Facts about Santorini & 5 day tours on the island

Last Updated on June 6, 2025 by George Pavlopoulos

Santorini is hands down one of the most desired destinations for travelers. However, while some of the most iconic locations are worldwide famous, some interesting facts about Santorini remain unknown to travelers. Therefore, in this short article, I will share some of the lesser-known Santorini facts with you, accompanied by a few photos from my previous visits to the island.

Moreover, after each of the facts about Santorini, you will see a recommended activity for your stay. Most of them are guided tours around Santorini that will help you discover the beauty of this unique Greek island. Since I want you to make the most out of your stay, I handpicked the Santorini tours based on the high-quality services of the people providing them. Last but not least, at the bottom of this post, you’ll find a short travel guide to Santorini.

So, let’s start now with the facts about Santorini.

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5 Facts about Santorini & 5 Fantastic Day Tours

Famous for its volcanic eruption but also for the whitewashed houses and the terrific landscape, Santorini welcomes millions of travelers. However, there’s no lack of fascinating stories about the unique Greek island, and that’s what this article intends to cover. So, let’s discover some lesser-known facts about the gem of the Cyclades.

Santorini inspired Jules Verne

Nea Kameni is an island of volcanic origin in the center of the caldera of Santorini. The locals refer to it as “the volcano,” and it started taking its form around 1570. Nea Kameni presented volcanic and seismic activity throughout its history, which resulted in multiple eruptions and earthquakes.

Due to this activity, two new islands appeared on the 10th of May 1866, known as the Isles of May. However, the Isles of May were short-lived, and today they lie a meter beneath sea level. A guard first inspected the appearance of the islands, and they soon intrigued the scientific community.

The Academy of Paris sent to Santorini a scientific committee led by the famous Ferdinand André Fouqué, an expert in volcanic eruptions. Among the foreign travelers that reached the island was also Jules Verne. The writer wanted to observe the Santorini phenomenon, which inspired him a lot. Verne writes about Santorini in his book 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and he also used Santorini as inspiration for The Mysterious Island. In one of the chapters, captain Nemo and his crew observe from up-close a volcanic eruption.

Recommended Santorini boat tour for history lovers

You will sail from Athinios Port to the small volcanic islands on this tour. First, you’ll stop at Nea Kameni and walk to the crater of the active volcano. After exploring the island, you’ll head to Palea Kameni and swim in the hot springs. Last but not least, you will enjoy a short sail to the picturesque island of Thirassia.

Book this tour here and feel like Jules Verne for a day. Alternatively, book a Volcanic Islands cruise and see them up close.

The Santorini volcano possibly led to the collapse of the Minoan civilization

While this clause still causes debates among academics, Santorini’s volcano might be the reason behind the collapse of the Minoan civilization. The so-called Minoan eruption refers to the eruption that took place in Santorini approximately in 1600 BCE. The eruption was so big that it created a tsunami, and the ash reached Crete, which lies 110 km (68 miles) away. The explosion is still assumed to be one of the biggest volcanic eruptions in human history.

This incident was a turning point in the Bronze Age; soon, the Mycenaeans invaded Crete and occupied it. There is an ongoing academic debate on the consequences of the volcanic eruption. Some claim that the eruption destroyed the Minoan civilization, while others believe that it strongly impacted the island’s economy, led to famine, and subsequently contributed to the decline of Minoans. No matter what, the Thera eruption had a major impact on the Minoan civilization and life in the Mediterranean.

Santorini boat tour for luxury lovers

In this tour, you will explore the clear blue waters of the Santorini Caldera aboard a luxurious catamaran. You will swim on several beaches, and during the five hours of the tour, you will also have delicious barbeque and meals onboard. Stunning views and hot springs relaxation are also part of it.

Book the luxury boat tour around the island here.

It was not always called Santorini

The name Santorini became a powerful brand name during the last decades. However, while it is probably the most recognizable Greek island, it wasn’t always called Santorini. In fact, its name changed a couple of times throughout its history.

At first, due to its circular shape, it was called Strogili (Greek: Στρογγύλη, “the round one”). However, after the volcanic eruption of 1613 BC that destroyed a big part of the island and gave it its current form, it was renamed Kallisti. The word Kallisti (Greek: Καλλίστη) means “the most beautiful.” The first person to ever inhabit the island was a man from Sparta called Theras, and that’s why the name Thera is still in use.

However, for the name Santorini, we have to move a couple of centuries forward. It was actually during the Crusader era in the 13th century. The Crusaders used the area near the church of Agia Irini as their refueling base. The church was in the area of today’s Perissa, and the maps of the time referred to the island as Saint Irene or Santa Irini. It didn’t take that long before the locals renamed it Santorini.

Recommended Santorini boat tour for beach lovers

A full-day cruise around Santorini. An open bar will await you, together with swimming and snorkeling gear. You will visit all the beaches of Santorini and the volcanic islands.

Book this excellent cruise here.

The unbeatable wines of Santorini

Apart from its breathtaking landscape, Santorini is home to more than 20 wineries. The flourishing wine industry of Santorini bases its production on the indigenous Assyrtiko grape variety. However, apart from the world-famous Assyrtiko, you will also find other varieties like the Athiri and Aidani (white wine) and the Mavrotragano and Mandilaria (red wines). And, of course, the sweet and strong Vinsanto, which in Italian means “Holy Wine,” and it’s a dessert wine made from sun-dried Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Aidani grapes.

Due to Santorini’s ashy volcanic soil, the local wines are extremely dry and have a strong citrus scent.

A fantastic Santorini tour for wine lovers

A four-hour wine-tasting tour around Santorini is a must for your stay. This is a small group tour that will take you through Santorini’s wine history. You will visit the most famous wine estates, such as the Argyros Estate or Art Space Winery, the Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum, Venetsanos Winery, or Gavalas Estate Winery. Moreover, you’ll taste 12 different wines, such as Nykteri, Assyrtiko, and Vinsanto, accompanied by local delicacies, including cheese and olives.

Book the wonderful wine tour here.

The Caldera of Santorini is the only inhabited in the world

One of the fascinating facts about Santorini is that its caldera is actually the only inhabited in the world. A stunning spectacle of its own, the caldera has loads of houses to accommodate everyone. While the island has a population of 15,500 people, more than 2,000,000 travelers visit Santorini every year.

That said, one of the best things to do if you are in Santorini is definitely to explore the two most famous settlements on the island, Fira and Oia while walking along the breathtaking Caldera. While Oia is renowned for its sunset, Fira is the place you will most likely see first when you arrive in Santorini. Last but not least, there is a hiking trail connecting the two settlements, and it’s not that hard to walk it. However, avoid doing it early in the afternoon because of the sun’s intensity.

Recommended Santorini tour for food lovers

Tasting local delicacies is one of the best things about traveling. Now, add to that the fact that you can do it in the only inhabited caldera in the world. This small Santorini food tour will take you around Fira for four hours, and you will taste several local dishes while enjoying the caldera. Is there anything more to ask?

Book the food tour here.

My Santorini Resources

I’m adding here a short section with Santorini resources. Since Santorini receives many visitors every year, I recommend you book your flights, ferry tickets, and hotel in advance. Below you will find the best options for traveling and staying in Santorini.

Flights to Santorini, Greece

From Athens, you can fly to Santorini in 30 minutes. It is a short, often pricy, but always rewarding flight. Landing in Santorini is breathtaking: you will see the caldera and the stunning cliffs. Aegean Airlines operates daily several direct flights from Athens to Santorini. You can check the low-fare calendar here to find the best prices.

Ferries to Santorini

Numerous ferries reach daily Santorini from Piraeus. The sailing time depends mainly on the route, but usually, you won’t need more than 6 hours to reach it. The journey is delightful because you’ll stop on several islands in the Cyclades before reaching Santorini. Traveling by ferry will offer you a slower but more authentic Greek island experience.

I always book my ferry tickets via Ferries In Greece. Their search engine will show you plenty of itineraries, and you can choose the best option for your journey. Check it out below.

My favorite hotels in Santorini, Greece

Do not start a journey to Santorini without booking a hotel. Finding accommodation in Santorini can be challenging during the summertime, and the last thing you want is to arrive there only to realize that there’s no place to stay. In addition, last-minute accommodation in Santorini can cost a fortune; therefore, book your hotel room in advance.

I only recommend the places I have stayed in myself. However, there are loads of places to stay. That said, beneath my recommendations, you will find an interactive map of the best hotels in Santorini. Check them out and decide, depending on your budget.

Where I stayed:

• San Giorgio at Fira, Santorini.
• Sunset Paradise Apartments at Oia, Santorini.
• Smaragdi Hotel at Perivolos, Santorini.

Please use the interactive map below for all other accommodation options in Santorini.

Facts about Santorini: Final thoughts

Even though the island gets overcrowded, Santorini is a place to visit at least once in your life. The landscape is impressive, and if you visit it off-season, you’ll have a more relaxing time. Apart from the landscape, the island is rich in history and delicious wines. Moreover, joining a day tour will expose you to the island’s natural beauty while enjoying some great activities. After all, places like Santorini can offer a full experience to travelers, and it’ll be a pity to miss things during your journey.

More about Santorini: Santorini photo tours with prices, Santorini shore excursions

More Greek guides: How to book your ferry tickets, Domestic Greek flights

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