Santorini A small introduction to Santorini's history  
 

The most southern of Cyclades Islands, Santorini (Thira) and the small surrounding islands, Thirasia and Aspronisi, were once part of a single large volcanic round island, Stroggili (Circular).

The volcano eventually erupted (in 1645 BC) sinking the centre of the island, creating the Caldera and leaving the semi circled shape of modern day Santorini.

The magnitude of this eruption was supposed to be so great, that it was held responsible for creating tidal waves, reaching as far as Crete, 70 miles away, wiping out the Minoan civilisation in its entirety. This has caused much speculation as to whether Santorini was in fact the mythological lost city of Atlantis.

Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni appeared after continuous eruptions that started around 157 BC and continued right up until 1950.

The book "Twenty thousand leagues under the sea" was written by Jules Verne when he visited Santorini as a scientist during the eruptions of 1866 –1870, and the island has inspired many authors and artists since. (Read more on Jules Verne and Santorini)

The history of Santorini has generally been turbulent and seen numerous occupations, the last during the 2nd World War.

After recovering from the devastation caused by the war, the islanders were again to be targeted by a devastating earthquake in 1956. Many citizens fled Santorini to rebuild their lives elsewhere leaving the population to dwindle drastically.

The dawn of tourism however changed that, and gradually people returned to the island that has become one of the most famous in the Mediterranean.

Today Santorini is one of the most upmarket destinations in Greece and attracts varied audience from all over the globe, who even for a day, flock to see its incredible caldera, and the even more majestic architecture of the island. The sea is as great as in all Cyclades
 

Plan your Santorini vacation with the personal support of Orbit Travel's team