Santorini (Thira), Greece Excursions

Fira (ancient Thira), is the name of the main city on the island of Santorini. It cascades down the side of a cliff more than 1300 feet above the water (caldera) below.

Excavations have found signs of human settlement on the island dating back to the 4th century BC but it is the period from 2000 – 1650 BC that hold the most remains. The town of Akrotiri appears to have been a major port during the Bronze Age. Recovered artifacts from Akrotiri include items from Crete, Anatolia, Cyprus and the Greek mainland. The construction included multi-level buildings, streets, stairs, squares and even plumbing for hot and cold running water. Somewhere between 1650 and 1450 BC, one of the greatest volcanic eruptions on earth took place causing over 60% of the island to collapse into the sea. No bodies have been recovered which indicate that the volcano gave the citizens ample warning to flee. The volcano covered the remaining island in a layer of soot that protected Akrotiri like packing material. In 1704, the current volcano (nea Kameni) breached the sea surface. It has erupted 3 times since then, the last being in 1950. The island was deserted until the 9th century BC when Doric settlers landed and laid out the town of Thira on one of the highest and steepest points of the island. In the 4th century BC it was taken over by Egyptians for a navel base. The island would also be ruled by Romans, Byzantines and Franks. Pirate raids starting in the Byzantine era forced the people to move to more inaccessable areas and construct watch towers. The Venetians built five fortified castle settlements at Skaros, Oia, Pyrgos, Emporio, and Akrotiri. It was at this time that the Roman Catholic religion came to the island, and for hundreds of years, Catholics and the original Orthodox people on the island co-existed sharing churches with dual altars. From 1207, Skaros served as the capital due to its steep, and easy to protect, location. Due to numerous earthquakes by the 1700s the capital was moved to less precarious Pyrgos and wealthy familys began moving to what is present day Fira, which was on level land and less likely to slide in an earthquake. Today nothing of Skaros remains but the ruins of a church. In 1579, the Ottoman Empire took control of most of the eastern Mediterranean and held it until Greek independence in 1912. Since 1986, tourism has been the largest industry on the island.

Historic highlights of the island include the ruins of Akrotiri, which are the most famous, most excavated and most crowded. The ruins of Thira are less excavated and less crowded due to the steep climb required to reach them. For history buffs, it is worth the hike. Remains of four of the 1400 AD settlements are still visible at Oia, Pyrgos, Emporio, and Akrotiri. The two most important museums on the island are the Museum of prehistoric Thira, which houses artifacts from Akrotiri, and the Archeological Museum of Santorini which houses artifacts from all the other excavations on the island.

Other highlights of the island include the black sand (small grit)beaches at Kamari which is a full service beach. Red Beach has red sand and requires a hike or boat trip to reach. It has limited service. Another unusual swimming opportunity is the warm springs of the volcano in the harbor. Santorini wine is like no other Greek wine. There are several small batch wineries on the island. Unfortunately, ship tours do not stop at the small ones.

The island has two major towns, Fira, above where cruise ships anchor, and Oia on the north end. Oia is an artists colony and famous for its sunsets. Try to avoid it mid day when all the ship tours arrive at once. Fira is the largest town on the island and the center for jewelry shopping and all things touristy. Both towns are predominantly pedestrian with numerous steps and pebbled sidewalks. Rubber-soled shoes are strongly recommended. Shore Excursioneer has unique and selected Cruise Excursions in Santorini to help you see and sample all of the highlights during your day in magical Santorini!