MapsAbout Santorini
Geology
Special interest is drawn on Santorini and its geological formations. The volcanos in the Caldera and the area of Koloumbos are available for observation and study whether you are an expert or not.
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Santorini, a "window" for volcanology
By Professor Michalis Fytikas
The Santorini group of islands is unique as it is probably the only volcano in the world with its caldera in the sea. All of Santorini’s islands were formed... [more]
The eruption of the 17th Century B.C.
By Dr. Georges Vougioukalakis
In the late 17th century B.C. a huge eruption of Santorini’s volcano occurred. The eruption, which is also called Minoan, destroyed every trace of life... [more]
The hidden “dove” of Santorini
By Paraskevi Nomikou
The eruption of the submarine volcano Koloumbo, located 6,5 kilometres NE of Santorini, on the night of the 27th of September 1650, is the largest explosion that was recorded in Eastern Mediterranean during the past millennium... [more]
The unique volcano
- The volcano today
- The eruption of 1926
The present-day crescent shape of the island is a consequence of the activity of the volcano in prehistoric times. The island itself owes its very existence to the volcano.
The last huge eruption of the volcano dates back 3,600 years, to the late bronze age. Thirty million cubic meters of magma in the form of pumice and ash were blown to a height of up to 36 kilometers above the island. Pumice deposits, dozens of meters thick, buried one of the most prosperous pre-historic settlements of that period, feeding the myth of the lost Atlantis.
The mild activity of the volcano after this major eruption continues into the present (the most recent eruption occurred in 1950) building up two small islands within the caldera, Palea and Nea Kameni. These islands represent the volcano's most recent activity.
- Volcano tour
The marvelous dry climate and continuous sunshine create year around conditions which are perfect for observation, photographs and videos under an extraordinary variety of natural lights and colours that give the visitor the exceptional advantage of reaching the interior of the volcano by boat.
Further reading
Santorini
by Georges Vougioukalakis
Santorini: Volcano, Natural History, Mythology
by Walter Friedrich