Cyclades Guide - Escale Yachting

volcanic eruption. It takes its name from the beautiful daughter of Theras, the
ruler of the Lacedemonians who settled in Santorini after the destruction, at the
end of the 12th century BC.
Infinite attractions
The capital (Chora) of Therasia is Manolas, a typical Cycladic settlement up on
the caldera crest, offering an amazing view of Santorini. In Manolas one can
find fully equipped lodgings with a view to the caldera, cafes and restaurants
with wonderful home-made dishes. The gem of the settlement is the
magnificent church of Agios Konstantinos built in 1874.
Slated steps lead from Chora down to Korfos, the old port of the island, where
you can see the windmill, the boats and the picturesque taverns and have fresh
fish and delicious titbits right next to the sea. The mules can take you down to
the port, whilst you enjoy the amazing view of the volcano.
At the north tip of the island is Riva, the port at which the ferries dock from
Piraeus and Athinio in Santorini, as well as the boats coming from Ammoudi in
Oia. Here you can find picturesque fish taverns and the wonderful beach Mavri
Paralia with its crystal clear waters. High above the port lies the chapel of Agia
Irini, after whose Latin name (Santa Irini) the duke Markos Sanoudos named
Thera as Santorini.
On the east side of the island there are rectangular, parallel formations of white
lava, with picturesque valleys extending between them. The villages of Agrilia
(route 1) and Potamos where built in similar valleys. Potamos is a village with
numerous cave-cut houses and terraces full of geraniums and bougainvilleas.
In Potamos one can also see the imposing churches of Agios Dimitrios and
Panagia Giatrena.
Routes for all
Hiking on the volcanic earth of Therasia, a place of wild beauty, among dry walls,
terraces and vineyards, and along paths full of fragrant herbs, thyme and
oregano looking over to the terrific caldera, is an enchanting and fascinating
experience for all visitors. Innumerable rymidia -– small country roads - cross the
mainland, leading to many alternative hiking routes.
1 Potamos - Agrilia A path to the west of Potamos leads to Agrilia, a village not
visible in the valley. It is the island's oldest and largest farming settlement, with
cave-cut houses and canavas (wineries) in perfect harmony with the natural
environment. At the entrance of the settlement stands Panagia Isodion
(Presentation of Virgin Mary) or Panagia of Langadi, which was built in 1887 and
is distinguished by its striking architecture and amazing decorative carvings.
2 Manolas - Kera - Trypiti Kera, a settlement abandoned 30-40 years ago, is
located at the foothill of Profitis Ilias, southeast of Chora, a short distance before
the end of the island, and offering a panoramic view of the caldera. It is also the
location of the Trypiti cave and the monastery of Panagia Trypiti, dedicated to the
Assumption of Virgin Mary.
One of the most impressive of the volcanic veins of the caldera can be seen from
the south edge of the island. This is a vertical path of lava which has flowed over
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