Santorini is the most southern island of the Cyclades, lying between Ios and Anafi.
It covers an area of 96 square kilometers, and measures 18km from the northern to southern tip. Its width varies from 1,3 km at the narrowest point to 6 km at the widest. The permanent population of 13.000 people lives in 14 villages. It is situated 130 nautical miles from Piraeus in the north and 70 nautical miles from Crete in the South.
The west coast of Santorini ends in a steep precipice – known as a Caldera, which is 300 to 400 meters deep and up to 300 meters high. The cliffs surrounding Caldera range in height from 150 – 300 meters.
villa Theras is situated on the highest archipelago with views overlooking most of the island, including Aspronisi, Palea and Nea Kameni and Thirasea. The villa is positioned in an historical part of Fira. It takes approximately 10 minutes on foot along the most beautiful foot path to reach the centre of the capital of Santorini. Due to the size of the island the main touristic beaches and villages are within an easily managable, 5 - 20 kilometer radius.
The Region
Capture that picture-perfect shot of white-washed houses, windmills and terraces backed by the incredible caldera. Fairytale style Oia is on the north-western tip of Santorini Island and is also famed for its romantic sunset as the charming village glows in hues of pink, purple, orange and yellow.
In a perched position with rugged cliffs below, the pedestrianised village of Oia is utterly enchanting. Explore the narrow lanes with boutiques, souvenir shops, cave houses and taverna terraces, follow twisting cobbled staircases and come across glimpses of the famous blue domes of Agios Spyridon Church, the ruins of Agios Nikolaos Castle and the glistening water.
The most energetic of guests can brave the steep steps down to Ammoudi Bay, a charming little fishing village with tavernas serving fresh seafood by the water’s edge. There’s a little rocky bay within a short hike where you can sit and watch courageous tourists jump from the cliffs as yachts sail by.
Visitors from across the island gather on Oia’s iconic terraces at sunset. To avoid the crowds, there are many other beautiful places where you can get the perfect photo as evening nears – book a sunset cruise or a kayaking excursion, venture up to Mávro Vounó Hill or discover another spot along the rugged western coast facing the caldera and its islands.
Beyond Oia, discover the most stunning vistas of the caldera by following the 10km long hiking path to Fira, walking along the rim of the caldera with the steep volcanic cliffs below, gazing out towards the volcanic islands. The sunken caldera is one of the oldest natural wonders of the world, formed during a devastating volcanic eruption in the Minoan era. Pack good walking shoes (some parts of the trail are more challenging than others), plenty of water and head off early or late to avoid the heat of the midday sun – the scenery is absolutely incredible (especially heading back towards the north-west at sunset).
As you approach the end of the hike, stop off in Imerovigli and climb the village steps for views of domes, belltowers and bougainvillea-clad terraces, again backed by the captivating caldera, then continue on to Fira, the welcoming capital of Santorini Island.
