Santorini, known as the Pearl of the Aegean, is without a doubt one of the most picturesque and popular of the Greek islands. Its striking scenery and charming villages will leave visitors wanting more.
And those traveling with Costa Cruises have the chance to explore the best the island has to offer.
Athinos. This is the main port on Santorini, and while not a residential area, it features an impressive cliff overlooking the bay.
Oia. Built on the steep slope of the caldera, this quaint town is often called "picture perfect" thanks to its white-washed building and churches with domed, sky-blue roofs. It is perhaps the island's best-known village, in part because of the town's Cycladic houses and cave houses that are built into the face of the clifftop. Visitors can explore winding passageways and sun-dappled squares that overlook the sea.
Ammoundi. This small port can be reached from Oia by climbing down the 300 steep stairs near Fort Londsa. This small fishing village offers up a pebble beach and local taverns serving the catch-of-the-day fresh off the fishermen's boats and makes for a pleasant afternoon outing. Stay to watch the sunset and sip a glass of ouzo. It's also the spot from which to catch a boat to the nearby island of Thirassia.
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Armeni. To the southwest of Oia lies the Bay of Armeni and a small town reachable on foot or by boat. Once upon a time it was a port, where tourists arrived by boat and then traveled to Oia by donkey. Today, it's much quieter and is a laid-back little spot for swimming and a tasty meal.
Profitis Ilias Mountain. Named for the prophet Elijah, the Profitis Ilias Mountain is the highest point on Santorini and the ideal spot from which take in the stunning view. This mountain is also home to the Monastery Profitis Ilias, which started as a Greek language and literature school in the early 1700s and today houses an impressive collection of Greek Orthodox icons and artefacts.
Church of Panagia Episkopi. Set in the village of Mesa Gonia, which was the islands' most important wine tasting place before it was leveled in the 1956 earthquake, the Church of Panagia Episkopi is the island's most important Byzantine monument. It was built by Emperor Alexios A'Kominos in the late 11th century and today houses the icon of the Panagia Glikofilousa, one of the world's most priceless movable icons. Interesting fact: Twenty-six of the church's best artworks were stolen in 1982 and have never been recovered.
Fira. As Santorini's capital, it is perhaps the most important of all cities on the island. Perched at the top of a 250-meter cliff, its 18th-century buildings managed to escape destruction in the 1956 earthquake that leveled a large part of the island. During the summer, the city is packed with throngs of tourists who come to marvel at the scenery and explore the town's many shops, cafes and nightclubs and spend hours lolling on the black volcanic sand beach, the only one in the Greek islands.
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