Santorini is a small, arid island located in the Cyclades group of the southern Aegean Sea. It’s one of the hundreds of islands scattered across the watery spanse on Greece’s eastern coast, but Santorini has had large historical roles to play throughout the ages and is now one of Greece’s more popular island destinations.

The name Santorini is used to refer to both the singular island and the small archipelago of which it is part. The main island itself is commonly known as Thira; long ago, the whole chain was united as a larger volcanic island. It erupted about 3,600 years ago, bringing ruin to the ancient Minoan culture on Crete with ash and tsunamis that may very well have inspired the tales of lost Atlantis.

Modern Santorini consists of what was left after the volcano exploded. The crater forms a vast lagoon ringed by Thira and other islands; its deep, placid waters have made Santorini an excellent harbor since antiquity. You may not find a hustling stock exchange here, but Santorini is crucial to regional business. It’s still a major shipping hub and contains the only airport in the Cyclades group, so it’s a popular center for travel in the Aegean area. Santorini can be reached by plane or ferry, but if you’re prone to seasickness be sure to book airfare well ahead of time. Flights can sell out quickly during peak season.

Having been continuously inhabited for thousands of years, Santorini is filled with historical sites. Visitors can see the ancient Minoan ruins of Akrotiri and follow it up with a visit to the accompanying Museum of Prehistoric Thira in the island’s main town of Fira. Santorini’s wonderful beaches provide a similarly timeless experience.

The traditional Mediterranean diet is the norm in Santorini. It’s rich in fish, obviously; try one of the many family-run fish taverns for a rich cultural experience and a modestly priced meal. The island is known for its produce, including fava capers, the delicious cherry tomatoes and the odd white eggplants grown here.

Santorini has no rivers or lakes, so potable water has always been scarce. Residents often use cisterns to collect rain and dew. A desalinization plant provides water for cleaning purposes, but stick to bottled water for drinking. Alcoholic fare is well represented, though; Santorini has a small but well-known wine industry that benefits from the island’s dry climate and unique volcanic soil.