Ritsa’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Bus departs daily from Pantheon hotel for the excursion of the Volcano, tickets can be found at the reception of Villa Olympia. Departure from Villa Olympia to the port where the boat will take you to the Volcano-Hot waters-Thirasia and at the end Oia for sunset, you have the option to stay in Oia or return to the hotel and in both options the bus will take you back to the hotel.
One of the greatest attractions of Santorini and of utmost importance is the volcano, whose former intense activity gave the island its current shape and morphology. Before the several volcanic eruptions that occurred throughout the years, some of which were submarine, the size and the shape of Santorini were quite different. It was a much larger, round island, hence its name used to be Strogili (circular).What is more, on the island of Palaia Kammeni there are hot springs known for their beneficial and therapeutic effects. The waters there contain sulfur and you can please yourself with an alternative mud bath. It is necessary that you swim in these waters to take your experience to a whole new level. To top it all, from there you can admire the breathtaking caldera from a different point of view that will completely amaze you.The island group of Santorini is the most well-known and active volcanic centre of the Hellenic Volcanic Arc in the south Aegean Sea. It is a very complex stratovolcano dominated by a large, sea-flooded caldera created by several large explosive eruptions.
Volcano of Santorini
Bus departs daily from Pantheon hotel for the excursion of the Volcano, tickets can be found at the reception of Villa Olympia. Departure from Villa Olympia to the port where the boat will take you to the Volcano-Hot waters-Thirasia and at the end Oia for sunset, you have the option to stay in Oia or return to the hotel and in both options the bus will take you back to the hotel.
One of the greatest attractions of Santorini and of utmost importance is the volcano, whose former intense activity gave the island its current shape and morphology. Before the several volcanic eruptions that occurred throughout the years, some of which were submarine, the size and the shape of Santorini were quite different. It was a much larger, round island, hence its name used to be Strogili (circular).What is more, on the island of Palaia Kammeni there are hot springs known for their beneficial and therapeutic effects. The waters there contain sulfur and you can please yourself with an alternative mud bath. It is necessary that you swim in these waters to take your experience to a whole new level. To top it all, from there you can admire the breathtaking caldera from a different point of view that will completely amaze you.The island group of Santorini is the most well-known and active volcanic centre of the Hellenic Volcanic Arc in the south Aegean Sea. It is a very complex stratovolcano dominated by a large, sea-flooded caldera created by several large explosive eruptions.
Ancient Thera is located on the top of Mesa Vouno Mountain which lies on the east of Prophet Elias Mountain and separates the coastal villages of Perissa and Kamari. It is about 365 meters high.There was a main paved road, many smaller paths.The public buildings were made of limestone, whereas the private ones of small, unsymmetrical stones. Two cemeteries, a theatre, markets, pagan temples, Christian churches, baths and more public buildings have also been discovered and indicate a sophisticated society where religion played an important role. Thera was the religious and commercial center of the island.
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Alt-Thera
Ancient Thera is located on the top of Mesa Vouno Mountain which lies on the east of Prophet Elias Mountain and separates the coastal villages of Perissa and Kamari. It is about 365 meters high.There was a main paved road, many smaller paths.The public buildings were made of limestone, whereas the private ones of small, unsymmetrical stones. Two cemeteries, a theatre, markets, pagan temples, Christian churches, baths and more public buildings have also been discovered and indicate a sophisticated society where religion played an important role. Thera was the religious and commercial center of the island.
The small church of Zoodochos Pigi (1825 - 1834), is located a stone's throw before Ancient Thira, at an altitude of 190 meters.Next to the temple there is a large and unique cave of the island with running water - holy water.There are also stalactites
Zoodochou Pigis
Zoodochou PigisThe small church of Zoodochos Pigi (1825 - 1834), is located a stone's throw before Ancient Thira, at an altitude of 190 meters.Next to the temple there is a large and unique cave of the island with running water - holy water.There are also stalactites
Access to the lighthouse is by road from the village of Akrotiri.You can see the view of the volcanic islands and gaze at the magnificent sunset.It is worth to visit it
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Akrotiri Lighthouse
Access to the lighthouse is by road from the village of Akrotiri.You can see the view of the volcanic islands and gaze at the magnificent sunset.It is worth to visit it
An extraordinary and very interesting museum lies in the center of Fira, the capital of Santorini, very close to the cable car. The Archaeological Museum of Thera is a very educational small gem that offers an insight into the island’s past and proves how sophisticated the civilizations that preceded us were. It was built in 1960 by the Ministry of Public Works since the previous one, constructed in 1902, had collapsed during the destructive earthquake of 1956.
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Archäologisches Museum von Thera
Erithrou StavrouAn extraordinary and very interesting museum lies in the center of Fira, the capital of Santorini, very close to the cable car. The Archaeological Museum of Thera is a very educational small gem that offers an insight into the island’s past and proves how sophisticated the civilizations that preceded us were. It was built in 1960 by the Ministry of Public Works since the previous one, constructed in 1902, had collapsed during the destructive earthquake of 1956.
The Folklore Museum of Santorini is located in Kontochori village, very close to the capital of Santorini, Fira. The museum is housed in a traditional cave house of Santorini, built in 1861 as an inscription on the canava wall indicates. The rooms of the house, which survived the earthquake of 1956, were renovated in 1973 and furnished with antique furniture, utensils and heirlooms. In 1993 an extension was added to the original building in order to house an art gallery and some workshops, as well as a chapel of the Saints Constantine and Helen, in memory of the founder’s uncle.
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Lignos Folklore Museum
The Folklore Museum of Santorini is located in Kontochori village, very close to the capital of Santorini, Fira. The museum is housed in a traditional cave house of Santorini, built in 1861 as an inscription on the canava wall indicates. The rooms of the house, which survived the earthquake of 1956, were renovated in 1973 and furnished with antique furniture, utensils and heirlooms. In 1993 an extension was added to the original building in order to house an art gallery and some workshops, as well as a chapel of the Saints Constantine and Helen, in memory of the founder’s uncle.
The red beach is arguably the most famous and beautiful beaches of Santorini. It is also considered as one of the most spectacular beaches in Greece. It is located in the area of Akrotiri and only some steps away from the ancient site of Akrotiri.The access is relatively easy there is a small mountain you will go all the way down that takes about 10 minutes. As you gradually get down to the beach you will be impressed by the different colorings of the cliffs. Many sunbeds and umbrellas cover the dark sand. Snorkelling is highly recommended due to the interesting underwater rocks formation. You can also access the beach by boats that depart from Akrotiri area.
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Roter Strand Santorini
The red beach is arguably the most famous and beautiful beaches of Santorini. It is also considered as one of the most spectacular beaches in Greece. It is located in the area of Akrotiri and only some steps away from the ancient site of Akrotiri.The access is relatively easy there is a small mountain you will go all the way down that takes about 10 minutes. As you gradually get down to the beach you will be impressed by the different colorings of the cliffs. Many sunbeds and umbrellas cover the dark sand. Snorkelling is highly recommended due to the interesting underwater rocks formation. You can also access the beach by boats that depart from Akrotiri area.
The White beach is actualy the cove right next to the Red beach, on the southern side of Santorini, near the village of Akrotiri. It is very similar to the Red beach, with black pebbles on the shore, only that the surrounding cliffs are white. This beach is accessible by boat.
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White Beach
Επαρ.Οδ. ΑκρωτηρίουThe White beach is actualy the cove right next to the Red beach, on the southern side of Santorini, near the village of Akrotiri. It is very similar to the Red beach, with black pebbles on the shore, only that the surrounding cliffs are white. This beach is accessible by boat.
Kamari black beach is quite similar to the landscape of Perissa, the beach is covered by black sand while on the left side of the beach is an enormous rock called Mesa Vouno that rises from the sea. The area is extremely attractive, especially at night when the rock shines in the dark. The beach of Kamari is fully organised offering a wide range of facilities like sunbeds, umbrellas and various types of water sports.
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Kamari Beach
Kamari black beach is quite similar to the landscape of Perissa, the beach is covered by black sand while on the left side of the beach is an enormous rock called Mesa Vouno that rises from the sea. The area is extremely attractive, especially at night when the rock shines in the dark. The beach of Kamari is fully organised offering a wide range of facilities like sunbeds, umbrellas and various types of water sports.
At the bottom of the scenic village of Oia, where you can admire the most striking sunset, on the northwest coast of Santorini, lies the charming, small port of Ammoudi. There are various ways to access it and it is totally worth a visit. You can reach it by car from Oia village, on foot by descending a series of steps (more than 200) Here there are no beaches, sand, sunbeds and umbrellas but you can have a distinctive experience by swimming from the dock. Nevertheless, it is preferable that you follow the path, past the taverns, that ends up in an awesome diving area with crystal clear waters. Along the path there are even high rocks, perfect for extreme dives,
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Ammoudi
At the bottom of the scenic village of Oia, where you can admire the most striking sunset, on the northwest coast of Santorini, lies the charming, small port of Ammoudi. There are various ways to access it and it is totally worth a visit. You can reach it by car from Oia village, on foot by descending a series of steps (more than 200) Here there are no beaches, sand, sunbeds and umbrellas but you can have a distinctive experience by swimming from the dock. Nevertheless, it is preferable that you follow the path, past the taverns, that ends up in an awesome diving area with crystal clear waters. Along the path there are even high rocks, perfect for extreme dives,
This is the most isolated beach of Santorini, located 8.5 km from Fira, the island's capital. While reaching Columbo you can park on the headland in two different positions and make your way down through a narrow path. The impressive landscape will amaze you. Surrounded by a wild landscape, Cape Columbo often gets windy. In fact, it is the wind and the waves that have formated the wild rocks of Columbo.Visitors should carry some water while there are no shops or restaurant nearby.
Paralia Koloumpo
This is the most isolated beach of Santorini, located 8.5 km from Fira, the island's capital. While reaching Columbo you can park on the headland in two different positions and make your way down through a narrow path. The impressive landscape will amaze you. Surrounded by a wild landscape, Cape Columbo often gets windy. In fact, it is the wind and the waves that have formated the wild rocks of Columbo.Visitors should carry some water while there are no shops or restaurant nearby.
It is located in the northern part of the island. Covered with black volcanic sand, like most beaches on the island, the beach at Baxedes is one of the most famous beaches of Oia,consists mainly of black sand and rocks. It is a choice for those who seek calm and complete relaxation during their bath.
Baxedes Beach
It is located in the northern part of the island. Covered with black volcanic sand, like most beaches on the island, the beach at Baxedes is one of the most famous beaches of Oia,consists mainly of black sand and rocks. It is a choice for those who seek calm and complete relaxation during their bath.
At the top of Profitis Ilias you can see the whole island from above.There is the monastery of Profitis Ilias located at the top of the mountain, at 567 m. Altitude with wonderful views of the island and is 3 km from Pyrgos Village
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Profítis Ilías
At the top of Profitis Ilias you can see the whole island from above.There is the monastery of Profitis Ilias located at the top of the mountain, at 567 m. Altitude with wonderful views of the island and is 3 km from Pyrgos Village
It might seem like the island of Santorini in Greece is wall-to-wall whitewashed villages, caldera views and sublime sunsets. But head south of famous Oia and Fira and you’ll find a different type of Greek settlement – the ruined city of Akrotiri.The remains of the Minoan town of Akrotiri are remarkably well-preserved. The settlement was all but obliterated in the middle of the second millennium BC, when the volcano it sat upon, Thera, erupted, and its inhabitants fled. The volcanic matter enveloped the entire island of Santorini and the town itself, preserving the buildings and their contents, and visitors can still identify houses and pots.
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Akrotiri
It might seem like the island of Santorini in Greece is wall-to-wall whitewashed villages, caldera views and sublime sunsets. But head south of famous Oia and Fira and you’ll find a different type of Greek settlement – the ruined city of Akrotiri.The remains of the Minoan town of Akrotiri are remarkably well-preserved. The settlement was all but obliterated in the middle of the second millennium BC, when the volcano it sat upon, Thera, erupted, and its inhabitants fled. The volcanic matter enveloped the entire island of Santorini and the town itself, preserving the buildings and their contents, and visitors can still identify houses and pots.
City/town information
The southernmost island of the Cyclades, Santorini owes its fame and its form to a unique worldwide geological phenomenon. The sheer cliffs of the caldera, with the spectacular combination of colorful layers of lava, pumice and ash, rise up from the sea as a permanent testimony to the tremendous upheavals of its geological past. And the enchanting whitewashed villages, crowning these marvels of Nature, declare man’s presence in this awe-inspiring Nature through millennia, a presence known to go back well back to the Neolithic Age.
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Thera
The southernmost island of the Cyclades, Santorini owes its fame and its form to a unique worldwide geological phenomenon. The sheer cliffs of the caldera, with the spectacular combination of colorful layers of lava, pumice and ash, rise up from the sea as a permanent testimony to the tremendous upheavals of its geological past. And the enchanting whitewashed villages, crowning these marvels of Nature, declare man’s presence in this awe-inspiring Nature through millennia, a presence known to go back well back to the Neolithic Age.
Oia, also known as Pano Meria, is considered the most picturesque village of Santorini and holds the position of the most visited spot for sunset viewing, as it provides an excellent view of the well-known sunset, probably the most famous sunset in the world. It is on the northwest coast of Santorini and it is built on the caldera slope.The buildings along the cliff are largely whitewashed, in keeping with most Greek island architecture. But what makes Oia’s architecture stand out is its trademark deep blue domed roofs. These domes typically denote churches
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Oia
Oia, also known as Pano Meria, is considered the most picturesque village of Santorini and holds the position of the most visited spot for sunset viewing, as it provides an excellent view of the well-known sunset, probably the most famous sunset in the world. It is on the northwest coast of Santorini and it is built on the caldera slope.The buildings along the cliff are largely whitewashed, in keeping with most Greek island architecture. But what makes Oia’s architecture stand out is its trademark deep blue domed roofs. These domes typically denote churches
Neighborhoods
Perivolos-Perissa beach:The beautiful beach of Perivolos is the longest black beach of Santorini. It is ideally located in close proximity to Perissa which is a mere 3 km away. This beach of Santorini lies on the southern end of the island,300 meters away from Villa Olympia hotel. It distinguishes for its sparkling azure blue waters and tranquil atmosphere.Perivolos is surely one of the most well-organized beaches of Santorini offering a plethora of exciting watersports facilities like scuba diving and jet ski,restaurant and beach bars.
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Perissa
Perivolos-Perissa beach:The beautiful beach of Perivolos is the longest black beach of Santorini. It is ideally located in close proximity to Perissa which is a mere 3 km away. This beach of Santorini lies on the southern end of the island,300 meters away from Villa Olympia hotel. It distinguishes for its sparkling azure blue waters and tranquil atmosphere.Perivolos is surely one of the most well-organized beaches of Santorini offering a plethora of exciting watersports facilities like scuba diving and jet ski,restaurant and beach bars.
Emboreio (sometimes known as nimboreio) is the largest and most attractive of the island’s inland villages. As often on Santorini, many of the oldest parts are built half-underground. In the midst of its tight tissue of passageways and streets are occasional sunken areas with a cluster of grotto-entrances and troglodyte dwellings.At the centre of the village is a fortified kastro, arranged around the church of the Panaghia.On the hillside of the mountain there are windmills. Emborio village is 1 km away from the hotel
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Emporio
Emboreio (sometimes known as nimboreio) is the largest and most attractive of the island’s inland villages. As often on Santorini, many of the oldest parts are built half-underground. In the midst of its tight tissue of passageways and streets are occasional sunken areas with a cluster of grotto-entrances and troglodyte dwellings.At the centre of the village is a fortified kastro, arranged around the church of the Panaghia.On the hillside of the mountain there are windmills. Emborio village is 1 km away from the hotel
the largest preserved village on Santorini and the island’s former capital. Strategically built in the heart of the pre-volcanic hinterland and at the foot of Mt Profitis Ilias, Pyrgos affords panoramic views. The main square, with its tall pine trees and quaint little coffee shops, is the focal point for socializing and entertainment. Regardless of the season, its busiest time is noon, when people gather for ouzo or Santorinian beer accompanied by excellent local meze.
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Pyrgos Kallistis
the largest preserved village on Santorini and the island’s former capital. Strategically built in the heart of the pre-volcanic hinterland and at the foot of Mt Profitis Ilias, Pyrgos affords panoramic views. The main square, with its tall pine trees and quaint little coffee shops, is the focal point for socializing and entertainment. Regardless of the season, its busiest time is noon, when people gather for ouzo or Santorinian beer accompanied by excellent local meze.
The location of the village offers sublime views on the breathtaking caldera on the west and on a vast valley on the east, full of vineyards that Megalochori is renowned for.Megalochori is a picturesque, full of life village with friendly, lively residents. The central square is the heart of the village where locals gather in traditional cafes to unwind and have fun, creating a warm atmosphere. It is definitely worth spending an evening here in order to be part of this sentiment and taste local dishes under the natural shade the trees provide. You can find traditional taverns, cafes and shops in other corners of the village as well.
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Megalochori
The location of the village offers sublime views on the breathtaking caldera on the west and on a vast valley on the east, full of vineyards that Megalochori is renowned for.Megalochori is a picturesque, full of life village with friendly, lively residents. The central square is the heart of the village where locals gather in traditional cafes to unwind and have fun, creating a warm atmosphere. It is definitely worth spending an evening here in order to be part of this sentiment and taste local dishes under the natural shade the trees provide. You can find traditional taverns, cafes and shops in other corners of the village as well.
Immerovigli is a picturesque village situated at the north of Santorini, only 3.5 km away from the capital of Fira. It is a continuation of Fira and one of the most beautiful balconies of the island, as located on a higher cliff.The position of the village provides a clear view of the caldera and the volcano.Today, Immerovigli is one of the recognized traditional settlements.In front of Immerovigli lies an enormous rock called Skaros. On top of it was a castle that was built during the 13th century but it was abandoned in the early 1800s.This part of the island collapsed after an earthquake, and only the huge hill of Scaros is left today.
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Imerovigli
Immerovigli is a picturesque village situated at the north of Santorini, only 3.5 km away from the capital of Fira. It is a continuation of Fira and one of the most beautiful balconies of the island, as located on a higher cliff.The position of the village provides a clear view of the caldera and the volcano.Today, Immerovigli is one of the recognized traditional settlements.In front of Immerovigli lies an enormous rock called Skaros. On top of it was a castle that was built during the 13th century but it was abandoned in the early 1800s.This part of the island collapsed after an earthquake, and only the huge hill of Scaros is left today.
Vlychada is an easily accessible beach by car, bus or walking, located on the south coast of Santorini,is 3 km away from the hotel.It is a lengthy beach with relatively shallow waters and dark volcanic sand and pebbles, like most beaches in Santorini. Not that crowded but organized with multiple sunbeds, straw umbrellas and a canteen.The small charming port close to the beach. Small yachts and boats anchor in the marina there and you can enjoy a meal including fresh fish in the local, traditional taverns.
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Vlichada
Vlychada is an easily accessible beach by car, bus or walking, located on the south coast of Santorini,is 3 km away from the hotel.It is a lengthy beach with relatively shallow waters and dark volcanic sand and pebbles, like most beaches in Santorini. Not that crowded but organized with multiple sunbeds, straw umbrellas and a canteen.The small charming port close to the beach. Small yachts and boats anchor in the marina there and you can enjoy a meal including fresh fish in the local, traditional taverns.
Tipps für Reisende
Verkehrsmittel
Regular bus services
Regular bus services, the reception informs you how to get around by bus. It is possible to rent a car or motorbike at the hotel
Buche vor der Abreise
Reservations for excursions and rentals are not required.
For any excursion or car or motorbike rental you can book them from the hotel the prices are very satisfactory. The reception provides all the information you may have and I am always at your disposal for any question and information.
Nicht verpassen
Sunset in Santorini and Volcano-Catamaran tours
There are many places on the island to see the sunset. Some of them are Fira, Oia, Akrotiri and Santo wine the highest point is Oia. Upon arrival I will inform you how to see the island and all the sights of the island.Bus departs daily from Villa Olympia for the excursion of the Volcano and Catamaran tickets can be found at the reception of Villa Olympia.
Was einpacken?
Comfortable shoes, light clothes and a jacket
Comfortable shoes and light clothes and a jacket for the evening hours. We have beach-pool towels. Almost all over the island you can pay by credit card.Payment by cash is made only on the Volcano excursion on the motorbike rental and in a small tourist shops.
Bräuche und Kultur
Churches-Monastery and festivals
You can visit the churches of the island as well as the monastery located at the top of the mountain.During the summer on big holidays there is a festival in the churches with local food wine and traditional music.For more information on the dates of the festivals please let me know which month you are interested in and I will let you know.
So kannst du sparen
Money saving tips
In all museums there is a payment entrance. There are several places on the island that you can visit without payment, some of them are.The mountain of Perissa located near the hotel Olympia you can hike along the route there are some ancient and reaching to the top the view is magical.In the village of Pyrgos there is an old castle that you can visit as well as in Imerovigli there is an old castle named Skaros overlooking the caldera.Nearby from Villa Olympia in the village of Emporio there are windmills and an old castle.In our surrounding area there are grill restaurants with low price
Nützliche Sätze
Greek words
Good morning: Kalimera
Hello: Gia sas
Good night: Kalinixta
Thank you: Euxaristo
Your welcome: Parakalo
How are you:Ti kanete
I am well thank you:Eimai kala euxaristo
Have a nice day:Kali sas mera
I would like to order:Tha ithela na paragilo
May i have the bill please:Ton logariasmo parakalo