Discover Santorini's Secrets: 12 Surprising and Entertaining Facts You Didn't Know

1. Volcanic Party Time

What did the ancient Greeks call a volcanic party? The Minoan eruption, of course! Oh, and speaking of parties, they seem to really know how to let off some serious steam on Santorini: The island witnessed one of the largest volcanic eruptions in human history around 1600 BCE, spewing about 28-41 km3 of dense-rock equivalent and serving as a marker horizon for archaeological sites throughout the Eastern Mediterranean. Talk about a blast from the past!
Source => en.wikipedia.org

2. Divine Architectural Ingenuity

Who needs central heating and air conditioning when you've got ancient Greek know-how and volcanic magic? No wonder the gods vacationed here: Santorini's traditional architecture uses local materials like Thiraic plaster and volcanic stone, creating bio-climatic, eco-friendly buildings that naturally regulate temperature, keeping them cozy in winter and cool in summer. The island's delightful communal spaces and strikingly simple, symmetrical mansions only add to its architectural allure, making Santorini a paradise for both gods and design enthusiasts alike.
Source => santorini-greek.gr

Did you know the world's oldest submerged city, Pavlopetri, lies off the coast of Greece? This 5,000-year-old "Ancient Greek Waterpark" calls for a mind-blowing deep-sea exploration. Time to grab your scuba gear!

=> Fun Facts about Greece

3. Fast and Furryest Horse Rides

Saddle up, trotters: the Santorini edition of "The Fast and the Furryest" is here to take you on a galloping good time through the island's most stunning scenery! Seriously, though: horse riding in Santorini is a popular activity, offering a unique way to experience the beauty of this picturesque location and capture some truly memorable vacation photos.
Source => santorinidonkey.com

4. Atlantis' Complicated Relationship

If Atlantis had a Facebook relationship status, it would be "It's complicated with Santorini": The island's Minoan settlement of Akrotiri, destroyed by a powerful volcanic eruption around 1,500 BC, might have inspired Plato's story of Atlantis, with catastrophic tsunamis in the Aegean Sea wiping out settlements on Crete as a bonus.
Source => greeka.com

5. Ancient Santorini's Ship-Faced Mural

Are you feeling a little "ship-faced"? It might just be the awe you'd experience upon seeing the ancient Santorini mural depicting a party of ginormous proportions, floating amidst fabulous florals and butterflies: The legendary Akrotiri fresco showcases a procession of detailed ships, perhaps portraying a maritime festival or a scene from an epic poem, complete with dolphins leaping between the boats à la Flipper and painstakingly drawn natural embellishments, forming a masterpiece as timeless as the ocean's tide.
Source => worldhistory.org

6. Screaming Volcanic Soil

If soil could talk, Santorini's would probably scream "I'm volcanic and I love it": this unique blend of lava, volcanic ash, and pumice stone is the secret sauce behind the island's 3,500-year-old self-rooted vineyards and their one-of-a-kind agricultural products. With minimal rainfall, the plants rely on humidity and sea mist sipped through the soil, while ingenious locals craft vine baskets called "kouloura" to nestle the grapes close to the grown for protection. Cheers to Santorini's amazing landscape and its quirky vineyard techniques!
Source => santowines.gr

7. Basket Case Vines

Ancient Greek vines were the original basket cases: Santorini's 3500-year-old Assyrtiko grape thrives on volcanic soil and gets woven into a unique "kouloura" basket shape by local growers to protect the grape clusters from intense sunlight and strong winds. This ancient pruning practice results in mineral-rich wines that have made the island famous among wine enthusiasts.
Source => greeceinsiders.travel

8. Smurf-Tastic Blue Domes

If the Smurfs had a field day redesigning a vacation destination, they'd undoubtedly leave their signature hue all over Santorini: The iconic blue domes of churches that pepper the picturesque island are hallmarks of traditional Cycladic architecture, visible from miles away and featured prominently in postcards and art.
Source => antoperla.com

9. Sizzling Red Beach Experience

Step right up, folks, to the sizzling world of Santorini, where your toes will wish they brought their own beach parasols: The Red Beach on this breathtaking island boasts not only a uniquely crimson sand and volcanic pebbles, but also a scorching hot temperature, making it more of a lunar landscape than a sunbather's paradise – so pack extra H2O and pails of sunscreen for this roasting experience!
Source => smartxpat.com

10. Ecclesiastical Fashion Revolution

Ladies, gents, and renegades, forget your armadillos and baguettes for the divine sanctuaries of Santorini – it's an ecclesiastical fashion revolution: While visiting churches on this picturesque island, you're not obligated to follow the traditional restrictive dress code of covering up arms and legs – shorts and sleeveless tops are actually acceptable. But do switch back to your conservative attire when gracing monasteries with your chic presence.
Source => tripadvisor.co.uk

11. Vinsanto: The Magical Wine

In Santorini, they like their wine like they like their secrets: aged, sweet, and well-kept. Legends say if you whisper your deepest desires into a glass of Vinsanto, it just might grant them (bottled genie not included): This famed wine hails from the island of Santorini and is made using a special blend of sun-dried Assyrtiko and Aidani grapes. Fermented for up to two months and aged for a minimum of three years in French oak barrels, Vinsanto comes in three tantalizing variations, each with its distinct flavor profile, making it the ultimate choice for pairing with your favorite guilty pleasures, from desserts to fancy cheeses and foie gras.
Source => santowines.gr

12. Moonwalking on Nea Kameni Island

Have you ever dreamt of moonwalking on the moon, but feared the lack of oxygen and human connection? Fear not, as Santorini's Nea Kameni Island is just the place for you—an Earthly alternative that won't leave you gasping: Visitors can explore this volcanic island created by a series of eruptions, soak in mineral-rich therapeutic waters, and even get up close and personal with an active volcano crater, all while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea.
Source => greeka.com