Santorini, one of the best-known of the cyclades, differs from the other islands in the group thanks to its geological morphology, the results of action by a volcano now dormant. The landscape on the western side of the island, where towering cliffs crowned by tiny and blindingly white houses plunge straight into the depths of the sea.

The steep coastline of the west is countered by the vast beaches of teh east side, some of them sandy and others with pebbles. From the landing-place, Skala, we can climb up to Fira, the capital, on foot or on donkey-back. There is a funicular railway for those who wish to avoid the hundreds of steps. Fira is very attractive, with winding narrow streets, arcades and a quarter where the Catholic nobility once dwelt. There is a most important Museum, with prehistoric finds (monstly pottery), a large collection of vases dating from the 7th and 6th centuries BC (including the pieces known as 'Thera ware'), a few Archaic and Classical pieces, and some Hellenistic and Roman sculptures and portraits.

There is a superb view out from Fira to the Kaenes, the two islets of black stone created by the volcano. The islets can be visited by launch. Ancient Thira is a site of great archaeological interest which was ocupied by Phoenicians, Dorians, Romans, and Byzantines. Down the centre of the city runs the Sacred Way. The buildings include groups of houses, market-places, baths, theatres, sanctuaries, the residence of Ptolemy Euergetes, tombs of the Archaic and Classical periods and Early Christian remains. On the surrounding rocks the names of the god Apollo and of men and boys are inscribed in the ancient alphabet of Thira.

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