Santorini (Σαντορίνη) was classically known as Thira, and is an island about 120 miles from the Greek Mainland. It is the site of the largest volcanic eruption in recorded history. Known as the Minoan Eruption 3,600 years ago it may have lead to the collapse of the Minoan Civilization on Crete. Volcanic ash over 200 feet deep surrounds the crater. The eruption also led to a giant tsunami.
The name Santorini comes from a contraction of the name Santa Irini. (Saint Irene)
Saint Irene (whose name means PEACE), and a convert, herself was martyred in the year 384 by beheading after she refused to stop preaching the word of Christ.
There is speculation that Santorini and the eruption later led to the myth of Atlantis with excavation in the 1960's of an under sea civilization which appeared buried. Plato had once spoke of a lost city.
With an average temperature of 79 degrees in September, picture perfect sea, and the sugar white cube buildings with their cobalt blue shutters, domes and doors Santorini is an aesthetic, and well recognized, tourist paradise.
Tourism is their main industry. Followed by fishing.
The island has hundreds of stone steps and tourists can rent donkeys to help climb to the upper parts.
Santorini has no rivers and water is scarce necessitating cisterns to collect rainfall and the utilization of the few small freshwater springs. There are a great number of windmills on the island.
In recent years (1990's) a desalinization plant was built and provides running but non-potable water to most households.
A by-air tour of Santorini
https://youtu.be/fbumPrvwWmo
And from the ground
https://youtu.be/qTdJrdi7DS0
A more comprehensive tour of Santorini
https://youtu.be/SWMlagSQagg
A Santorini Sailing Tour
https://youtu.be/y8-BYuBGx6o
Now it is time to say
Αντιο. (AHN-dee-oh)
To both Santorini, and The Greek Islands!
Taking the month of October off from my virtual travels, but will resume Mayes' Year in the World with Turkey (how appropriate, eh?) in November!
