Santorini, Greece (Lagoon Island)
Temmuz 26, 2010 | Holiday Resorts in the Mediterranean
Santorini is known as the most extraordinary island of Greece. It is a volcanic island located in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km southeast of Greece’s mainland. It has an area of approximately 73 km2 (28 sq mi) and a population of 13,670 (2001).
The volcano, now dormant, whose eruptions created the island’s dramatic landscape is thought to be the source of the legend of Atlantis and unmistakably unique to the island are the spectacular black sand volcanic beaches with their sheer mountain backdrop.
Looking down from villages hundreds of meters above the sea level, you can watch one of the most fantastic views in the world and remains of a volcanic explosion.
On the western side of the island towering cliffs crowned by tiny and white houses plunge straight into the depths of the sea. The steep coastline of the west is countered by the vast beaches of the east side, some of them sandy and others with pebbles.
A giant rectangular central lagoon in the center of about 12 by 7 km is surrounded by 300 m high steep cliffs on three sides. The Aegean Sea surrounds the island on the outer side. On the fourth side, there is a smaller island called Therasia, separating the lagoon from the sea.
The lagoon merges with the sea in two places, in the northwest and southwest. The depth in the center of the lagoon is approx. 400 m which makes it a safe place for boats and ships. 
Thus there are no ports on the outer perimeter of the island and all ships use the harbours in the lagoon.
Santorini was under Ottoman rule until 1821 and won its independence during the Greek War of Independence.
The island was hit by a major earthquake in 1956 which resulted in the demolishing of many buildings on the island and lead to the desertion of many of its villages. In time, owing to the expansion of tourism the island has gained great wealth.
Among the major settlements on the island are Fira (Phira), Oia, Emporio, Kamari, Perissa, Imerovigli, Pyrgos, and Therasia. One can also see Akrotiri, a major archaeological site with ruins from the Minoan era.
Fira is the capital with winding narrow streets, arcades and whitewashed houses on the edge of high cliffs. Tourists enjoy traditional tavernas and souvenir shops selling pumice (the islands main export) making up the great ambianceThe main source of income on the island is tourism industry and in the summer, in specific.