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Photo: Κλέαρχος Π. Καπούτσης, Attribution via Wikimedia Commons
The youngest island of the archipelago, "Old Burnt Island" has a single inhabitant, Sostice Arvanitis, who is a goat herder and keeper on the island. The points of interest on this small barren island are a church and a hot spring tucked in a small bay that is a common swimming hole for caldera boat cruises.
Palea Kameni, also known as Palia Kameni, is a volcanic island within the Santorini Caldera. The island was formed by a series of volcanic eruptions that formed large deposits of pumice and dacite lavas. The island's name translates to "Old Burnt Island". Palea Kameni is a private island, it was inhabited until it was bought in 1899 and sold in 1975.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
The barren "New Burnt Island", only 2 km in diameter, is the summit of the current volcano in the centre of the caldera. The island is the result of volcanic eruptions during historic times; the oldest rock still at the surface is from about 1570. The volcano is dormant today, but eruptions have occurred as recently as 1950, when the newest lava dome was extruded. Volcanologists from the Institute for the Study and Monitoring of the Santorini Volcano continuously monitor the activity levels. It is only a 10 minute boat journey from Fira Old Port; there are daily boat tours from numerous tour agencies. A 1 km hiking trail over uneven gravel leads to active sulpher vents and the 130 m summit. There are no supplies, shade, or toilets on the island so come well prepared; bring loads of water! Proper hiking shoes are a necessity.
Cathedral built in 1827, traditionally styled with an outside courtyard space and nicely decorated interior. It was heavily damaged by the 1956 earthquake but subsequently restored to its former glory.
Exhibition of work by French artist J.R. Tourte, who moved to Greece before the outbreak of the Second World War and toured the Cyclades until his death in 1972. His work consists of watercoloured scenes of all the major Cycladic Islands along with maps drawn by the artist. Most of the scenes show the authentic islands before they became tourist attractions. The exposition area is in tunnels underground, and are pleasantly cool during hot summer days.
It houses artefacts from Proto-Cycladic culture of the 3rd millennium BC, and continues on to the Classical period.
Τρεις καμπάνες των Φηρών
This church famed for its iconic three bells, blue dome, and picturesque views which make it one of the most photographed places on the island. The history dates back to the mid-17th century when two cave churches were built into the-then solid cliff face, but these were destroyed as the cliff receded. An infirmary was built in its place which attracted Jesuits who lived on the site until the land was given to the Diocese of Santorini. The current church was built in 1757 and underwent many expansions and refurbishments, for example in 1958 when it was damaged by an earthquake. Hikers following the Fira to Oia coastal path will pass the Three Bells along their way.
Founded in 1595, it is the oldest Catholic nunnery in Greece, but the current building dates from 1864. The church was consecrated in 1825 as the Church of the Virgin of the Rosary, but was severely damaged during the 1956 earthquake and subsequently repaired. The sanctuary behind the altar in the church is the icon of Our Lady of the Rosary with St. Dominic and St. Catherine flanked by statues of St. Joseph.