Though Greece may be most famous for its ancient history and delicious cuisine, it is hard to argue with its beautiful scenery as well, which is on full display on Santorini. A large island located about 120 miles south of Greece's mainland, Santorini is one of the most unique natural wonders of the world and offers adventure travel enthusiasts plenty of excitement.
Santorini's unusual history dates back to its earliest days. Most visitors will notice that the island is in a semi-circular shape and it can owe its current form to an enormous volcanic explosion that occurred around 1,630 B.C. The eruption drastically changed the configuration of the island, replacing what was once a mountain with a flooded volcanic caldera. It's this violent past that is partially responsible for what is a beautiful present.
Any stop at Santorini is not complete without a trip to Fira, the island's capital. The town of about 1,600 people is located on the edge of the cliffs and has become famous for its iconic white-washed houses. Despite being one of the most famous cities in Greece, Fira is somewhat hard to get to. However, that makes it ideal for travelers looking for some adventure on their trip.
To get to Fira, travelers have several options. While some might elect to ride the cable car, others can follow a narrow, steep path either on foot or by donkey. Though relatively difficult to get to, once travelers reach the town they'll realize it was worth it. Nowhere else, in the town can visitors get such a breathtaking panoramic view of the submerged volcano responsible for Santorini's current form.
Fira village highlights the island of Santorini
Posted on Tuesday, July 17th, 2012
