8 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SANTORINI
- Les Heintz
- Jul 14, 2021
- 2 min read
Santorini is one of the most famous and beautiful destinations in the world. Travelers are drawn to its unique sunsets over the caldera and the scenic streets full of white-washed houses.
Courtesy Andronis
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There's a lot to love about Santorini. It's located on the southern side of the Aegean sea and is a part of Cyclades islands complex. It's a popular wedding or honeymoon destination but is also just a wonderful place to escape and recharge. Its impressive vistas, and photogenic landscapes are inspiring and always create a romantic setting.
Here are 8 things you might not know about this wonderful island!
1. NAME ORIGIN
During the Neolithic era, the island was called Strongoli (meaning “of round shape”).
Years later, the island’s name was changed to the Kalliste (meaning “the most beautiful one”) and then, after the Greek independence, it was referred to as Thira after its capital city.
The name ‘Santorini’ is a contraction of the words “Santa” and “Irene” from the name of the old cathedral in the village of Perissa. Although,
“Thira” remains the official name of the island.
2. RESIDENTS
According to the 2011 census, the population of the island is 15,550. This local population expands in the summer months especially in the peak time of July and August. But despite its few residents, over 2 million tourists are estimated to visit Santorini each year.
3. NUMBER OF CHURCHES
As is the case throughout all of the islands of the Cyclades, Santorini is abundant with more than 600 temples of all shapes and sizes. Although most of them are quite small, it is believed that there are more churches than residential houses on the island. A lot of them are also private.
4. THE CALDERA
Another interesting fact about Santorini is that the caldera of Santorini is the only one inhabited caldera in the whole world. It is one of the few places on earth where cave houses and architectures are saved on volcanic soil.
5. WINE VARIETIES
In proportion to the size of the island, Santorini is the only place on the whole planet with so many wineries. Nine indigenous grape varieties are cultivated, including the famous Assyrtiko (the most sought-after greek wine).
Actually, there is so little rain on the island during the year, that wine is more abundant than water.
6. THE LOST ATLANTIS
Santorini is thought to be one of the possible locations for Atlantis. This is likely because historians have noticed the Minoan settlement of Akrotiri, discovered on the island of Santorini, was a developed settlement that was destroyed around 1,500 BC due to the strong eruption of the Santorini volcano matching the myth of Plato.
7. HOT SPRINGS
The island of Nea Kameni, also known as the Santorini volcano, is a volcanic island at the center of the impressive Santorini caldera. Nea Kameni is surrounded by warm dark waters which are known for their therapeutic benefits. The healing waters of Nea Kameni consist of iron and manganese which act against many diseases that older people usually suffer from.
8. VOLCANIC ROCK
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