Santorini · Greece · Series
Santorini in 20 seconds: why it looks like this
Santorini looks the way it does because the island is the rim of a volcano. An eruption about 3,600 years ago collapsed the centre and the sea flooded in, leaving towns on cliffs above a caldera. The houses are limewashed white to stay cool, most blue domes belong to small churches, and Oia faces west over open water, which is why its sunsets draw a crowd.
The places in this film
- 1
The caldera
The flooded crater of the volcano, about ten kilometres across. Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia sit along its rim.
- 2
White walls, blue domes
Limewash reflects the summer sun. The most photographed domes are in Oia, a short walk from the main lane.
- 3
The stairs
The old port below Fira is linked to town by hundreds of steps, with a cable car beside them. Walk down, ride up.
- 4
The sunset
Oia's castle viewpoint fills up well before sundown. Imerovigli and the caldera path give the same sky with room to stand.
Plan it
- Best time
- May, June, September and early October. July and August are hot, crowded and the most expensive weeks of the year.
- How long
- Two or three nights is enough for the caldera towns, a boat trip and one beach day.
- Getting around
- Buses fan out from Fira. The caldera path from Fira to Oia is a walk of about three hours. A car helps for the beaches and Akrotiri.
Good to know
- Stay in Imerovigli or Firostefani for the view without Oia's foot traffic.
- Cruise ships bring the biggest crowds around the middle of the day. Mornings and evenings are calmer.
- The beaches are volcanic sand, dark and hot underfoot. Bring sandals.
Frequently asked
Why are the houses in Santorini white? +
They are coated in limewash, which reflects sunlight and keeps the interiors cooler through the Aegean summer. Lime was also cheap and mildly disinfectant. The white and blue look later became the standard for the Cyclades.
Is Santorini a volcano? +
Yes. The island is what remains of a volcano that erupted around 3,600 years ago and collapsed, letting the sea in. The small dark islands in the middle of the caldera are newer lava, and the volcano is still classed as active.
Where is the best place to watch the sunset in Santorini? +
Oia's castle is the famous spot and the most crowded. Imerovigli, Firostefani and the caldera-edge path between Fira and Oia face the same direction and are much quieter.
