Spectacular Santorini is unique among Greek islands, and one of the Mediterranean's most visually stunning holiday destinations.
In 1500 BC, a massive volcanic eruption blew away half the island and the resulting tidal waves destroyed Crete's Minoan civilisation, giving rise to the ancient Greek legend of the Lost World of Atlantis. The remains of the crater form a soaring crescent of cliffs, plunging a sheer thousand feet into inky blue waters. Approached from the sea, they resemble a slice of multi-layered chocolate cake, topped by the brilliant white icing of Thira, the enchanting island capital. Star of a thousand post cards and calendars, its winding narrow backstreets are lined with fashionable boutiques, jewellery shops, restaurants and bars, many with breathtaking views of the caldera, where sunsets are simply out of this world.
Like everything else about this island, its beaches are extraordinary - huge swathes of coarse black or red sand shelving quickly into deep blue, crystal waters. The most famous is Kamari, a five kilometre black sand and shingle beach in the island's most popular resort, with countless tavernas and an energetic busy nightlife, close to the International Airport. The towering promontory of Mesa Vouno (capped by the Roman remains of Ancient Thira), separates Kamari from the twin resorts of Perissa and Perivolos. Quieter than Kamari, but with plenty of tavernas and a busy nightlife in high season, they share another superb long beach of black sand with watersports.
A good bus service links Thira with all Santorini's resorts and attractions, including a Minoan town still being excavated from the volcanic ash. So, whichever resort you choose, it's easy to spend an evening enjoying the sunsets, shopping, dining and discos of the island capital. Santorini has to be seen to be believed - and even then, it's just incredible!
