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Welcome to the Santorini SMART Buses! Sightseeing with the ...

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ABOUT SANTORINI …<br />

THIRA – <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rnmost island of Cyclades, counts 73 km 2 , is 18 km long, 2-6 km wide<br />

and 568 m high.<br />

It lost physical contact <strong>with</strong> Thirassia and Aspronisi - but still form a harmonious circle known<br />

as Thira.<br />

It remains in strict relation <strong>with</strong> <strong>the</strong> volcanoes: Kameni, some 2 km off <strong>the</strong> western shore and<br />

<strong>the</strong> underwater Koloumbo, some 6.5 km off <strong>the</strong> eastern shore.<br />

It is known under <strong>the</strong> names of: Thira, Stroggili, Kallisti, San<strong>to</strong>rini.<br />

The extremely dry, yet explosive character of <strong>the</strong> island led it in <strong>the</strong> archaic past <strong>to</strong> loose more<br />

than half of its body, but did not calm it down. Successive explosions and earthquakes put<br />

Thira now and again in new trouble and it seems that, despite of frequent winds, <strong>the</strong>re is no<br />

way <strong>to</strong> extinguish its suicidal intentions.<br />

Thus, Thira remains a cauldron (Spanish Caldera) <strong>with</strong> <strong>the</strong> Kameni islands stuck in <strong>the</strong> middle<br />

and keeping this pot boiling…<br />

To those who dare <strong>to</strong> stay here is dedicated this booklet.<br />

INTRODUCTION<br />

San<strong>to</strong>rini actually consists of a group of five islands which form a crescent located in <strong>the</strong><br />

sou<strong>the</strong>rn Aegean Sea about 200 km SE from Greece’s mainland and 128 Nautical miles of<br />

Piraeus Port.<br />

The contrast of colors, light, earth and water makes San<strong>to</strong>rini <strong>the</strong> most treasured in <strong>the</strong> gallery<br />

of Greek islands. Many things have been written about this unique island and many more will<br />

be written in <strong>the</strong> years <strong>to</strong> come but San<strong>to</strong>rini will always remain <strong>the</strong> crown of <strong>the</strong> Cyclades. This<br />

is one of <strong>the</strong> most popular destinations in Greece because of its most impressive landscape. It<br />

has been said <strong>the</strong> sunsets in San<strong>to</strong>rini are <strong>the</strong> most spectacular in <strong>the</strong> world. This is San<strong>to</strong>rini<br />

seen through <strong>the</strong> eyes of people who know and love it.<br />

Transportation <strong>to</strong> and from San<strong>to</strong>rini is possible by ferry boats, high speed vessels and<br />

airplanes. On <strong>the</strong> island transportation is possible by car, moped or donkey…<br />

The island, <strong>with</strong> its picturesque villages, narrow alleys, traditional donkey rides, unique<br />

architecture, local delicacies (grapes, cherry <strong>to</strong>ma<strong>to</strong>es or <strong>to</strong>matakia, fava-beans and pistachios,<br />

<strong>to</strong> mention some of <strong>the</strong>m) and superb wines, gives <strong>the</strong> visi<strong>to</strong>r a sense of fulfillment, tranquility<br />

and refuge from <strong>the</strong> cares of <strong>the</strong> world.<br />

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