Santorini has an era of 96 square kilometers and a permanent population of 11,381. It is situated 130 nautical miles from Crete and has a coastline 69 kilometers long. It has a pleasant climate and rather cool summers. Santorini is the southernmost of the Cyclades group of islands in the centre of the Aegean Sea. It surrounds the bay of Caldera from the east, with the smaller island of Thirassia to the west & the rock of Aspronissi towards south-west. These islands are the remnants of the original conical island which existed before the great volcanic eruption (ca. 1600 BC). The Santorini archipelago includes also the islets of Old & New Kammeni, products of later volcanic activity.

Santorini Volcano - The volcano here is the most popular attraction on the island and is a must-visit for anyone holidaying here. The two small islands of Palia Kameni and Nea Kameni are the youngest islands in the eastern Mediterranean and both are the results of volcanic eruptions, with Nea Kameni being only around 400 years old.
Ruins of Akrotiri - Located on the southern tip of the island, Akrotiri is an ancient city preserved by volcanic ash, making it a fascinating place to visit. The site was initially discovered by a French archaeological team in 1866, but it wasn't until 100 years later that Professor Marinatos began serious excavations. This is a live archaeological site with ongoing excavations. Ruins of Thira - Although not quite as impressive as Akrotiri, the 11th century BC ruins of Thira are also interesting. The site is located on a headland on the southeast coast and was discovered by a German team in the 1860s. There are remains from Roman, Hellensitic and Byzantine periods here. The ruins show temples, a gymnasium and a theatre which is well-positioned with stunning views out to sea.
Beaches - As with any Greek island holiday, one of the biggest attractions are the superb beaches, and Santorini is no exception. Santorini beaches are quite spectacular; the volcanic history of the island has resulted in some stunning red, black and white sandy beaches with deep blue water.

Shopping in Santorini can be great fun. Tiny shops flank the cobble streets, while beautiful galleries, quality leather shops & loads of Gold shops sit side by side with local handicrafts & small souvenir shops offering cheap buys. Prices range from the very expensive to the ludicrously cheap.Fira town has the main shopping center, since it is the island capital. But Oia, with its' Art Deco Galleries, Gold Shops, & Handmade Wooden Artifacts on the north coast & Kamari Beach with its' seaside promenade, boutiques & Ethnic Craft Shops on the south east, are excellent places to visit.

Santorini is an odd island and its food is a combination of climatic factors and the tastes of those who have occupied and lived on the island. In Thira and Oia you can find whatever you want and at whatever price you can afford or not afford. The food is fabulous, made of local products cooked and served in a unique way. The prices are very good for the quality of the food.

Santorini is part of the Cyclades Island group, which enjoys hot, dry summers and mild winters. Temperatures in July and August range from 86ºF (30ºC) during the day to 72ºF (22ºC) at night. Rainfall is almost non-existent in summer but showers can be expected between October and April.

The currency of Santorini is the Euro (EUR) is the currency of Greece. Notes in circulation are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euro while coins are in denominations of 1 euro, 2 euro, 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents and 20 cents. A currency converter is available here.