Monolithos is a settlement located in the middle of Santorini and on the east coast of the island. It is placed 9 Km away from Fira town (the island’s capital) and right next to Santorini’s airport. At the seaside and by the airport, Monolithos is an accessible and rather peaceful settlement featuring a sandy beach, hotels, lodgings and restaurants. The beach is ideal for families with young children, since it is a well organized one, with smooth black sand, particularly shallow waters, umbrellas and sun-beds, a lifeguard tower and a playground. Alternatively, at the far north side of Monolithos beach and away from the family friendly part of it, enthusiasts of surfing and kite-surfing could find a good spot for their loved activities, whenever the weather makes it possible.
For those of you who like adventure, we suggest a visit to the remote beaches of Caldera, Plaka and Thermi that were named after the churches Panagia Plaka and Christ in Thermi. There is no access by car, you will have to walk down the cliffside, and, therefore, we recommend to have with you sports shoes, a hat and some bottled water. It is also worth admiring the sunset with the view of Palea Kameni, Nea Kameni and Thirasia islands.
Also, in Monolithos, you will come across an important historical landmark of the island. It is a processing facility for the distinct and famous local cherry tomato of Santorini. Nowadays, this factory is the last operational of its kind, carrying the legacy of an once flourishing industrial sector in Santorini. It belongs to the Association Cooperatives of Theraic Products SantoWines and produces the well known Santorini’s tomato paste and canned tomatoes, made only by the locally cultivated cherry tomatoes.