A Greek dream: Santorini in photographs from the 1970s

The earth shakes near Santorini - again. The eruption of the volcanic island of Santorini around 2,700 years ago is a conceivable reason for the disappearance of the Minoans and is considered a possible historical link to the myth of Atlantis. The most recent eruption took place in 1950, and in 1956 a severe earthquake devastated the island, causing a tsunami and killing 40 people. Santorini's history as a holiday destination began in the early 1970s with the worldwide coverage of the archaeological finds of Akrotiri - a city with a strong Minoan influence that was buried by a volcanic eruption 3,500 years ago and thus excellently preserved. In 1972, the island's military airport is opened for civil aviation. The photos by Konrad Helbig in our picture gallery date from the 1970s. They show an almost pristine Santorini shortly before it was developed for tourism.