Santorini (Thira) Kimolos Ferry

Santorini (Thira) Guide

Located in the southern Aegean Sea is the Greek island of Santorini and lies around 200 km to the south east of the Greek mainland. It forms part of the Cycladic group of islands and is the only location in Europe to have a hot desert climate. A popular pastime for visitors to Santorini is to take a cruise to the island's three islets, which were created in ancient times during a volcanic eruption. The islets are called Nea Kammeni, Palea Kammeni and Thirassia and provide an excellent vantage point for visitors to see the volcano, being located to the west of the island. The island's capital is Fira and is full of typical Cycladic houses with whitewashed walls, blue domed churches and stepped streets full of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars.

The island of Santorini has two ports. The main port is Athinios, where all the ferry and commercial boats arrive. There is also the Old Port which is mostly used for cruise ships. From the main port, ferries can be taken to Piraeus, Rafina and to the other islands in the Cyclades. Both conventional and high speed ferries operate on these routes.

Kimolos Guide

Kimolos is a Greek island that lies in the Aegean Sea and is part of the Cyclades group of islands and is separated from the island of Milos by the Strait of Kimolos. According to legend, the island takes its name from the island's first resident. During ancient times, the island was called Echinousa, probably after the snake Echidna (viper) which was, and remains, common on the island. Since ancient times the island has been a battlefield between Ancient Athens, the ruler of the island, and Sparta, the ruler of nearby Milos.

Kimolos actually belongs to the Western Cyclades and is connected to nearby islands and the port of Piraeus, Athens, via a year-round ferry service with a catamaran ferry running only during the busy summer tourist season. During the tourist period, the island usually has daily connection to Piraeus and other islands. Also, transport via Milos is possible, because of the frequent connection of the two islands with local ferry services.