SANTORINI USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Santorini Area Code : 22860
Santorini Thira Council : 22231
Santorini Thira Province : 22996
Santorini Thira Holy Diocese : 22260
Santorini Police : 22649
Santorini Health Centre : 22237 - 23123 22237 - 23123
Santorini Ia - Thirassia Community : 71288
Santorini Port Authority : 22239
Santorini Fire Service : 34270
Santorini Thira Greek Tourist Organisation : 27111
Thira Public Cultural and Touristic Development : 23021
Thira Public Business Development : 31075
Santorini Water Board : 25393
Santorini Thira Information Office: 25940
Santorini Tax Office : 23003
Santorini National Electric Company (ΔΕΗ) ¨22258
Santorini Post Office (ELTA) : 22238
Santorini National Insurance Office (IKA): 33565
Santorini Bus Company ( K.T.E.Λ) : 23812 - 25404 23812 - 25404
Santorini Taxi Rank : 22555
Santorini Fira Museum : 22217
Fira Museum of Prehistoric Antiquity : 23217
Santorini Cable Car (Nomikos Foundation) : 22977
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Santorini is the most southerly situated island of the Cyclades. The ground is volcanic and on the volcanoes' side the island is rocky .
Santorinis special features are a rich contribution of an extremely important archaeological wealth : the ancient town of Mesa Vouno and the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri.Santorini also has to offer a unique inheritance of popular traditional architecture at the settlements of Vothona, Messaria, Finikia and Megalohori, also modern fortified, settlements of Pyrgos, Emborio and Akrotiri.
The islands' climate is refreshing due to the northeast winds and the winter is mild with an average temperature of 10* C. Rainfalls are frequent in the winter and almost insufficient during the summer. The land is fertile and favours cultivation of grape vines and tomatoes. The island is virtually dry having very few water sources.
Santorini has airline connections with Mykonos, Rhodes, Heraklion Crete and of course Athens and Thessaloniki.
It is linked by ferryboat with Piraeus and Thessaloniki whilst also with Paros, Ios, Mykonos, Anafi, Naxos, Sikinos, Syros, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Serifos, Sifnos, Tinos, Folegandros, Astipalaia, Karpathos, Diafani, Kasos, Rhodes, Halki, . Heraklion Crete, Skiathos, Skyros and Volos. By " flying Dolphins" it is connected with Rafina and all the above islands.
In antiquity Santorini was called Strongilli (meaning round) due to its circular shape which changed after the volcanic eruption in the 15th century and the central part of the island sank shaping Kaldera in this way. The Phoenicians called it Kallisti and the Dorians, Thira. The island took its name Santorini during the 12th century from the Franks who to be exact called it "Santa Irene", in other words Agia Irini. The eruption of the volcano was the most important reason that stopped the rapid development of the island since in 2000 BC it still had an excellent minoic civilisation. It is said that the whole of the Aegean darkened and the waves reached a height of 250m and a speed of 300kms per hour so destroying the civilisation of Crete and Egypt.
Some other mythological theories connect this destruction with the sinking of Atlantis."Thira" had declared a subjunction to the Persians whilst later allied themselves with the Spartians and in 426 BC passed through the domination of the Athenians. Later it was also conquered by the Ptolemanians and finally the Romans. During the Byzantine period Thira belonged to the matter of the Aegean whilst later to the latin state of the Duke of Naxos until finally it was returned to be dominated by the Venetians. In that period of time many inhabitants of the island adopted the catholic dogma or converted. In 1537 the island was conquered by the pirates of Barbarossa and in 1579 by the Turks.From 1770 until 1774 it was occupied by the Russians and finally in 1832 joined the Greek State.
BEACHES OF SANTORINI
Santorini is especially known for its unique beaches, some of which have coloured sand mainly on the east and south coast, due to the volcanic properties of the island.There are beaches with fine sand and a pebble beaches on the west and north coast of Santorini.
The black beach , one of the most famous beaches of Santorini is large in size and stretches along the length of the seaside settlements, such as Perivolos, Perissa, Kamari and Monolithos. At the beaches of Kamari and Perissa there is a large selection of accomodation including rooms and apartments to let and hotels.There are also picturesque tavernas, cafeterias and bars along the sea-front. The beaches are organised and offer facilities for water sports, umbrellas and sunbeds
The beaches of Kokkini and Aspri are close to Akrotiri, in the shadow of impressive coloured cliffs. Access to Aspri beach is only possible by tourist boat.
The frequently used beaches of Ammoudi and Armeni are situated close to Ia. Ammoudi is one of the most beautiful areas of Santorini with clear water, a small harbour, picturesque fish tavernas and cafeterias. These beaches are used mainly by those who staying at accomodation in Ia, Imerovigli and Fira. In the south of Santorini one can find the magnificent, quiet beach of Vlihada.One can also visit the wonderful beaches of Baxedes and Vourvoulo.
Local Events
There are many cultural and religious events and celebrations take place in Santorini during the summer. The most known are the following:
"Ifaisteia", a festival with cultural displays, concerts, dance performances, and an iconic volcanic eruption and a firework display which is carried out in August.
The National Music Festival at the beginning of September. Famous artists from all over the world appear at the Congress Centre "Nomikos"
in Fira.
The festival of the Bishopric in Mesa Gonia on the 15th of August, where traditional fava (yellow split peas) are served.
The Church Celebration : Each church celebrates its patron saints nameday. The most well-known celebrations are those of Prophet Ilias on the 20th of July in Fira, Agia Epta Paidia (Saint Seven Children) on the 4th of August in Ia, Metamorphosis of the Saviour on the 6th of August and The Virgin Mary on the 15th of August in Akrotiri. Also Agios Yiannis on the 29th of August in Perissa and the Virgin Mary of Myrtidiotissa on the 24th of September in Kamari
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