Santorini (Greek: Σαντορίνη) or officially Thira (Greek: Θήρα) is an island located in the Aegean sea about 120 miles from the Greek mainland. It's part of the Cyclades, a group of islands covering an area of about 28 square miles.
Today's Santorini is what is left after a huge vulcanic explosion. The ring form represents the borders of the caldera which collapsed after the magma chamber collapsed. The whole area is believed to be the most active volcanic region in the South Aegean Volcanic Arc.
It's landscape is therefore typically volcanic. Beaches show different colors from different kinds of lava. The inner coast is an impressive cliff rising up to 900 feet directly from the water that once filled the emptied caldera.
For a picturesque view of Santorini Island, visitors to the area should explore one of its many villages. The first stop for many tourists in the area is the lovely village of Fira. In this cliff-perched town, visitors can discover all of the charming views as Oia. The main downfall for Fira is the numerous tourists that flood the area during the busy season. For a better experience, tourists can walk just ten minutes away to the town of Firostefani. In this area, visitors can gain exceptional views of the active volcano and photograph the sunset. A trip on the local bus will also allow visitors to reach the town of Imerovigli. In addition to being a great spot to escape the tourists, this town is known for its resorts and stunning views of the sunset.