The current form of Santorini dates of 500 years ago, when it was formed the last island of the Caldera, Nea Kameni. Approximately 3.000 years ago, Santorini had a round shape form with a volcano of 2km in the centre. On the 1.650 b.C. a huge explosion took place and the entire central part of the island collapsed under the weight of the volcanic lava. On this event, the volcano broke inward and created a shallow hollow in the middle. The north and south part of the island were destroyed and the sea invaded the island by tsunamis of 250m, creating the famous Caldera of Santorini and the half moon which is the main island. The old crater remained active and sunk in the Caldera`s waters and during the past 2.000 years kept flowing lava and layer by layer of lava from eruptions of the old volcano, created the 2 central islands we find the Caldera.

During the great eruption, the island was inhabitated by the Minoan civilization, the very first civilization from Europe. This, brought up one of the most impressive myths of all times: The Lost Atlantis. It`s believed that Lost Atlantis is sunk in Caldera’s waters and burried by volcanic ashes and lava all over Santorini island. The Plato’s story tells that Atlantis was a round shaped island that was destroyed by a volcanic eruption by the rath of Zeus. According to Plato, Atlantis` civilization was vanished from the world, exactly as it happened to Santorini and the Minoan civilization. Maybe, here in this paradisiac island, lays this lost city so known all over the world.

The famous Caldera is located on the west coast of the island and it`s from the cliff side that you`ll have the most breathtaking view ever. The Caldera amazes the visitors in a perfect harmony of the nature`s construction (with the volcano on the centre and the rocks of petrified lava) and the human architecture. The Caldera is a geological formation, a volcanic crater full of water and there, you find the others islands that form Santorini: the volcano Nea Kameni (The New Burnt), the island of Palea Kameni (the Old Burnt), the neighbour island of Thirassia and the little Aspronisi (White Island). We believe that this jewel of the cicladics, inhabitated by many civilizations, such as the fenicians, the dorians, the byzantine empire, the venitians, the turks, italians and germans, is the sight for many myths and stories you`ll discover during your stay.

Another interesting fact is the constant change on the name of the island. In the beginig, was called Strongile for its rounded shape. The Minoan civilization called it Kalliste, the most beautiful. Then, it was called Thira in honor to a spartan king called Thebas Thiras that came to the island to defend it from warriors. The catolic name Santorini happened during the venetian colonization when a saint called Saint Irene was exiled and died on the island. On her honor a church was built and the island started to be worldwide known as SANTORINI. Other main attraction of the island is in Akrotiri, where on 1967 was found the ruins of a lost Minoan civilization destroyed by the great eruption of the volcano. It`s a pre-historical Pompey buried by lava and volcanic ashes where you can find houses with 3 floors, squares, markets, ceramic and pottery, articles for fishing and art, wall paintings, today all exposed in the Archaeologic Museum of Athens. Therefore, you may notice that in Santorini everything is possible and the history is amazing, such as the view. Discover yourself and enjoy your stay!