Santorini is the southernmost island of the Cyclades group. Its soil is volcanic and rocky at the end where the volcano is located. The island has a wealth of archaeology that includes the Ancient city of Mesa Vouno and the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri.

Santorini's culture includes a unique vernacular architecture, best exemplified by the settlements of Vothonas, Messaria, Finikia, and Megalohori and the advanced fortified settlements of Pyrgos, Emporio, and Akrotiri.

The island's moderate climate is due to its exposure to northeasterly winds, while winters on the island are temperate with average temperatures in the region of 10oC. Rainy winters alternate with dry summers, and the fertile soil is ideal for the cultivation of vines and tomatoes. The island has meager freshwater resources and few wells.

Santorini has a population of 7,000 concentrated in roughly 10 villages. Fira, the capital, and Oia, one of the prettiest villages in the Cyclades, are renowned for their sunsets. The "black" beaches with the sheer cliffs and the volcanic soil add to the island's unique landscape.

Santorini offers air links to Mykonos, Rhodes, Iraklio (Crete), as well as Athens and Thessaloniki. By sea, it's linked to Piraeus and Thessaloniki, with connections to Paros, Ios, Mykonos, Anafi, Naxos, Sikinos, Syros, Kimolos, Kithnos, Milos, Serifos, Sifnos, Tinos, Folegandros, Astypalaia, Karpathos, Diafani, Kassos, Rhodes, Halki, Iraklio (Crete), Skiathos, Skyros, and Volos. There's also a hydrofoil connection to Rafina and all the above-mentioned islands.