Santorini, Greece
Santorini, Greece
![Santorini, Greece](jpg/beautiful-blue-domes-at-oia-santorini.jpg)
Santorini, officially named Thira, is the southernmost Greek island that is within the Cyclades archipelago, in the southern Aegean Sea. Part of the regional unit Thira, the municipality of Santorini is comprised of the island Santorini, Therasia, and other uninhabited islands of Christiana, Palaia Kameni, Aspronisi, and Nea Kameni. The geological history of Santorini is quite complex due to the area’s volcanism and is currently a water-filled caldera: a rectangular lagoon that is surrounded by three steep cliffs. The name Santorini is a contraction of the name Santa Irini, which is based on an ancient cathedral found in the island’s village of Perissa. This name was given by the Latin Empire in the 13th Century. During the Ottoman Empire, Santorini was called “Santurin” or “Santoron”, and in early times, it was named Kalliste, Strongyle, and Thera.
Santorini is the site of the Minoan Eruption (also known as the Thera Eruption), one of the largest eruptions ever in recorded history. The origins of Plato’s story of Atlantis is believed to have a connection to this eruption that destroyed the early settlements on what was formerly a single island. The descriptions found of Plato’s Atlantis strongly resembles Thera, and with seismological, archaeological, and volcanological evidence, these claims are further supported. There is also speculation that the eruption is related to the Exodus of the Israelites, as well as causing the plagues described in the Bible in ancient Egypt.
The economy is sustained by two principal industries: tourism and agriculture, and has recently been voted as one of the world’s most beautiful islands in various outlets such as the Traveler’s Choice Awards in 2015. The wine industry in Santorini is becoming more relevant as well, made up of Assyrtiko, Athiri and Aidani grape varieties, which is best exemplified in Vinsanto (“holy wine”) which contains all three Aegean varietals. Although Santorini is highly arid, it’s unique ecology and climate allows it to grow unique and prized produce, such as cherry tomatoes, Lathyrus clymenum (a legume), and capers. Thus, tourists indulge in local specialties such as Brantada, Fava, and the traditional dish Santorinio Sfougato.
Yachting Land Adventures
Voyages
- 22430 - Greek Journey to Ephesus - Aug 03, 2024
- 22431 - Engaging Istanbul & the Greek Isles - Aug 10, 2024
- 22432 - Turkey & the Greek Isles - Aug 17, 2024
- 22433 - Greek Odyssey - Aug 24, 2024
- 22434 - Greek Odyssey - Aug 31, 2024
- 22437 - Greek Odyssey - Sep 24, 2024
- 12423 - Greek Journey to Ephesus - Jun 16, 2024
- 12424 - Turkey & the Greek Isles - Jun 23, 2024
- 12425 - In the Footsteps of Marco Polo - Jun 30, 2024
- 12429 - Enchanting Greece, Sicily & Malta - Aug 03, 2024
- 22537 - Greek Odyssey - Sep 28, 2025
- 12525 - Greek Odyssey - Jun 22, 2025
- 12532 - Greek Odyssey - Aug 09, 2025
- 12535 - Greek Odyssey - Aug 30, 2025
- 12536 - Greek Journey to Ephesus - Sep 06, 2025
- 12537 - Greece & Israel Antiquities - Sep 13, 2025
- 12634 - Turkey & the Greek Isles - Sep 19, 2026
- 12635 - Greece & Israel Antiquities - Sep 26, 2026
- 12527A - Yachting the Greek Isles - Jul 06, 2025
Testimonials
Excellent Chef – nice choices & variety. Mr & Mrs Joseph HoaglandBrussels, Belgium
A wonderful honeymoon trip with SeaDream. It was an unforgettable experience for us and we recommend your company to all our friends. Thank you very much! Mr & Mrs OVirgin Islands