Welcome to ICVS 2008

GENERAL

Santorini is unique both in its shape and its landscape. The whole island is a volcano (still active today) and its actual shape is the result of volcanic eruptions over the years. The most important of these eruptions took place in 1500 B.C., when, all the western part of the island disappeared under the water. This formed the walls of the "caldera", the remains of the volcano’s old crater, a steep, 300m high, rock of volcanic material.

On the opposite side of the "caldera", to the west, two smaller islands, Thirassia and Aspronissi, form a circle with the main island, giving an impression of the island’s shape before the eruption.

Virtually, one can reconstruct a rather round island, as its ancient Greek name – Strongyli (meaning "round") - suggests. In the middle of this circle, two small islands made of volcanic material, appeared in more recent periods - Palaia Kammeni ("kammeni" meaning burnt in Greek) and Nea Kammeni. When reaching Santorini by boat the view of the "caldera" is truly breathtaking.

A steep cliff, composed of various colours, ranging from purple to vivid red and from various tones of grey to pale yellow, without any vegetation, stands out, threatening and discouraging anyone wishing to explore the island. The rest of the island, hidden behind this cliff, is totally invisible. However, when you reach the cliff-foot you start seeing small white houses, churches with blue domes, narrow paths and steps leading to the top.

VOLCANO

The present-day crescent shape of the island is a consequence of volcanic activity that took place in prehistoric times. The island itself owes its very existence to the volcano. The volcano’s last huge eruption dates back 3,600 years, to the late Bronze Age. Thirty million cubic meters of magma in the form of pumice and ash were blown to a height of up to 36 kilometers above the island. Pumice deposits, dozens of meters thick, buried one of the most prosperous prehistoric settlements of that period, feeding the myth of the lost Atlantis.

Mild volcanic activity, after this major eruption, continues into the present (the most recent eruption occurred in 1950) building up two small islands within the caldera, Palea and Nea Kammeni. These islands represent the volcano's most recent activity.

The marvelous dry climate and continuous sunshine create conditions which are perfect for observation and photography under an extraordinary variety of natural lights and colours. Visitors to the island often take the opportunity to experience a boat-journey to the volcano’s interior.