Discovering the island of Santorini (Greece - Cyclades)

In the extreme south of the Cyclades we find the impressive volcanic island of Santorini. The parts above the water are the remains of a volcano that caved in more than 3,500 years ago after an enormous eruption. But even though the last eruption was in 1950, volcanic activity is real and is monitored continuously. In fact, four kilometers down lies the volcano's magma chamber, a lava reservoir that is still pretty full. Santorini has the characteristic color of volcanic earth. Fiera, the administrative center of the island, stretches along the edge of the caldera. Its spectacular situation defies the laws of balance 300 meters above sea level. After the great eruption of the 16th century BC, the island remained unoccupied for nearly 200 years. Today, every last square meter of its limited space is used. There's a cable car to take you rapidly down to the old port of Santorini. It's a dizzying ride down the side of a volcano. The journey used to be done on a mule back and there are still people keen on trying it. A boat takes you to the islet of Nea Kameni in the center of the caldera. Two islets seem to float on the surface of the caldera. They're much more recent than the island proper, with volcanic matter that is distinctly less decomposed. The volcanic activity is very closely monitored so as not to put at risk the safety of visitors. Risks of an eruption are always kept in mind. All over, wisps of gas and smoke are reminders that the volcano is well and truly active. Yes, I know that it might erupt, but I hope we'll have enough time to get away from here by boat. Meanwhile, you can enjoy the warm water heated by subterranean springs. Oh, I love Santorini. It's my first time. Inland, farming has been able to develop on a much richer earth than in the caldera. Local produce is displayed in the village. This is a liqueur made from red grapes and that's nectar, also made with red grapes. It's dry and this is eau de vie. During the day, it is very hot. At night, damp air comes in off the sea. Fortunately, the Meltem softens the extremes and the island enjoys a microclimate that favours grapes. The vines grow close to the ground to avoid the wind. Santorini wines have two types. First of all are the dry white wines and the second is the dessert wine with the name Vinsanto. Vinsanto is a dessert wine from the same grapes, but it's sun-dried. For that, it's a sweet wine. Volcanic rock is very porous. It absorbs the humidity and releases it little by little to the plants. As the island goes through long periods of drought, the water stored in this way is a precious insurance for one of the oldest vine cultures in the world. The heritage of Santorini is deeply marked by the world of the wine growers. We've made cellars in order to obtain a constant temperature all throughout the year and to keep the wine. There aren't many cellars like this one left, but I've kept mine so I can get together with friends. Cheers! Vines were grown on the island well before the catastrophe, as has been verified on the site by Acrotiri. Acrotiri, the ruins of a flourishing city discovered in 1967. The towns of the Cyclades today all reproduce the same overall plan. The town was destroyed by earthquakes which preceded the eruption of the volcano. As in Pompeii, it was buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash, but the inhabitants must have had time to get away. The site, protected by the ash for 3,500 years, enjoys a new protection today. Along the coasts, the beaches have an unusual colour. The sand is not sand, but pulverised volcanic rock. At the northern point, the island reveals the strata as a geological cross-section beneath the village of Oia. Only wealthy sailors owned a house right at the top. The place is exceptional for events that are exceptional. At the end of the day, the spectacle of the setting sun always attracts spectators. The sun has gone, but Santorini will be awake for a long time. The night is being prepared in the welcome cool air. We can change our rhythm.