Santorini Island

Santorini has its geological peculiarities to a massive volcanic explosion some 3,500 years ago that blew out the center of the island. The barren rocky cliffs rise straight out of the blue Aegean -- their tops are dusted by what at first looks like a sprinkling of snow. At a closer look the snow takes the shape of Cycladic buildings hanging precariously off the hillsides. Zigzagging lines across the rock face become recognizable as roads that lead up from the sea to whitewashed cities perching on the cliffs.