Santorini

The insular complex of Santorini presents the case of a tourist destination ranking among the top globally, while at the same time, it is a site of unique natural beauty and geological interest. Santorini features the only volcanic crater which is accessible by sea; it is the most modern land globally, as its last volcanic island emerged in 1950; Santorini has the oldest vineyard on earth, which has given its grapes and wine over the centuries without disruption. Santorini’s art of winemaking is in the process of becoming a candidate of the UNESCO list of intangible heritage (cultural intervention ex-ante). There are also thoughts of initiating this process for the “Caldera” (the wall of the volcano), archaeological sites and medieval castles.    

[Credits of the pictures are from left to right:  "Papyri" © papyri.info / "Santorini 13.3" © Riva Lava / "Santorini 13.2" © Riva Lava / "Santorini 13.1" © Riva Lava / "Santorini 4.2" © Riva Lava]

Case Study: Santorini
Location: Santorini, Greece
Data availability: Good
Stage of the case: On-going
Type of cultural heritage: Monument / Place of Remembrance, Architectural, Archaeological, Historic Building, Intangible, Project, Programme
Funding / Type of recognition:
Type of initiation: Policy-driven, Business-driven
Financial dimension value: mappingtool.
Physical dimension: Large (area)

Strengths

Rich cultural and environmental landscape

Weaknesses

Overtourism