In an eerie, barren landscape, a tall chimney stands as a reminder of the island’s industrial history, eager to whisper stories about man, society, production, and even life itself to every visitor. We are next to Vlichada beach, at the “D. Nomikos” Tomato Industrial Museum, transformed in 2014 from a factory into a modern cultural venue.

Its goal is to offer visitors a flashback to the past, following the course of cultivation, processing, and production of Santorini’s trademark. Cherry tomato has been a PDO (product of Protected Designation of Origin) since 2006, and at the same time, one of Santorini’s most famous traditional products. A visit to the museum is an authentic experience. It allows the visitor to understand the traditional methods used by Santorini’s tomato growers while exploring the history of the place, its people, and its traditions.

The visitor can also taste the local tomato paste and even get a can as a souvenir -which he will seal for himself by using an old, traditional sealing machine.
Vlichada, Santorini, tel. +30 2286085141

One of Santorini’s characteristic Easter customs is the “tin cans,” which takes place in the village of Pyrgos during the Epitaph procession on Good Friday. Thousands of tin cans are being placed during the Holy Week on every spot imaginable; house roofs, alleys, et al. These tins – which can be close to 20,000 – contain woodchips and paraffin. During the Epitaph procession, groups of young people light them, creating a unique spectacle. If you have the chance to overview the village of Pyrgos, you’ll see it glowing from one end to the other. These tins will keep burning until the early morning of Good Saturday. It is a unique spectacle worth seeing and experiencing.

This is the island’s first industrial winery, built back in 1949 by the Venetsanos family. It is located just above the port of Athinios, with a stunning view of the Caldera. Visiting this unique facility is a remarkable experience, as you feel like you’re walking through the rock, trying to find a way out to enjoy Caldera’s unsurpassed view.

However, at the same time, it brings you closer to the island’s wine history, as the Venetsanos family has a long tradition in this specific field. In the beginning, they were producing and distributing it on a local level. As it became more popular, the family started exporting it. The company broke one record after another. As the founder’s children, George and Tzanes, took over, they expanded the product range, including other alcoholic drinks. Right after World War II, in 1947, Santorini’s first industrial winery was built to significantly reduce energy consumption, as both the must and wine were moved through the facility without any mechanical means by using the force of gravity solely. This was a practice also used for the wine’s transportation to the docks for export.

After a short interlude, the family reacquired the winery -in specific, the heirs of George Venetsanos, Anastasios-Nikolaos Zorzos, and his brother Evangelos Zorzos. Along with the oenologist Ioanna Vaivakouri, they founded the Venetsanos Winery. The company’s primary goal is the production of high-quality wines, focusing on local varieties such as Assyrtiko. At the same time, however, their goal is to educate the public in terms of wine knowledge. A visit to the winery will help you understand and assimilate the history of wine in Santorini and the significant role of the island’s volcanic soil in producing outstanding wines.
Megalochori, Santorini, tel.: +30 2286021100, www.venetsanoswinery.com

A route that takes your breath away and puts you for good in the spirit of life while you’re on the island. Its total length is about 9 km, most of them through the edge of the Caldera, providing you with stunning views of the landscape.

You can enter the path from Fira, following the signs in the direction of the cable car. Continue towards the Nomikos conference center, and in about 20’ you will reach Agios Gerasimos, located between Fira and Firostefani. After passing through the settlement and in the direction of Imerovigli, you will see the monastery of Agios Nikolaos in front of you. Next, you will find the churches of Agios Georgios and Agios Ioannis of Katiforis, right above Skaros. Follow the signs, and after descending a few steps, walk towards Hersonissos and the ruins of the island’s medieval capital.

The path passes right outside Imerovigli, as you’re about to enter probably the route’s most beautiful part. Follow the sign to Oia, and for just 300 meters, you will walk next to the highway. As you reenter the path, you’ll start ascending the Black Mountain, while at the top, you will find the church of Stavros, and you’ll have the chance to enjoy a panoramic view of Oia. You’ll pass in front of the desalination plant, and soon you will enter the settlement of Oia. It is a path whose images will stay in your memory forever.

Its red sand makes it unique, but it’s not just that. It is its blue-dark crystal waters, the underwater hot springs, the black pebbles, the lava monoliths. It’s a totally unreal and, at the same time, absolutely real scenery. Visiting Red Beach is something unique. It is one of the island’s most famous beaches and one of its main attractions. As they are shaped by sunlight, the impressive rocks and their shadows seem to create a new artwork during different times of the day. You have to follow the path that starts after the parking lot at the western end of Akrotiri beach to get there. However, if you do not want to reach the beach, you can see it from afar, from the path’s starting point.

The prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri came to light in the late 60s, thanks to professor of archeology Spyros Marinatos. It is estimated that it was built in the 18th century BC and was entirely covered thanks to the volcano’s great eruption. However, this incident helped the archaeologists discover a fully preserved settlement. It is definitely a sight worth visiting.

This is probably the island’s most beautiful and famous beach, right next to one of the largest villages of Santorini. It is located below Ancient Thira, the city founded in the 8th century BC by the Lacedaemonians and was inhabited until the early Byzantine times. Kamari has all the spark and liveliness anyone seeks during the holidays, and it is definitely a must-visit destination in terms of entertainment.