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Thirassia - the other island!
Thirassia stands out among the Santorini settlements as it is not situated on the main island of Thira.
Thirassia island is the second in size of the Santorini group of islands.
The island is only 5.7 km (3.5 mi) long and 2.7 km (1.7 mi) at its widest point.
No more than some 250 people have made their home here, divided between the tiny villages of Manolas, Riva, Agrilia, and Potamos.
Highlights
At a first glance, the villages of Thirassia may remind you of the other Santorini villages with their typical cycladic architecture, including narrow streets with white-washed stone houses.
Nevertheless, there is something undeniably different about this place even if it's hard to say what it is exactly.
It may simply be that the views are different from here, but there is also a strong sense of being transported back in time as you stroll through the village. Being separated from the main island has shielded Thirassia from implementing any kind of tourist infrastructure.
Life goes on here pretty much as it has for centuries!
If you would like a glance of what Santorini was like before the tourist invasion then Thirassia is the place to go!
For a taste of ancient Santorini visit one of the lovely taverns and enjoy some great traditional dishes.
If the local bakery is open this is also one place you'll want to stop at to get some fresh bread and pastries prepared with traditional recipes and methods.
Outside the main village there is much to see if you happen to have more time to spend on the island.
Because only a fraction of the tourists visiting Santorini make it over here, the island may have some nice surprises awaiting the curious traveller.
For example, despite its small size the island has no less than some 20 chapels and churches. Take the pathway from Manolas up to the Monastery of Koimiseos, from where you have a view of the entire island.
If you venture south to the foot of Prophet Ilias, the island's highest hill, you can have a look at some centuries old houses that are dug straight out of the rock.
Agrilia is the largest and oldest settlement and well worth a visit because of its picturesque location and old cave-homes.
Another village, Potamos, is built on the ridge of a ravine with most of the homes being traditional dug-out cave-houses.
The fourth village is Riva, which acts as Thirassia's northern port of arrival.
Access
Thirassia is only accessible by boat. In summer, more or less organized trips run from Athinios port or Ammoudi port in Oia.
Boats stop at the ports of Riva and Korfos.
If you arrive at Korfos you must make your way up some 150 steps in order to reach Manolas village. Now, if you can't (or don't want to) do this you can choose to stay at the port and have an absolutely lovely lunch or dinner at the taverna located at the seafront.
Accommodation
There are no hotels on the island, but you can often find a few rooms to rent.
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