Page 212 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Greek Islands

churches, along with some
THE ISLAND OF ATLANTIS still-standing Neo-Classical
The myth of Atlantis dates from around 360 BC, when mansions built by wealthy
legendary Athenian philosopher Plato told the story of shipowners. There are stair-
an advanced civilization founded by people who were cases leading down to Arméni
half-god, half-humans. They established a progres- and the nearby fishing har-
sive, wealthy society, set on a concentric island, that bour at Ammoúdi with its
embodied the ideals of a utopian city – at least at first. floating pumice stones and
pebbly ochre beach. Here,
But the citizens of Atlantis grew in hubris and greed,
EXPERIENCE The Cyclades in an unknown disaster, possibly as a result of the gods ferry dock at the base of the
the tradition of boatbuilding
and at some point the island was completely destroyed
continues at Arméni’s small
punishing the society. The original shape of Santoriní –
cliff, although the port is now
and the fact that it was partially destroyed by a volcanic
explosion in 1450 BC, creating a massive caldera that
mainly used by tourist boats
departing daily for the inhab-
filled with water – has led scholars to suggest the island
might have been the location of the mythical civilization.
ited islet of Thirasiá. You can
walk along a caldera-edge
Other scholars posit that it seems more likely Plato made
to Firá in about three hours.
port and was an important
2 up Atlantis as an allegory for the ideal city-state. foot path all the way from Ía
and wealthy commercial
Ía centre before it was badly 3
damaged in the earthquake Santoríni Brewing
⌂ 11 km (7 miles) NW of of 1956. Company
Firá @
Today Ía is a designated ⌂ Mésa Goniá @ # Noon–
At the northern tip of the traditional settlement, having 5pm Mon–Sat ¢ Sun
island, the beautiful town of Ía been carefully reconstructed ∑ santorinibrewing
is famous for its spectacular after the earthquake. Its company.gr
sunsets. A popular island white- and pastel-coloured
pastime is to gather at the houses with red pebble walls Although the village of Mésa
far western end of Ía, phones cling to the cliff face. The mix Goniá used to be known for its
at the ready as the sun sinks of architecture styles here winemaking, it is now home to
behind the caldera. also includes the famous
Reached by one of the most skaftá cave houses
spectacular roads in all of the and blue-domed
Cyclades, Ía is the island’s third

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