A short boat ride across from Santorini, Thirasia is a sleepy volcanic island that offers pristine hiking and iconic Grecian architecture. Discover its hidden villages and unexplored coves on a day tour of this unforgettable Greek isle.
Zacharo Rooms overlook the Caldera and offer stunning sunrise and sunset views. Jimmy, the owner of the place, cares about his guests and is very helpful.
Armeni
Thirasia is a small island that lies in front of Santorini and is a great place to visit if you’re looking for peace and relaxation. It is home to many churches, beaches, and taverns, and is a perfect place to escape from the crowds of Santorini. The beaches are incredibly clean and the food is delicious. There are also several tours that are available on the island.
Located across from Ammoudi in Oia, Armeni is the quietest village on the island and is a good choice for those who want to avoid large crowds. It has beautiful views of the caldera and the sea. It is also home to a few taverns and cafes. The locals are very friendly and speak minimal English, but they’re still worth visiting for their incredible hospitality.
The history of Armenia is a rich and varied one, with periods of independence interspersed with long periods of rule by contemporary empires. It has been conquered by the Assyrian King Ashurbanipal (669–627 BC), the Achaemenid Empire, the Greeks, Romans, Sasanian and Afsharid dynasties of Iran, and the Ottomans. It is currently a secular, democratic republic.
Aside from the taverns and restaurants, there are a few other things to see in Armeni. The beach is a great spot to relax and swim, and there are several churches and monasteries on the island. You can also go hiking to see the sights. In addition, there are a few shops in the village that sell wine and other gifts.
Getting around Armeni is easy. The majority of visitors choose to rent a car or scooter to explore the island at their own pace. There are also buses that run between the villages on the island. Regardless of how you decide to get around, be sure to bring comfortable shoes and plenty of water. You should also be respectful of the island’s traditions and customs.
There are also a number of places to eat in Armeni, including the famous Yeremia Restaurant. It serves traditional cuisine and is a great place to enjoy a meal with spectacular views. The prices are moderate, but the food is well worth it. The service is excellent, and the owner, Jimmy, always makes an effort to talk with guests and ensure that they have a great experience.
Kamari
The emerald beach of Kamari is one of the most beautiful on Santorini. The pebbly black sand was formed after an eruption thousands of years ago, and it’s perfect for relaxing or swimming in the clear turquoise waters. The beach is lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars, and it’s a great place to hang out under the moonlit sky.
Kamari is one of the most touristy towns on Santorini, so it’s not the best choice if you’re looking for an authentic island experience. Most of the shops and restaurants are designed for package tourists, so they’re not really a good representation of the local culture. However, the hotels and apartments in Kamari are luxurious and affordable, so you can get a lot of value for your money here.
Another interesting attraction in the Kamari area is the ancient ruins of Thera located on top of Mesa Vouno. You can reach the ruins by walking or riding a quad bike. The road up to the archaeological site is extremely winding and requires a lot of confidence behind the wheel. You can also visit the Zoodochos Pigi cave, which is home to a large collection of ancient drawings and paintings.
In terms of food, the best places to eat in Kamari are Alexander’s Restaurant and the No Name tavern on the beach promenade. Both offer fresh fish and excellent Greek cuisine. Also try Metaksi Mas and Pentozali, both great options for meat lovers. There’s also a nice open air cinema at the big rock end of the beach, which shows a film every day at 21:30. The films change often and are published in a leaflet that you can pick up at most of the main tourist attractions on the island.
The nightlife in Kamari is mostly focused on the many restaurants, which are packed with families at night time. There are also some bars and a few clubs in the area, but most people spend their nights sipping cocktails on the sand or at the open air cinema. In Megalochori you can find a very unique experience at Symposion, where Argie and Yannis make shows and events with ancient music that they play themselves on traditional instruments.
Fira
Fira is the glitzy capital of Santorini and boasts a wealth of churches, galleries, and shopping hotspots. With careful planning, it is possible to visit all of the main attractions and take in some of the region’s delightful gastronomy in one visit.
Begin your explorations with a stroll around the town’s two central squares, Theotokopoulos and Firostefani, where you can peek at the dazzling Aegean Sea through gaps between buildings. Browse the town’s boutiques and galleries, and indulge in a gelato before relaxing at one of the many cocktail bars with caldera views. Volkan On The Rocks and Fig Tree are two excellent options.
Located in the center of town, the Archaeological Museum of Thira is a great place to learn more about the island’s history through its collection of sculptures and inscriptions from the Roman, Geometric, and Hellenistic periods. The small museum is easily accessible and a convenient addition to most itineraries.
The towns of Imerovigli and Firostefani are essentially suburbs of the city and offer more low key charm and a break from the tourist crowds. Both are easily reachable via a footpath along the cliff edge or by public roads. Both villages feature quaint traditional houses, narrow paths, and stunning views.
Head out on a half-day hike with Santorini Walking Tours and follow flint-strewn goat tracks spiked with purple thyme to discover abandoned villages and secret swimming coves. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and end your day in true Greek style with thimbles of white spirit raki served with meze snacks in one of the island’s low-roofed caves.
Fira is home to a good selection of hotels, but the best are the ones that are set back from the caldera and have easy access to shops, restaurants, and the best views. Try Tropical for a rock and roll bar or Franco’s for a more traditional atmosphere.
The island’s cuisine combines elements of both Italian and Mediterranean styles with local products like olive oil, honey, and grapes. The most common dishes include grilled meats, seafood, and pasta with tomato sauce. Local cheeses are also popular, including the creamy feta and tangy halloumi varieties.
Akrotiri
Akrotiri is a hidden gem that’s often overshadowed by its sister island, Santorini. The small island is a short ferry ride from Santorini and is home to ancient ruins and unique rock formations. It also has a handful of family-friendly places to eat and explore. During your trip to Thirasia, be sure to stop at one of the island’s small cafes and enjoy a cup of fragrant Greek coffee while gazing out at the caldera.
The prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri was buried under volcanic ash during the Bronze Age, but archeological digs have begun to reveal its secrets. The ruins of the city show that it was a sophisticated urban center in the late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age periods, with a well-planned sewage system and imported products from Egypt, Crete, and other nearby islands. Moreover, the city had strong political connections with other civilizations in the region and maintained trade routes with Minoan Crete, Cyprus, and Syria.
In order to make the most out of your visit to Akrotiri, be sure to take advantage of the guided tours offered by the archaeological site. These guides will allow you to enter areas of the site that are otherwise closed off to visitors and offer insight into the cultural history of the city. The guided tour will also give you the opportunity to see a number of rare frescoes that are unique to Akrotiri.
If you’re planning to spend a day exploring the ruins of Akrotiri, be sure to pack a lunch and plenty of water. You’ll also want to wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. In addition, it’s a good idea to wear a hat and a hoodie when hiking in Akrotiri.
While you’re at the archaeological site, be sure to check out some of the local tavernas for traditional Greek food. The restaurants at the Akrotiri Village are known for their excellent customer reviews and great prices. They serve a variety of dishes, including fava spread, tomato fritters, and fresh fish. In addition, they also serve a wide selection of wines.