is a unique holiday destination, perfect for romantic getaways, relaxing retreats as well as more adventurous and active escapes.
Santorini’s Towns and Culture
The people of Santorini are famous for having a laid-back and relaxed outlook on life and this is reflected in their culture. The locals’ attitudes towards tourists are almost universally positive and residents of the islands are known for being friendly and kind to visitors. However, it’s worth noting that nude sunbathing is looked on rather unfavourably on the island, and any insults aimed at the widely practiced religion of the Greek Orthodox Church could even be met with legal action. Other than that, the island is incredibly relaxed, perfect for sunbathing, strolls around island and even having an afternoon siesta, a custom many locals partake in, between the hours of 3pm and 5pm.
When it comes to the towns of Santorini, you can’t beat Oia in terms of architectural beauty, the white walls and blue domes of churches form the iconic image that many people associate with the island. The town is chock full of luxury villas with stunning ocean views, making it an unbeatable holiday destination for a bit of downtime away from the stresses of home. However, just across the bay sits the town of Fira, Santorini’s capital. Architecturally similar, the town is a bit noisier and livelier than Oia, with a bustling nightlife.
What to Do in Santorini
Besides wandering about the towns and sampling the local cuisine, there are many other things on offer on Santorini. The island is home to incredible black sand beaches, with the Red Beach on the island’s southern peninsula being particularly worth a visit. Sunsets in Oia are another unmissable sight when visiting the island, however, if you aren’t drawn in by the island’s peaceful and lazy lifestyle, you’ll probably be drawn to its active one.
For your more typical holiday antics, the sheltered waters of Santorini’s western shores are perfect for watersports such as jet skiing, banana boating and surfing. If you wish to delve deep beneath Santorini’s waters, quite literally, divers will be treated to one of the best locations for underwater exploration in all of Europe. When Santorini was created, the volcanic eruption was so powerful that it caused the volcano to collapse in on itself, forming the giant partially enclosed bay — or Caldra — that sits off the coast today. Now, beneath the waves in this protected little area, divers are treated to incredible nutrient rich waters, teeming with life, including vibrant coral reefs and colourful fish, as well as dramatic underwater landscapes such as trenches, caves, rock walls and deep caverns. Santorini is simply a diving haven.
For those people who prefer to stay out of the water Santorini can be just as exciting. Thanks to its violent birth, the island’s rocky and uneven terrain — full of cliffs, valleys and hillsides — is perfect for hiking. With routes ranging in difficulty from a casual stroll to a strenuous hike, anyone can come to Santorini to experience its amazing natural sites and views of the Med.
If you like the sound of Santorini, but want to visit other islands as well, check out www.deepblueyachting.com, for private charter yacht holidays.

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