| When you look at the extensive list of things to do | | | | houses many artifacts from all parts of the island, |
| on Santorini and the many sights to see, you will | | | | such as sculpture collections and clay pottery. Visit a |
| realize why this is one of the most famous of the | | | | cave house that dates back to the mid-1800's when |
| Greek islands. It is located in the Aegean Sea, about | | | | you visit the Folklore Museum in the Kontohori |
| 63 miles north of Crete, making it the most southern | | | | section of Fira. Watch the artisans at work at th3eir |
| of the Cycladic islands. You can get to this island by | | | | craft, visit an old winery and an art gallery featuring |
| air from Athens - a flight of about 40 minutes - or by | | | | the works of local artists. Learn the history of wine |
| ferry from just about all of the Greek islands. The | | | | making on the island with a visit to the Wine Museum |
| ferry ride will take about 8 to 12 hours depending on | | | | and see the many pieces of artwork on display at |
| the port of departure. | | | | the Art Space Cultural Center. |
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| If you like visiting archaeological sites, you will see | | | | In the center of the island there are two small |
| some of the best on the island of Santorini. Tow | | | | islands, which collectively go by the name of The |
| major civilizations left their mark on this island, one of | | | | Volcano. They are active volcanoes and the |
| which is prehistoric. Visit the prehistoric city of | | | | youngest in the Eastern Mediterranean region. There |
| Akrotiri, which is one of the most important | | | | are several hiking trails that will take you around the |
| prehistoric archeological sites in all of Eastern Europe. | | | | island. The longest of these is from Fire to Oia and |
| It is not only well preserved, but through the | | | | takes about three hours. Take a sea excursion to |
| numerous findings scientists have been able to | | | | visit the Volcano, which will also take you to |
| assemble an extensive look at the lives and culture | | | | Thorassia and Oia. One of the best ways to see the |
| of these people. The other site of importance to | | | | island is to take a coach tour on a day long trip and |
| archaeology is Ancient Thera, where an ancient | | | | has guided tours of specific locations included. |
| Greek civilization carved out a city from the | | | | Â |
| limestone rocks of Mesa Vouno. This civilization was | | | | The beaches of the island are spread out, but are |
| the largest urban site in the world from about the | | | | mainly located along the eastern and southeastern |
| 9th century until the spread of Christianity. | | | | coasts. Each beach has its own unique qualities with |
| Â | | | | sandy shores where you can stretch out and soak |
| There are many museums on the island that tell the | | | | up the sun's rays. There are numerous restaurants |
| stories of its past. Here you can get a glimpse into | | | | and cafes in virtually every part of the island and the |
| what made Santorini into the island it is today. The | | | | shopping in Fira is next to none. Here you will find |
| Museum of prehistoric Thera contains the artifacts | | | | quaint stores, and large department stores as well as |
| that have been uncovered at this archaeological site. | | | | outdoor markets. If you are looking for shopping of a |
| The paintings, for example, rival those found in the | | | | more ethnic variety, then the stores of Oia have |
| Acropolis. In Fira, the Archaeological Museum | | | | local crafts and works of art at unbelievable prices. |