The Island & History

Santorini is mostly a water-filled caldera formed by one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history, the Minoan (Thera) eruption, about 3,500 years ago. The island received the name Santorini from the Latin Empire in the 13th century, referencing Saint Irene, while earlier names included Kallisti, Strongyli, and Thera.

The eruption buried the island in volcanic ash and may have contributed to the collapse of the Minoan civilization in Crete, possibly through a massive tsunami. Some theories also link this event to the legend of Atlantis.

Excavations at Akrotiri since 1967 revealed a well-preserved Bronze Age settlement with multi-level buildings, streets, and detailed wall paintings, showing an advanced civilization that thrived between 3000 BC and 1580 BC.

Akrotiri was a 16th-century BC Minoan town with about 30,000 inhabitants. Volcanic ash preserved its two- and three-story buildings with Minoan wall paintings. No skeletons or valuables were found, suggesting residents were warned by earthquakes and evacuated before the eruption. After the disaster, Santorini remained uninhabited for a long time.

Later, Dorian settlers established their capital at Ancient Thira in the 9th century BC, naming the island after their leader Thiras. According to Herodotus, Santorini had seven towns and later became involved in conflicts between Athens and Sparta.

Excavations at Akrotiri also revealed advanced plumbing systems with hot and cold running water, and its sophisticated layout has often been linked to Plato’s description of Atlantis.