of the volcano. (Regard by some to be the famous island of Atlantis). Due to The Island has a flexible landscape with steep rock formations, lush seashores and small white villages. It also claims remnants from the old Roman including baths, arenas and markets. Santorini is a group of islands in a disc about 10 KMs across - the rim of a large volcano that is still producing small islands in the centre. Colonies are scattered around the islands as a string of small villages. The famous white buildings are clustered close to one another one and over the cliff of the central caldera. Hiking paths and trails to lead all over the island, but an interesting time can be had been walking the routes that connect the settlements, talking to the friendly locals and exploring the shops. Another name for Santorini is Thira. Santorini is also a name for the family of islands surrounding Thira--once forming a single island prior to a major volcanic event in roughly 1500 B.C.E. The small island 
cradles a wealthy variety of landscapes and settlements. Visit usual architecture in the small village of Mesa Gonia containing a mixture of ruins from the 1956 earthquake and restored villas as well as a winery at the foot of the colony. Pyrgos is another notable village set inland with its grand old houses, remains of a Venetian castle and some Byzantine churches. The island has no natural source of water and so water is brought forth to the island via tanker from Crete. Fira is the fiery capital, a marriage of Venetian and Cycladic architecture, whose white cobblestone streets bustle with shops, tavernas, hotels and cafes, while clinging to the rim of the caldera nine hundred feet above the its port. If arriving by sea you can take a cable car up from the port or alternatively take a trip on one of the hundreds of mules up the 588 zigzagging steps. You could also attempt to walk up the steps but be warned, they are winding, narrow in parts with only low walls, they are covered in donkey excrement and the donkeys themselves will make no attempt to avoid you. Walking along a path for about twenty minutes will bring you to Imerovigli where you can take in the magnificent views of the island’s unique scenery from the tiny town. Just above Fira at the highest point of the island is the quintessentially Santorininian town of Ia, also sometimes spelled Oia, with its whitewashed walls sunk into the volcanic rock and its blue domes rising 
above the sterling beauty of the stunning, russet Ammoudi Bay. At dusk, the town attracts crowds of people venturing to see the sunset. Santorini's sunsets, as viewed from Oia, are reputed to be among the worlds most beautiful. Due to the spectacular and unique natural beauty of Santorini, many Greek singers have chosen the island as the setting of their videos. Greek and Brazilian TV series have been shot of Santorini, as well as some Hollywood movies (e.g. Tomb Raider II). Generally Santorini is a pole of attraction for Greek and international celebrities. The season starts on March 1 -- recommended by locals, as it's not too hot and not crowded at all. The period from December through February is very much the off-season. Over half of the businesses, including hotels and guest houses, may be closed. For those that are visiting for the cultural experience rather than to experience the beaches, this can be a great time to arrive. The weather may be cool but bargains are available and crowds non-existent.
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