This is one of the most popular and loved bookstores in the world, not only because of the titles that can be found on its shelves, but also because of its street corner location. BUT her Santorini. National Geographic named him one of the Top 10 in the worldwhile the New York Times described it as “an oasis of authenticity”.

However, global recognition may not be enough for its survival. There have been rumors lately that Atlantis books,who has been working on the island for about 20 years, “threatens” with a castle. In fact, there are many passers-by who find it closed for several hours a day and assume the worst. “There were a lot of rumors circulating on Facebook without knowing exactly where they came from. There are people who have heard a few pieces of news here and there, and the basic description of the situation sounds much more dramatic and definite than it really is,” he says. cathimerini.gr Craig Walcherone of two co-founders of Atlantis Books.

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So what is really happening? Walcher replies: “The most important thing now is that the final decision has not yet been made. I know that many people have been saying and writing different things on this topic for a long time. I am particularly honored that people are interested and constantly talking about the bookstore. I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want to get ahead of myself.” And he adds: “I appreciate everyone, but I really can’t say anything, it would not be fair to anyone and would not be wise of me. I would like to stick with them for now.”

As the owner of Atlantis Books explains, “The building we have been housed in since 2005 was sold by its owners to another gentleman. He called me and said that he intended to start construction of a new building and move his business there. So far, this is the only development. He also highlights the fact that the bookstore may not be closed now, but “we’re not sure what’s going to happen next, I’m constantly working on what the next bookstore day will be like.”

And there may not be a final decision on this “bibliophile paradise” yet, but Walcher confirms that he is discussing the future of the bookstore. “Perhaps this decision will be made in a week or several weeks. I can’t be more specific and that’s the main reason I try to keep a low profile and not talk about it too much.”

The history of the creation of Atlantis Books is of particular interest. In the spring of 2002, American friends Oliver as well as Craig they stayed a week in Santorini. There was no bookstore, so we decided to open our own. As they said, one day the business will pass to their children. The locals supported their vision and a bookstore opened in the spring of 2004 with the desire to bring art, literature and dialogue to a beautiful environment.

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From the first year of operation until recently, the bookstore has hosted authors, artists, several events and original festivals. In addition, this was made possible by a unique space with lines of poetry written on the walls or ceiling, and a large number of novels in many languages ​​located next to each other. There are many genres: from fiction to philosophy, history, culture, children’s books and literary works that cover every reader.

After all those years of living in a bookstore, when asked what he would do if it closed, Walcher replied, “I don’t know. I started it when I was 23 and really don’t know what else to do other than that. I have to study it. For now, I’m not dismissing the possibility of a bookstore in some other form. Obviously, no matter what, there will be changes. It’s just a commercial deal, it’s not a tragic event or anything like that, I just tried to buy the building myself, but failed.”

However, he doesn’t give up. “I’m still trying to save the business and preserve its history before I start looking beyond it.”