Santorini
History
From as early as 3000 bc the island developed as a sophisticated outpost of Minoan civilization, until around 1550BC when catastrophe struck: the volcano-island erupted, its heart sank below the sea, and earthquakes reverberated across the Aegean.
Thíra was destroyed and the great Minoan civilizations on Crete were dealt a severe blow. At this point the island’s history became linked with legends of Atlantis, the "Happy Isles Submerged by Sea".
Vaccation
Santorini is a very beautiful island, well worth a visit. Prices might be a little higher than other places in Greece, but the surroundings make you forget that. Tourist development has been concentrated in Firá, Périssa and Iá (Oia).
We stayed in a nice hotel in the small village of Périssa on the south side, where a 3 km long sandy beach made the vacation very memorable.
The red sand from the lava makes this a special beach on the west coast worth visiting.
Located underneath the haning red cliffs (se picture below), it`s visitors can enjoy a nice stay beeing offered fresh fruit and cold beverages from some of the local people.
Earthquake
More dramatic and of direct significance to much of the local population, was the great earthquake of 1956, which destroyed many homes in Firá.
Thanks to its geological morphology, the excavated sites of ancient Thira and Akrotiri and the comprehensive museums, the island's rich history is accessible to all those who wish to find out.
Santorini is a place that I might go back to at least once more. Try it and see why..
