Lava Land

For most of us, the closest we’ve ever come to a volcano was our 4th grade science fair project. We’ve read about them an seen pictures, but we are by no means familiar with the danger and the consequences of a volcanic eruption. For Santorini, the southernmost of the Cyclades Islands, the volcanic history and geography dictates their everyday lives still today.

Millions of years ago, the small island of Santorini, also called Thira, was actually three separate islands. The singular island we know today is the result of several volcanic eruptions, whose lava connected the islands together into a caldera, or crater, that was shaped like a full circle. The most famous of these eruptions occurred during the Bronze Age around 1640 B.C.. Lava consumed what used to be the Ancient Minoan civilization that previously inhabited the land. It indirectly created a tsunami on the neighboring island of Crete, also inhabited by Minoans, wiping out the entire civilization.

Santorini lies near the joint between two tectonic plates, which cause earthquakes and eruptions when they move. With one of these movements in 1628, the western half of island caved in and water filled the caldera, leaving the crescent-shaped island of today. This created a calm 400-meter deep lagoon on the western half of the caldera, which is the only place ships can come in. The western edge is a 300 meter high cliff, with layers of lava solidified creating a stratified space on which main towns could be built. A fun face is that this volcanic rock or pumice is a great insulator, keeping these island homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The island slopes out from this center down eastward.

The volcano is still active but is in a dormant state. The last eruption occurred in the 1950’s, but today it only emits steam and sulfur dioxide. It is one of fifteen volcanoes named a “decade volcano”. This title means that it either presents a potentially high risk or is specially connected to human history of the world.

The economy of present-day Santorini has everything to do with its volcanic history. Today it’s primary industry is tourism. People are drawn to Santorini for its beautiful white and blue cityscapes overlooking the sea. They also come to see the multi-colored beaches ranging from black to red to white. The color of the sand depends on which geologic layer of lava is exposed. This sand (lava) acts as a heat absorber making walking on the beach almost unbearable, but make the water the perfect warmth for swimming.

Much of Santorini’s specialties also directly result from the volcanic eruptions that formed the island. They sell volcanic-rock jewelry and pumice, which used to be Santorini’s main export. The volcanic ash in the soil deposits many minerals that give Santorini’s regional foods a special flavor. They are most famous for their sweet, cherry tomatoes, fava beans, white eggplants, and cucumbers. It’s location in the Aegean Sea also provide a great sea food market, most known for fish and octopus.The volcano also attracts the geologically-interested. There are daily boat tours which circle the volcano and stop at the tiny islands off of Santorini. Scuba diving and snorkeling excursions also go out to the volcano to explore the rock that remains.


If you’re looking to expand your knowledge of volcanoes or check out geological sites, or even if you simply want a relaxing beach to catch some rays. Santorini is an excellent island on which you can do all of these as well as examine the everyday consequences of an ancient historical event.