SANTORINI
The legendary island is a natural wonder of the world!
A massive volcano eruption* which occurred in approximately 1620 BC formed the current shape and geomorphology of Santorini. Volcanic beaches (black, red & white) and lunar landscapes, create an amazing canvas that inspires poets, artists and lovers through the years. Santorini, like an immortal work of art, is floating in time, radiating energy, light and beauty that overwhelms the soul and the senses.
volcano eruption
*One of the largest volcanic eruptions in the past 10,000 years occurred in approximately 1620 BC on the volcanic island of Santorini in the Aegean Sea. The center of Santorini Volcano, is located approximately 118 kilometers to the north of Crete. Prior to 1620 BC, the island of Santorini, now known as Thera, was built up by layers of lava created by overlapping shield volcanoes, and it had experienced three significant eruptions that formed overlapping calderas, or collapsed magma chambers. Around 1620 BC, the fourth (and latest) major eruption created the present-day islands and caldera bay of Santorini Volcano. The caldera rim forms the western shoreline of the island of Thera.
Following the 1620 BC eruption, much of the previous island of Santorini was destroyed or submerged; this event may have been the inspiration for the legend of the “lost continent” of Atlantis. Far from legend however, many archeologists believe that the eruption was a major factor—or the immediate cause—of the destruction of the classical Minoan civilization of Crete.
The white rooftops of cities and towns trace the caldera rim on the island of Thera, and overlook the young central islands of Nea Kameni and Palaea Kameni, which both formed from lava domes and flows that started erupting approximately 1,400 years after the cataclysmic 1620 BC event. (NASA, Earth Observatory)
PYRGOS
The hotel is situated close to the vibrant central square, allowing guests to easily explore the lively atmosphere of the village. while being conveniently located near the village's vibrant central square and its array of dining, cultural, and historical attractions. Pyrgos itself is known for its tranquil landscape, providing a peaceful retreat for those seeking relaxation. The village offers a delightful selection of local restaurants and tavernas, where visitors can savor traditional Greek cuisine and experience the warm hospitality of the locals. In addition to the dining options, Pyrgos boasts cozy cafes, perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee or indulging in a delicious pastry. The captivating traditional settlement of the village is worth exploring, with its narrow cobblestone streets, traditional houses, and charming architecture. One of the prominent landmarks in Pyrgos is the renowned castle, locally referred to as "Kasteli." This historic fortress adds a touch of intrigue and provides an opportunity for visitors to delve into the village's rich history.
SANTORINI & WINE
The excavations at the site of Akrotiri have proved that wine making and trading were among the most important activities from the pre-historic era.
Thanks to geographical factors, the vines are very healthy. The sunshine and the strong winds, dry up any dampness on the fruit and prevent diseases. Organic cultivation is automatically applied in Santorini!
More than forty grape varieties grow on the island producing an average of 350 kilos per 1000sqm. The production is rather low, but the quality is extremely high.
Accounting for 80% of the island’s production, Assyrtiko is widely cultivated throughout Greece due to its high adaptability to different bioclimatic conditions. High acidity and freshness are characteristics of the wines made using this variety.
Mainly used for mixing with Assyrtiko, the white variety of Athiri produces wine with a high alcohol content.
Aidani, with its sharp aroma, is used along with assyrtiko in order to add aromas to vinsanto.
Full of phenolic elements and an amazing aging ability, Mavrotragano is a red variety which is indigenous to the Cyclades.
A white wine named Nykteri, which ages in the barrel for several months and has a high alcohol content. It owes its name (Nykteri comes from “nykta” = night) to the fact that, in the past, the vinification procedure would take place at night to eliminate the risk of oxidisation.
Vinsanto, a wine with a rich gold colour and an exceptional aroma achieved thanks to many years of maturation and aging in the bottle and the extra-mature sun-dried white grapes with which it is made.
Many wineries on the island of Santorini, one of the oldest wine-producing areas in the world, have now been opened up to visitors or turned into museums. Don’t miss out on the chance to visit them and do a little wine tasting yourself.
DID YOU KNOW…
Did you know that Santorini has 600 chapels & churches, 75 km of walking trails and 69 km of coastline…
Did you know that Santorini, like the volcano, has been dynamic, unpredictable and impressive through the ages…
Did you know that iconic works of art have been inspired by Santorini, including poems by Seferis and Elytis* and photographs by Bresson and Koudelka and many more…
Did you know that in Santorini you can find, Atlantis Books, one of the most beautiful and renowned bookstores in the world…
Did you know that some renowned movies, TV series and documentaries have been filmed in Santorini…
Did you know the cherry tomatoes, wild capers, delicious golden fava and sweet white eggplant are the stars of Santorini’s cuisine…
Gymnopaidia Santorini I
Bend if you can to the dark sea forgetting
the flute’s sound on naked feet
that trod your sleep in the other, the sunken life.
Write if you can on your last shell
the day the place the name
and fling it into the sea so that it sinks.
We found ourselves naked on the pumice stone
watching the rising islands
watching the red islands sink
into their sleep, into our sleep.
Here we found ourselves naked, holding
the scales that tipped toward injustice.
Instep of power, unshadowed will, considered love,
projects that ripen in the midday sun,
course of fate with a young hand
slapping the shoulder;
in the land that was scattered, that can’t resist,
in the land that was once our land
the islands, - rust and ash - are sinking.
Giorgos Seferis (1900-1971) From the Collection “Poems” (Ikaros Publishing) Translation by Edmund Keeley and Philip Sherrard.
Bend if you can to the dark sea forgetting
the flute’s sound on naked feet
that trod your sleep in the other, the sunken life.
Write if you can on your last shell
the day the place the name
and fling it into the sea so that it sinks.
We found ourselves naked on the pumice stone
watching the rising islands
watching the red islands sink
into their sleep, into our sleep.
Here we found ourselves naked, holding
the scales that tipped toward injustice.
Instep of power, unshadowed will, considered love,
projects that ripen in the midday sun,
course of fate with a young hand
slapping the shoulder;
in the land that was scattered, that can’t resist,
in the land that was once our land
the islands, - rust and ash - are sinking.
Giorgos Seferis (1900-1971) From the Collection “Poems” (Ikaros Publishing) Translation by Edmund Keeley and Philip Sherrard.
Ode to Santorini
You were the first to leap forth into the world,
Porphyrogenite, sea-begotten,
You sent to the far horizons
Blessings nurtured in the sea’s vigils
To caress the hair of daylight’s waking hour.
Queen of the heartbeats, and wings of the Aegean,
With words that convert the infinite
With fire, lava, smoke,
You discovered the great lines of your destiny.
Now justice stands revealed before you
Black mountains sail in the brightness
Longings dig their craters
In the heart’s tormented land
And from hope’s struggle a new earth is made ready
So that on a morning full of iridescence
The race that vivifies dreams
The race that sings in the sun’s embrace
May stride forth with eagles and banners.
Odysseas Elytis (1911-1996) From the collection “Orientations” (Ikaros Publishing) Translation by Edmund Keeley and Philip Sherrard.
You were the first to leap forth into the world,
Porphyrogenite, sea-begotten,
You sent to the far horizons
Blessings nurtured in the sea’s vigils
To caress the hair of daylight’s waking hour.
Queen of the heartbeats, and wings of the Aegean,
With words that convert the infinite
With fire, lava, smoke,
You discovered the great lines of your destiny.
Now justice stands revealed before you
Black mountains sail in the brightness
Longings dig their craters
In the heart’s tormented land
And from hope’s struggle a new earth is made ready
So that on a morning full of iridescence
The race that vivifies dreams
The race that sings in the sun’s embrace
May stride forth with eagles and banners.
Odysseas Elytis (1911-1996) From the collection “Orientations” (Ikaros Publishing) Translation by Edmund Keeley and Philip Sherrard.
