Thira Travel Guide, Greece

Thira, also well known by the name of Thera or Santorini, is a small group of volcanic islands situated in south eastern section of Aegean Sea. These are around 200 meters away from the mainland of Greece. The area covered by these islands is around 73 kilometer square. In reality Thira is the remains of a huge volcanic eruption that took place many decades ago. That explosion is said to have finished the initial settlement of this land, which was actually a single land during those days, and forming multiple islands which we see today.

In no time the islands were again inhabited by humans and today they have become as one of the most famous tourist hot spots in Europe due to the exciting life which they provide to its tourists and due to the awesome natural beauty which they posses.

These islands have a huge lagoon in the center which is surrounded by cliffs of height 200 meters from 3 different sides. The island is situated on the slopes of these cliffs and ending up on the Aegean Sea. Another very small island famous by the name of Therasia is situated on the fourth side of this lagoon. The depth of this lagoon is around 400 meters and ships can easily sail on this lagoon thus acting as the perfect spot for a ship harbor. The capital of these islands namely Fira is located on the top of these cliffs thus providing an awesome view of the surroundings. The presence of various volcanic rocks and their beauty is something which you will surely enjoy.

This island is said to have experienced a volcanic eruption which was the largest ever on this planet. Same is the reason why so many islands were formed after that eruption subsided. It was the year 2007 when a huge cruise ship sank after hitting some heavy under water rock formed by different volcanic eruptions.

As per the census of year 2001 the population of Thira was around 14000 inhabitants. The population for municipality of Thira was around 12500 inhabitants. The total land area covered by various islands small or big around the region is 91 kilometer square.