Activities

Wineries & Wine Tasting in Santorini

12 August, 2010 By inherrero

For those who want to enjoy some local flavor of the island, a visit or two to the vineyards in Santorini is almost mandatory. Santorini wines are unique in the sense that, without fresh water and in the midst of an arid environment and hot wind, the vines are grown in a particular way.

Vineyard in Santorini

Plants rarely exceed one meter in height and irrigation given to the majority of vineyards are obtained from the distillation of dew in the morning. Moisture is absorbed by the volcanic pumice embedded in the lava rock.

Vineyard in Santorini

All this means that while an average of, for example, the Rhone Valley vineyard can produce as much as 4000 kilos of grapes per hectare, Santorini, maximum performance will be approximately 10% of this. Thus, in Santorini wine should concentrate on producing quality wines, rather than mass consumption. There is a total, at last count, 10 wineries on the island, several of which have “open” wine tasting, certainly during the summer. They are organized in several of these group visits. Here you have a summary of some of the wineries offer tasting and tours:

MEGALOCHORI
+30 22860 23557 Antoniou Winery: Visits are arranged by appointment.
+30 22860 81011 Boutari Winery: Summer open daily from 10.00 – 19.00
Gavalas Vineyard +30 22860 82552: open from 15 April to the end of October from 10.00 – 20.00

Mesa & Exo Gonia
Argyros Estate +30 22860 31489: Visits are arranged by appointment
Roussos Canava +30 22860 31349, open from May to September daily from 11.00 – 19.00
Art Space Argyros Canava +30 22860 32774: open every day from 11.00 until sunset, in winter, is open Monday to Friday from 10.00 – 16.00

PYRGOS
+30 22860 32552 Hatzidakis Winery: Visits are arranged by appointment
Santo Wines +30 22860 22596: open from March to November from 10.00 – 20.00

Vothonas
+30 22860 31322 Koutsogiannopoulos Winery: Open from April to October 12.00 – 20.00 and from November to March from 09.00 – 14.30 (except Sundays)

OIA
Sigalas Estate +30 22860 71644: open from June through August weekdays from 10.00 – 19.00 and weekends from 11.00 – 21.00

The most famous wine in Santorini is the Vinsanto, not to be confused with the Italian Vino Santo. Vinsanto wine has been produced since antiquity. It is a sweet wine, very aromatic which is made from grapes dried in the sun, whose flesh is softened in oak barrels. In the Middle Ages, it was exported to various parts of the world (Istanbul, Venice, Trieste).

It was also very popular among travelers, since it was rich in calories and resistance. From 1774 to 1840, it was also exported to the Black Sea area and Russia. After those years, the popularity of vinsanto wine has decreased but nowadays has become to be competitive and since 2002 has been awarded the title of PDO (Protected Designation of Origin).

Filed Under: Activities, Wineries & Wine Tasting

Diving in Santorini

12 August, 2010 By inherrero

Diving has become a popular sport in recent times and many tourists prefer to explore the volcanic island diving. Here you have a list of the main centers of diving on the island:

Santorini Dive Center: operates from the beach of Perissa and Akrotiri with easy access to all good sites, which are easily accessible from the diving station located in the small beach below the cliffs of Akrotiri.
Phone: 0030 22860 83190
Website: http://www.divecenter.gr

The Diving Volcano, located in the Dolphin Hotel in the center of the beach of Kamari: the center began operations in Santorini in 1999. The diving equipment in the center has over 30 years of experience in training of divers with varying levels of skill.

MDC: the Mediterranean Diving Club, established in Perissa Beach since 1998, is a renowned diving center that serves all kinds of courses, from diving for beginners, PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors advanced diving open water).

Navys: a PADI five star center and is part of the Marina Club, which also has a bar, a restaurant and a cafe with internet access. It can be found on the beach in the village of Kamari. Offers daily snorkeling, diving trips and tours, and courses for beginners and offshore.

Filed Under: Activities, Diving

Volcano Tour in Santorini (Nea Kameni)

12 August, 2010 By inherrero

From the ports of Fira or Athinios, you can visit the islands of the caldera. The complete tour lasts 3 hours, costs 20 euros and includes a visit to the island of Nea Kameni, where the active volcano is located, and a dip in the sea in hot sulphurous water.

If you take the boat from Fira, we must bear in mind that you can access the port in three ways: on a donkey, on foot or by cable car. If you have time, go on foot, since the view is spectacular.

Boat to the volcano, Fira, Santorini

The uninhabited island of Nea Kameni (New Burnt), located in the center of the caldera, hosts the “National Geological Park of Nea Kameni” which is the active volcano of Santorini. Park entrance costs 2 euros. The island is devoid of vegetation. The ascent to the summit is about 20-30 minutes on foot. There is no crater, only some hot small depressions containing sulfur and gypsum crystals from which comes the smell of sulfur smoke (smokers). This island has been formed by successive volcanic eruptions, the last of which took place in 1950.

Volcano, Fira, Santorini

Right now the volcano is in a state of tranquility just a few miles below the island. The only thing that testifies to its existence are the vents of hot gases that are seen in the top of the island and some coastal areas of hot sulphurous water.

Hot springs & church next to the volcano, Santorini

Some advices about this tour:

Since it includes both a walk around the volcano and bathing in hot springs near the volcano, do not forget to bring flip-flops, and sports shoes for walking. It is also very important that you take water because heat is very strong. As for the bathing hot springs, tend to leave quite torn clothing that you use for bathing. This does not mean that the bathroom is bad, but because they have sulfur water.
As for booking the tour, you can do it well in the same ports of Athinios or Fira, or in almost any lodging and car reservations offices across the island, since they already have agreed with the boat trips and sell tickets. And very importantly, without any commission, you will pay the same price for the excursion at the ports than in the lodgings.

There is an extension of this tour, which brings you to visit the island of Thirasia and then takes you to Oia to watch the sunset, costs around € 40. From here I suggest you go to Oia on your own, because what you are going to enjoy more.

Filed Under: Activities, featured, Volcano Tour

Sunset in Santorini

12 August, 2010 By inherrero

Santorini is one of the best places on earth in regard to watch a sunset. In fact, few places can match the beauty of the view of the sunset of Santorini.

Hundreds of visitors to the island have been in love with the sunsets of the island. Most visitors agree the sunset of Santorini is a surreal experience. Cities and towns of Santorini are dotted with buildings that were built after the disastrous 1956 earthquake. Many of the oldest buildings collapsed in the earthquake and the new buildings, including hotels and restaurants have been built on the cliffs above all to offer visitors and residents alike, the beautiful views of natural beauty Santorini and its sunsets.

Sunset in Santorini

For the avid photographer, there’s no place like Santorini. It is the mecca of outdoor photography. Many internationally renowned photographers have made many amazing pictures, especially those representing the sunset in Santorini. There is great demand for hotel rooms in particular in the picturesque village of Oia, which offers some of the best views of the magnificent sunsets in the whole island of Santorini.

Sunset in Santorini

Note that if you want to see the sunset in Oia, it is important that you approach early, given the number of people who tend to be there. 19:00-19.30 is ideal for enjoying this show.

Filed Under: Activities, featured, Sunset

Hiking in Santorini

12 August, 2010 By inherrero

Who could expect that Santorini had more to offer than luxury hotels, hospitality, services, restaurants and nightlife? It is no coincidence that Santorini is the leading destination that combines comfort with adventure, relaxation exercise and, above all, the mountains overlooking the sea. These contrasts can be experienced through this hiking guide that reveals the beauty of Santorini that hides in the mountains, beaches and trails inaccessible volcanoes.

Routes that can be done on the island:

Church of Agios Georgios (Imerovigli) – Skaros Rock: 1.5 km with a maximum duration of one hour and a half.
Ancient Thera – Perissa: 2.5 km with a duration between 40 minutes and hours.
Fira – Oia: about 5.5km and lasting one to two hours.
Kamari – Church of Pigi Zoodochos – Ancient Thera: 3 km with a duration between one and two hours.
Megalochori – Agios Nikolaos: 0.5km lasting between 30 minutes and 45 minutes.

Filed Under: Activities, Hiking

Agios Georgios – Skaros

12 August, 2010 By inherrero

Overview: the route consists of about 1.5 km, and takes to complete a maximum of an hour and a half, depending on the stops that are made to rest and take photos. It is important to wear sunglasses, hat, sneakers, sunscreen and water.

Here you have a link where you can see the route on a map with detailed photos: See route

Skaros Rock, Imerovigli, Santorini

The church of Agios Georgios is the perfect place to prepare and relax before the trip since the road leading to Skaros is a few meters from the church. After a few minutes, you will meet the small chapel of Agios Ioannis, which is a perfect place to take pictures. Below, the view improves. You will pass near some ruins, old houses that are credited to Skaros was inhabited.

Once you reach this part of the route, decide the way ahead. The one in front of us leads directly to the tip of the rock. The other one on the left, surrounds the rock at 20 meters below the summit. You should do both of them.

Theoskepasti, Skaros, Santorini

On the way up the rock shall be witnesses of the ruins of buildings and houses cave (hyposkafa) surrounding it in the past, buildings that recall its former glory. Following the path, you will reach a point where you will find yourself alone with the rock. If you return to find the second path, beware, because it is very narrow, but do not miss the opportunity to continue, since it will take you to an incredible landscape. A few minutes later and after a decrease of 200 steps, you will find the chapel of Theoskepasti.

Filed Under: Activities, Agios Georgios – Skaros, Hiking

Ancient Thera – Perissa

12 August, 2010 By inherrero

Overview: the route is about 2.5 km, and takes to complete from 40 minutes to an hour and a half depending on the stops that are made to rest and take photos. It is important to wear sunglasses, hat, sneakers, sunscreen and water.

Here you have a link where you can see the route on a map with detailed photos: See route

The path to Perissa is an old road, which takes the traveler on the slopes of Profitis Elias and Vouno Mesa. After starting, after a few minutes walking in the sun, you will find the area where the cremation burials were found in the Archaic period.

Panagia Ketefiani, Santorini

10 minutes later you’re going to start feeling the benefits of the huge mass of rock on the left, the shadow of Vouno Mesa. On your right, you can see Profitis Elias Monastery which stands proudly at the top of the mountain. After 20 minutes, you will find a small road on the left that leads to a rock with a cross on top and an arrow pointing to a new address unknown.

Do not hesitate to go this route if you have the strength. After the hard climb, a reward emerges from the rocks, the chapel of Panagia Ketefiani. Returning to the main road, you will realize that you are very near the end of the road. In 6-7 minutes, it appears the asphalt road where you turn left towards the sea and, after a 8-10 minutes walking, the square of Perissa appears where it is located one of the largest churches in the island called Timios Stavros.

Filed Under: Activities, Ancient Thera - Perissa, Hiking

Fira – Oia

12 August, 2010 By inherrero

Overview: the path is about 5.5 km, and takes to complete from one to two hours depending on stops that are made to rest and take photos. It is important to wear sunglasses, hat, sneakers, sunscreen and water.

Here you have a link where you can see the route on a map with detailed photos: See route

The route starts at the beautiful church of Elias Profitis in Fira. Thanks to an impressive 360 degree view, this is an amazing place for photos and a good opportunity to rest in the shade of pine trees, after the street that comes from Fira.

There, you’ll find a big rock that is the way towards Oia. The rest of the way will be pretty rocky, but also cooler as you walk in the shadow of the mountain. On the left, you will find a million opportunities to take photos of the blue waters of the Aegean Sea.

Further afield, the road becomes smoother. Later, the path is interrupted by some buildings, do not worry, the trip is not over. All you have to do is walk on the road for about 400 meters to find a coffee shop that sells soft drinks, food and water. Behind the coffee shop, the road begins again. Do not make the mistake of following the road, because you’ll lose the wonderful route through the spine of the mountain.

You’ll get to a small white church called Stavros, this is a good time to rest and take pictures. Before leaving the church, you can follow a small path leading to a red hill with a bunch of rocks on top of it. The view from there is magnificent.

The final route is dressed in white. The volcanic ash that covers the path and the white rocks on the right create a lunar landscape. After the white road, the journey is over, but then begins another chapter about landscape photography: Oia.

Filed Under: Activities, Fira - Oia, Hiking

Kamari – Church of Zoodochos Pigi – Ancient Thera

12 August, 2010 By inherrero

Overview: the route consists of about 2.5 km, and takes to complete from 40 minutes to an hour and a half depending on the stops that are made to rest and take photos. It is important to wear sunglasses, hat, sneakers, sunscreen and water.

Here you have a link where you can see the route on a map with detailed photos: See route

The route begins in Kamari, close to Hotel Matina. It starts from a paved road uphill with lots of curves. The road is an old street, surrounded by a section of the cemetery of the ancient city. Zafeiropoulos excavations N. (1961 – 1982) revealed the street and its numerous tombs. It covers a large part of the long history of the city that was inhabited since the eighth century BC to the early Christian centuries.

This is a little difficult route as it is uphill and the sun tends to warm strongly. Fortunately, you can find several points to take a rest in the shade of the pines. At one point, you can see the Santorini airport. At halfway, we will find a small path that leads right to the church of Zoodochos Pigi.

Church of Zoodochos Pigi, Santorini

The church, built in the depths of a huge rock, is under the shadow of two carob. A perfect place to relax in the cool shade and take pictures of Kamari which is 200 feet below. The church is actually a white expanse of rock and offers an incredible natural source of drinking water. The water is clear and fresh and fully justifies the name of the church (Zoodochos Pigi = source that gives life).

From here you can go to the top of the hill to the ancient Thira. If you choose to continue the journey, follow the same path from the church towards the paved road up. After 15 minute walking uphill, you’ll reach the top of the hill, a circular plateau that lies between Profitis Elias and ancient Thera. The view is incredible, Perissa & Kamari are ahead. There you will find a cement table that illustrates the map of ancient Thera.

Ancient Thera, Santorini

Once there, you’ll find three options:

Go up the hill to the Monastery Profitis Ilias.
Go left (looking left towards Perissa) to the archaeological site of Ancient Thera.
Continue straight on the road towards Perissa.

Filed Under: Activities, Hiking, Kamari – Zoodochos Pigi Church- Ancient Thera

Wineries & Wine Tasting in Santorini

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