Since the depths of time, Santorini was always recognized for her evocative character, her invigorating sceneries and her intoxicating sunsets; all of these were the result of the eruption of Thera, also known as the Minoan eruption, a major catastrophic volcanic eruption that took place in the second half of the 2nd millennium BC. Characterized as one of the largest volcanic events on earth in recorded history, the eruption devastated the island of Thera. The eruption caused huge tidal waves that destroyed the Minoan civilization of Crete located seventy miles to the southern part from the island. However, geologists have uncovered traces of this eruption as far as Anafi, Lemnos, Paros, Samothrace as well as the Nile Delta in Egypt.It’s no wonder why Santorini’s name has been recognized worldwide as one of the most beautiful places on earth; however, most of the people ignore the fact that Santorini refers to the island complex that comprises from Aspronisi, Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni, Thera and Thirassia, of which only the two isles are inhabited. It is worth stating that the official name of Thera was Strongili, which actually means circular in Greek. These five islands were created as a result of this major volcanic eruption. The Minoan eruption changed dramatically the geology of the island, as it used to have the shape of an almost complete ring enclosed from a shallower caldera before the eruption. Huge sections of the island collapsed into the emptied magma after the eruption when the caldera was significantly deepened and widened. However, the Minoan eruption also devastated significantly the economic center that Santorini was at that time; archaeological excavations brought to light an important Cycladic and Minoan town that that was buried beneath the volcanic ash for approximately four thousands years. Although it appears that people evacuated the island before the eruption, the findings in Akrotiri are quite impressive. This spectacular archaeological discovery has induced speculations that even relate the legend of the sunken Atlantis with the volcanic destruction of Santorini.

Hiking in an active volcano is undoubtedly an experience of a lifetime. Can you imagine exploring the youngest volcanic crater in the world? Undoubtedly, hiking in the active volcano of Santorini is a bullet point for your bucket list, as it combines the most exciting elements of this island of the Cyclades; from sailing to the volcano and walking to the active crater to capturing images with your camera and visiting the thermal springs! And the journey begins! Starting from Fira, follow the cobblestone path that leads to the peculiar cliffs of the old harbour. It is one of the most spectacular routes of Santorini with astonishing views to the surrounding area. When you arrive at the port, pick you boat to sail your winds across the caldera and the volcano of Nea Kameni. Make sure you have your camera with you! An outstanding hike up over this dormant mountain is challenging enough; though it worth the effort for the breathtaking views. Its just twenty minutes for observing the almighty beauty of Santorini! Whether you choose to follow your guide or you decide to explore the volcano by yourself, it will be thrilling. Reaching the top, a miraculous 360-degree view of the entire island of Santorini emerges from every point of the caldera challenging you to choose which of all is the best. A mixture of brown, red and yellow colours arise all around the volcano creating an inimitable canvas of an unknown, yet legendary, artist, none other than Mother Nature. Although you may have heard about hiking to Santorini’s volcano , the feeling of experiencing it for yourself is one-of-a-kind.