Thira Santorini and the Santos Winery

Today's itinerary is going to be a bit different from the last couple places i have visited. A respite from ancient historical sites, as we are about to explore what must be one of the most beautiful and therefore photographed of all Greek islands, Thira.

Also known to many as Santorini (Venetian name), its blue domed churches have become an iconic image of this island and its cliff hugging villages.

From this map of the island you can see the devastation

caused by the 1700 BC eruption of the islands central volcano

The dome of the volcano now showing as the central island

within the caldera created in antiquity. This is what gives Thira

its unique topography, and its charm.

Today i am heading for a local winery called Santos Wines to try some of their locally produced products. Santos wines is a cooperative society of over 1200 growers. The promotion of all Santorini products is the most important mission of the Cooperative.

The winery is located high up in the Pyrgos area of the island and has a lovely terrace restaurant, which has fantastic views of the island and Caldera.

The wines produced on the island include a white, rose and a sweet dessert, all quite palatable with the odd olive or two.

So if your on the island, the Santos winery is worth visiting for the unbelievable view from the terrace, as well as the free wine and stuffed olives and other local delicacies.

Now fed and watered on we go to the most visited place on the island, picturesque Oia village. Just me and a thousand others.