Santorini Nature

The amazing Nature of Santorini: The most impressive and distinct geographical feature of Santorini is the volcano, standing in the middle of the sunken caldera. That unique feature has affected the island's nature and given its coastline a recognizable form. The steep rocks that mark the coasts of Santorini with the volcanic rocks and the earthy color are unique to this charming Greek island.

Santorini is actually a complex of five islands: Thira or Santorini (the largest), Thirassia, Aspronisi, Palea Kameni, and Nea Kameni. Only two of these islands are inhabited, Thira and Thirassia; therefore, all cultivated regions lie there. Palea and Nea Kameni are the islands where the volcano is located, so the landscape is pretty isolated. No animals or plants will be seen there except for some birds that occasionally fly above the two islands.

In Thira and Thirasia, however, nature is verdant. Vineyards and olive trees are more likely seen there as well as eucalypti, fig-trees, different pine trees, and some other less-known vegetation species. Rain is not that common in Santorini and most of it falls in autumn and winter. In spring, nature is blossoming and verdant. However, during the summer, most vegetation is dried.

As for the fauna, there are no wild animals in Santorini, just the common homebred animals and some typical birds of Greece, including seagulls, swallows, quails, rock doves, house sparrows, small owls, and others. Those birds are encountered in spring and in secluded spots of the island, as tourist crowds make them fly away.

Unfortunately, there are no bird-watching spots on the island, as there are no natural habitats or lakes. Small fishing harbors and high cliffs are the best spots to observe the nature of Santorini. Also, hiking trails constitute a good option for that purpose as they pass through the countryside and provide a new aspect of Santorini nature, away from the busy villages. Maybe the most popular route to follow is the one connecting Fira and Oia.