Smithsonian Journeys Dispatches

Summer in Santorini


The Iconic blue-domed Church of Anastasis of Santorini. Photo: Patrick Wagner

Santorini, southernmost of the Cyclades Islands, is the source of many of our sunny, white-washed dreams of Greece. Also the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history (about 3,600 years ago), Santorini now sits on the edge of a mostly-submerged caldera. Some believe that this eruption (called the Minoan eruption), sunk the mythical civilization of Atlantis.

The ancient site of Akrotiri includes streets, multi-story buildings, walled squares, and workshops. Pipes with running water found at Akrotiri are some of the oldest ever discovered. Discover them for yourself - join us in Greece for the sea, sun, and ancient sites.