Welcome to ICVS 2008

VILLAGES

Santorini’s villages have kept their traditional character with white-washed buildings, narrow, winding, cobbled streets and exquisite blue-roofed churches. Some of the villages are perched on the top of 300 m high cliffs and offer gorgeous views. Some of the most beautiful villages include: Thera, Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, Megalochori, Akrotiri, Pyrgos, Messaria, Exo Gonia, Finikia, Emporio, Katarados. For further details about each village you can download the pdf guide.

TASTES

Santorini owes its worldwide uniqueness to the peculiar ecosystem that was created due to successive volcanic explosions and lava that burnt rocks and formed a porous terrain of porcelain slabs. The composition of this terrain combined with drought and the island’s microclimate, which is a result of territorial humidity and the morning coolness, caused by sea vaporization at the point where the caldera is located, give the produce of this land an extra special taste.

BEACHES

The island is full of original and scenic beaches that have unusually colored sand due to past volcanic activity. Deep, clear-blue water is found in the western part of the island, where the caldera is, where as beaches with black or red sand, polished black stones and pumice stones are found in the eastern part. Most beaches have full tourist facilities, offering a wide range of amenities. Two of the better known beaches worth visiting are the Red Beach and the White Beach.

Red Beach (Kokkini Ammos)
Not far from the archaeological site of Akrotiri is Kokkini Ammos. Here, one does not only find black sand and blue water, but also red sand. The beach took its name ("red beach") from the impressive red lava cliffs dropping to the sea and surrounding the beach. This impressive beach seems to have been painted on one of the frescoes found in the Minoan settlement.

White Beach (Aspri Ammos)
At a walking distance from Kokkini Ammos, in the West, you will find Aspri Ammos "white beach". Another scenic environment, where the cliffs surrounding the beach are whitish. Access is possible by boat or on foot.

NIGHT LIFE

Santorini Island is famous for its lively nightlife. There are many lively bars and clubs in the main tourist areas of Thera, Oia, Perisa and Kamari.
Thera is the most popular place in Santorini and many cafe bars or clubs are situated along the caldera (the cliff-top).
Caldera (Thera) bars and cafes are usually built into decorated caves and renovated old houses. For this area there are very strict laws about music and closing time. These bars will generally close earlier.
Clubs and large bars operate during summer months and stay open to the early hours. There is usually a fee at the door which includes the first drink.
Enigma, Koo and Dom are the best known clubs, where the partying continues till dawn.
If you are in search of quieter nightlife experiences in Santorini, Oia is the place to be.