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| Santorini |
| Santorini is a group of islands in
the south Aegean sea : Thera, Thirassia, Aspronisi, the Christiana
Islands, Palia Kameni (Hot Springs) and Nea Kameni (Volcano).
The Province of Thera (Thira) is made up of Santorini, Anafi,
Thirassia, Ios, Folegandros and Sikinos - the Southern Cyclades
group. |
| Ira Hotel is located in Firostefani |
| Firostefani resides on the edge of
the Caldera cliffs high above the Caldera basin opposite the
Volcano and the island of Thirassia. Nowadays it is one of the
more prestigious areas of Santorini, and although in past times
it was considered a separate village, today Firostefani has
merged with Fira the capital, becoming one of its suburbs.The
name Firostefani means 'Crown of Fira' stefani = crown. Predominant
characteristics are traditional houses, narrow pathways, tranquility,
volcano views and wonderful sunsets. From Firostefani the views
stretch all the way past the volcano to Akrotiri Cape. |
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| Skaros Rock in Firostefani
is the site of one of Santorini's 5 Castle Fortresses |
| Skaros was one of the five fortified
settlements and the most important one. The rock was inhabited
in medieval times, because the fortress constructed there
offered protection from pirates. Skaros was the capital
of Santorini until the 18th century, although evacuation
of Skaros started at the beginning of the 17th century.
The rich Roman Catholics who had once lived there had
moved to the town of Fira, abandoning the castle for a
lower flatter level with access to the sea. |
| On the left you can see Skaros
Rock |
| Shopping Center & Nightlife |
| Fira is has the largest shopping
center on the island as well as the largest selection
of bars, clubs, cafes, restaurants and tavernas. Fira
is a short walk from the hotel and can be reached by the
Caldera footpath or the main asphalt road. |
| How to get to Santorini |
| Boats depart from Piraeus all
year round. During the summer season high speed hydrofoils
also leave from Piraeus. Direct flights from Athens International
Airport are available all year round. |
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| Telephone Prefix to Santorini |
| +30 22860 xxxxx |
| Island Capital : Fira Town |
| Built on the Caldera cliffs
on island's west coast |
| Main Port : Athinios Port |
| Food & Agriculture |
| Vineyards - grape cultivation,
cherry tomatoes, santorini cucumber, fava bean, santorini
capers and cucumbers = 'Katsouni', santorini watermelon,
chloro cheese, sweet pies = 'Melitinia' |
| Latitude |
| 36 19’ 56” to 36
28’ 40” N. |
| Longitude |
| 25 19’ 22” to 25
29’ 13” E. |
| Geography |
128 nautical miles from Piraeus
port on the mainland
63 nautical miles north of Crete
73 square kilometers in size
Permanent residents : 13,600 (2001 census) |
| Approx. Travelling Time to Santorini |
| By plane from Athens : 35 minutes |
| By Ferry from Piraeus Port
: 7 hrs 20 minutes |
| By Hydrofoil from Piraeus Port
: 4 hrs 15 minutes |
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| Our Favourite Things to Do in
Santorini |
| - QUIET SUNSET DINNERS AT A TAVERNA
IN FIROSTEFANI |
| - COFFEE, WINE & SUNSETS AT A PYRGOS
VILLAGE CAFE |
| - BEACH VOLLEY BALL & WATER SPORTS
IN KAMARI BEACH |
| - BOAT TRIP TO THE VOLCANO, THE HOT
SPRINGS & OIA |
| - STROLLING THROUGH OIA VILLAGE FOR
SHOPPING |
| - NIGHTCLUBBING ON THE CALDERA IN FIRA
TOWN |
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