Thera island
Thera island
Thera is the biggest remain of the old Strongyle island. It looks like a half moon shaped island and it is composed of the ancient beds of rocks that were accumulated at that point 200 millions years ago. After various transformations as the centuries went by, they sre nowadays the highest mountain of Santorini, known as Prophet Helias mountain (565 meters altitude). The beds of rock complex lie to the west towards Pyrgos village and to the caldera rim and to Athinios port. A limestone 20 meters high rock to the east (close to the airport) is known as Monolithos (single rock). It used to be a separate island before the Minoan eruption, which was unified with Thera when the masses erupted from the volcano were spread along the entire island.
The largest part of the surface of Thera is covered by small volcanic mountains such as the north mountainous area where Megalo Vouno (big mountain), Kokkino Vouno (red mountain) and Mikros Prophetes Helias (Small Prophet Helias) are locates, composed of lava, ash and sinter.
The capital of the island, FIra town, has been built on the top of the caldera edge (220 meters). There is a small port on the bottom of the cliff, below Fira accessible (from Fira) either by the cable or through a big amount of steps connecting the town with the port. There is also a second port, Athinios, where the ship anchor and it can be accessed by car. The most popular village of the island, Oia, is located to the north part. The famous Perissa, Kamari and Perivolos beaches are on the east side and the ancient site as well the modern Akrotiri village are on the south part of the island.
Therasia island
Therasia island Santorini
Therasia is also known as Mikri Thera (small Thera) and it is located to the northwest of Thera. It is composed of volcanic beds of rocks and their highest peak is at 295 meters, at Vilgos mountain. Manolas is the biggest village of Therasia and there is a smaller one called Potamos as well as a Monastery to the Virgin’s Dormition. It is inhabited only for a few days during August when the Dormition of the Virgin Mary is celebrated.
A church devoted to Saint Irene has been built in Therasia island and the thing is that it is said that Santorini was named after that church! Tourists visit Therasia frequently where they can enjoy a peaceful natural environment. The small port of Therasia hosts the boats that transfer people from Santorini. Most of them visit the beach next to the port. It consists of pebbles and pumice but people like swimming there.
Aspronisi
Aspronisi island Santorini
Named after its white color (aspronisi means “white island”) it has been covered by pumice due to the Minoan eruption, just like Thera and Therasia. It is an uninhabited island and hard to access its mainland.