Hotels in Santorini
What to see by foot: Santorini
 
Also known by the locals as Thira, Santorini is noted for it's remarkable and
dramatic landscape - formed around a vast volcanic caldera. The island's capital,
Fira, and the town of Ia offer spectacular vantage points over the caldera (a
volcanic crater) and are ideally located for those who like to wander.
As you stroll, you may be surprised to discover that Fira has a Roman Catholic
cathedral and convent in addition to the predictable Greek Orthodox cathedral,
a legacy from the days when the Venetians controlled much of the Aegean. The
Megaron Gyzi Museum by the cathedral has a church and local memorabilia, including
some before and after photographs of the island at the time of the devastating
earthquake of 1956.
M Nomikou Street follows the edge of the caldera; and an evening stroll along
this street is one of the most exquisite in the Cyclades as the chanted tones
of evening prayer often resound from the Orthodox Cathedral.
Still standing are the fine 19th century mansions at the top of the town near
the castle. Examples of restored neoclassical houses from this period include
the Restaurant-Bar 1800 and the Naval Museum. There are basically only two streets:
one with traffic, and the much more pleasant inland pedestrian lane, Nikolaos
Nomikou (the other end of the Nomikos street that began in Fira) which is paved
with marble and lined with jewellery shops, tavernas and bars.
The Naval Museum is a great introduction to this town and is housed in a restored
neoclassical mansion. The house was meticulously rebuilt after the earthquake
using photographs of the original structure. The extensive collection on display
includes: ship models, figureheads, naval equipment and some fascinating old
photographs.
The battlements of the ruined Kastro (fortress) at the western end of town
is the best place to catch the famous Ia sunset. Below the castle, a long flight
of steps leads down to the pebble beach at Ammoudi.
Selection of hotels in this region:
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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