Probably the most famous and recognisable of any Greek isle, Santorini is located in the south of the Cyclades island chain. Although most people refer to Santorini as a single island, it is in fact a group of five islands: Thira, Thirassia, Palia Kameni, Nia Kameni and Aspronisi. The islands are the protruding remnants of the caldera of a gigantic underwater volcano and their creation was one of the most cataclysmic events in ancient history. Only Thira and Thirassia are inhabited, with the other islands too active to support permanent communities. Thira (or Fira) is by far the largest island and its capital, also called Thira, is centrally located on the west coast.