akrotiri santorini tour

Akrotiri Archaeological Site in Santorini

Greece › Santorini › Museums › Ancient Akrotiri Updated: June 16, 2021 By Santorini Dave

• Best Hotels in Santorini
• Where to Stay in Santorini
• Best Restaurants in Santorini
• Best Things to Do in Santorini
• Complete Santorini Travel Guide

Over 3,700 years ago, the ancient city of Akrotiri was covered in ash when a massive earthquake set off a volcano. Today, the indoor archaeological site is a popular cultural attraction for visitors to Santorini.

Archaeological Site of Akrotiri

The very well preserved ruins of Akrotiri are the most popular cultural attraction for visitors to Santorini. The ancient city was a colony of the Minoan civilization on the Greek island of Thera, modern day Santorini. Often referred to as the Pompeii of the Aegean, the settlement was buried in ash during a volcano triggered by an earthquake in the 17th century BC, which also set off a tsunami that eventually destroyed the Minoan civilization of neighboring Crete. Many historians believe Akrotiri to be the inspiration behind Plato’s Atlantis legend.

For over 3,700 years, the ancient city of Akrotiri lay buried under volcanic ash and layers of pumice, preserving parts of the city’s infrastructure, homes and their furnishings, and the remains of many objects, art pieces, and frescos. It wasn’t until 1967 that the ancient city was discovered in an archaeological excavation just south of the modern day village with the same name, on the southwest side of the island.

Currently, the ruins are housed in a building covered by a bioclimatic roof that opens and closes to allow air flow. This makes it a cool and dry place ideal for escaping the heat of summer days. A raised boardwalk winds through the large area, with staircases down into sections of the dig. The exhibits have informative and easy to read signs, as well as video monitors with visual displays. Several objects and frescoes from Akrotiri are on display at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, and some in the Prehistoric Museum in Fira.

We highly recommend booking an Akrotiri tour (meet guide at entrance) to show you around the site and discuss the history of the island, the eruption, and the ensuing destruction. Many tours include hotel pick up and drop off. One excellent option is the private tour of Akrotiri and 3 Santorini wineries .

Archaeological Site of Akrotiri Hours and Information

• Season : April 1 to October 31, open daily. November 6 to March 31, closed on Mondays.
• Hours : April 1 to October 31 – 8am to 8pm. November 6 to March 31 – 8am to 3pm.
• Website : odysseus.culture.gr
• Location : Akrotiri, Santorini 847 00
• Telephone : +30 228 608 1939
• Admission Fee : €12 per person. €6 for EU senior citizens (65+) and those under 25 from non-EU countries. Combined ticket at €15 per person includes single admission to the archaeological site of Akrotiri, archaeological site of Ancient Thera in Kamari, and the Prehistoric Museum of Thera in Fira. Valid for 3 days.
• Free Entry : 6 March (in memory of Melina Mercouri) • 18 April (International Monuments Day) • 18 May (International Museums Day) • The last weekend of September (European Heritage Days) • National Holidays • 28 October • Every first Sunday from November 1 to March 31
• Parking : Paid parking (€5) across the street. Limited free parking down the street.
• Bus : The bus stop is right across the entrance, in front of the parking lot. Another stop is in Akrotiri village with a well signposted 1km-path to the site.
• Guided Tours : Cost depends on number of people. Maximum 20 people per group.
• Dining : There’s a small snack shop at the ruins, a couple of great restaurants, Melina’s Tavern and The Cave of Nikolas , down on the adjacent beach, and a handful of cafes 10-15 minutes’ walk away.

The entrance into the archaeological site.

Entrance to the building the excavation is housed inside of.

Large viewing area for groups and individuals.

Raised boardwalk winds above and through the site.

Well presented historical information.

Scale model of the excavation.

Video monitors throughout show short videos that highlight elements of the site.

Excellent information and signage throughout the site.

There’s a large paid parking lot directly across the street from the entrance.

The public bus stops directly across the street from the entrance.

After you purchase your ticket, there’s a short walk from the entrance down to the ruins.

There are a few excellent beaches not far away.

The lighthouse is another popular site to visit in Akrotiri.

A short walk above the village of Akrotiri is a Venetial Castle.

About Santorini Dave

Ancient Akrotiri Santorini: Guide, Tickets, Tour, History

Santorini’s best-kept secret is Ancient Akrotiri, a buried city that is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Here’s the where, why, and how to walk through the excavated streets and peer into the homes of the people who perished when a volcanic explosion tore apart the island of Thera, ending the Minoan period .

Akrotiri Santorini is the location of one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Aegean and in Greece. Visiting Akrotiri Village is like visiting a mini-Pompeii, an ancient settlement of an advanced and prosperous Bronze Age people suddenly buried in volcanic ash.

Here’s the story of what’s been called the ‘Lost Atlantis’ site of Akrotiri and the best ways to buy tickets and visit the site.

Don’t miss your chance to see the ancient ruins of this Minoan city on the tip of Santorini island on your next trip to Santorini.

Akrotiri Archaeological Site Entrance Tickets

You can stand in line with the tour groups, cruise ship day trippers, and everyone who has just got off the public bus, or you can pre-purchase a skip-the-line ticket with free cancellation up to 24 hours before your booking date and time.

The best 1 hour private guided tour of the archaeological site is the Santorini: Akrotiri Prehistoric City Private Guided Tour which sells out quickly.

Admission fees at the site:

• General Admission € 12.
• €6 for EU citizens aged 65 or over and students of universities or other higher education institutions from outside the EU.
• Entry is free for visitors under the age of 18 and students from institutions inside the EU.

Opening Times (and Days)

The prehistoric city archaeological site operates on a timetable divided into winter and summer. These are the site’s opening days and times:

• In winter (from November 1 to March 31), the site is open from 8 am to 3 pm.
• In summer (from April 4 to October 31), the site is open from 8 am to 8 pm daily, and from 8 am to 3 pm on Thursdays.
• The site is closed on Mondays throughout the year.

When to Visit Akrotiri

• Cruise ship day trippers come in large numbers to the site from about 10 am. It is a small site and it can become difficult to read the displays.
• Try to be there as the site opens for the day or just before closing time to beat the crowds.

Map of Santorini and Ancient Akrotiri

Practical Info and Tips on Visiting Ancient Akrotiri

There are few amenities besides toilets and a gift shop at the site, but a one-minute walk brings you to the tiny port of the village of Akrotiri, and another five minutes along the coastline is the Red Beach, a stop on all sailing and bus tours of the island.

🚏 The bus from Oia (Ia) and Fira (Thera) winds through vineyards to the southwest tip of the island, before pulling up beside a tree across from the entrance gate to the Akrotiri archaeological site.

If you wander a minute further down the road towards the sea you may see the bus parked there.

Akrotiri, as opposed to the Akrotiri archaeological site, is often its first stop, meaning that you will get a seat for the journey back!

It’s not a big deal if you don’t mind the conductor squeezing past you twice on his journey to the back of the bus and back again.

🚙 By rental car – if you’ve hired a car to get around Santorini (it’s cheaper and safer to pre-book through a reputable company online for the best rates and to be sure you will have one when you arrive), there’s a car park at the Red Beach at Akrotiri, about 250 m from the entrance to the site.

🏖️ As you enter Akrotiri, you’ll see the archaeological site to your left, the modern-day village and bus stop straight ahead, and the red cliffs of the Red Beach to your right.

• Santorini Bus Timetable here: santorini_bus_timetable
• Costs and opening hours of the Thera Museum of Prehistory here

Inside the Akrotiri Archaeological Site

Once you’ve paid admission, you enter a large covered structure that comprises all the excavated areas to date.

A bioclimatic roof covers the entire archaeological site and walkways suspended above the excavations allow you to wander through and above the site and a path leading through the streets of the ancient city has been cleared.

Along the paths, you can peer into windows and doorways and get a real feel for how light and airy these impressive homes and civic buildings would have been.

Dodgy restorations, looting and pillaging, and the ravages of time and the elements account for why so many ancient sites are poorly preserved.

The lava that destroyed this Minoan civilization also preserved it. It makes it possible to almost precisely replicate every aspect of the architecture, streetscape, furniture, wall and floor coverings, daily utensils and vessels, and religious shrines.

Walk along the streets of this Minoan village and imagine what it would be like to be a resident.

It is easy to picture yourself living in these houses, sitting on a rooftop balcony, and enjoying the breathtaking view.

(A view that is just as breathtaking today – with the addition of the extra islands that were created when Santorini exploded in the eruption!)

Several severe earthquakes occurred before the eruption. The eruption gave time for the residents to leave but not enough time to take household items with them.

The site is unusual because these houses had three floors or stories.

It has been possible to recreate each of them. The work has a long way to go and only a fraction of the site has been excavated. New items are continuing to be discovered.

Once you’ve walked along the raised walkways, head down to Triangle Square and look through the doors and windows of people who lived and loved here 3500 years ago. It will send tingles up your spine!

The landscape of Santorini provides numerous minerals which gave the artwork its vivid colors.

Luckily, the minerals have also preserved the designs for centuries.

Santorini lifestyles before the eruption

Not just any old Aegean fishing and farming village, the inhabitants of Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement of the ancient world, lived more than 3,500 years ago and were seriously wealthy.

They lived in stone buildings, sometimes three stories high with masonry facings, latrines and sewerage systems, an elaborate drainage system, and large airy rooms facing the Aegean Sea.

The walls were reinforced with wooden beams from Crete to help the buildings withstand earthquakes.

Ceramics and pottery production in Akrotiri certainly occurred, but they also possessed wonderfully delicate teacups from Crete, vases from Knossos , and chlorite vessels from the Early Cycladic period (c. 2700-2400/2300 B.C.).

Other household items came from as far afield as the Dodecanese islands, the Greek mainland, Cyprus, Egypt, Palestine, and Syria.

It was all going so well…

A beginner’s guide to the biggest natural catastrophe in human history

The young men and women are depicted in frescoes and they are fashionable and appear carefree and confident.

This sophisticated society lies at the southern tip of the island of Santorini (ancient Thera), beside the modern-day village of Akrotiri.

It flourished until the residents evacuated as the largest geological event in human history occurred – the Theran volcanic eruption.

The mother of all volcanic eruptions, the Theran eruption abruptly ended the great Minoan culture of the Bronze Age.

A layer of tephra (a kind of volcanic ash) from the Theran eruption has been found in a lake in Western Turkey.

Geologists agree that the eruption of the volcano is the biggest natural event that has ever been recorded by humans.

The exact date of the eruption isn’t known, but the Egyptian New Kingdom’s records may contain a reference to the event in around 1560-1546 BC.

Like Pompeii, Akrotiri was covered in lava and its remains are slowly being excavated. In fact, it lay undiscovered until the ash from the volcanic eruption was being used to build the Suez Canal in 1967.

But when excavations finally began, archaeologists found the walls inside the houses were decorated with brightly colored frescoes of flowers, animals, religious rituals, and everyday life in Akrotiri.

Animals such as monkeys and deer decorate the floors and walls of the second level of the buildings. The frescoes appear in all of the homes, not just those of the wealthy.

Wildflowers (saffron and crocuses) were popular as were geometrical shapes.

Ancient Akrotirians loved the sea and underwater life. This is clear in their intricate and plentiful seascapes and marine designs.

Jewelry and hairstyles tell us so much about this sophisticated culture.

Like many cities, it is laid out with its largest buildings facing the main streets and towards Crete (the center of Minoan culture). Archaeologists have only excavated a dozen houses and civic buildings so far.

The back streets contain more domestic-sized architecture.

It is here that you can see wonderfully preserved vessels of all sizes. The Aegean lifestyle is clear in these painted vessels with dolphins, fish, birds, and waves decorating their sides.

However, unlike archaeological sites such as Pompeii, no human remains or precious objects have been found at the archaeological site of Akrotiri.

Clearly, the residents had time to beat an orderly retreat.Right at the southwestern tip of the island, you can walk through the streets of Akrotiri.

This small hamlet has been a fishing village since the Late Neolithic times ( since at least the sixth century BC!)

It was the main stopover port between Cyprus and the advanced Minoan civilization of Crete. Akrotiri copper molds and crucibles hint at a major source of the village’s wealth.

It vies with many other ancient sites as the possible location of the lost city of Atlantis. Is Akrotiri Atlantis? The Ancient Akrotirian name for the village before the eruption is not known.

It is hard to conceive the scale of this disaster. The volcanic eruption blew the island of Santorini into multiple smaller islands where they lay, uninhabited, for several centuries.

Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Santorini

It is disappointing that there is no Akrotiri museum on site. Instead, you need to head back into town to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera.

It is definitely worth the effort to visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera after you’ve been to Akrotiri.

Like so many archaeological sites in Greece, they are interesting but empty ruins that only come to life once you’ve visited the nearby museum.

The archaeological museum has some excellent 4000-year-old Cycladic figures from Santorini.

It is here you can see the wall frescoes, vessels, pottery, and other objects unearthed at the archaeological site.

If your travels will take you to the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, you can also see the “Akrotiri of Thera” room with objects from Akrotiri.

Exploring the Peloponnese: Historic Sites and Culinary Discoveries

How to Get from Italy to Greece by Ferry, including the Greek Islands

Schinoussa Island Travel Guide

Hi! I'm an anthropologist & history travel expert. I spend a part of each year in Greece, Italy, & Cyprus.

You can plan & book your next trip here while learning more about the cultures & histories of some of the world's most exciting destinations.

Active Itinerary

Join our community to use our interactive maps to plan your own itinerary and get tips and suggestions from those who have already visited.

Quick SEARCH

Your itineraries, your bookmarks, your bucketlist, already been there, your favorites, quick share, itinerary settings.

Browse your current notes. You can have notes attached to your itinerary,  a specific location in your list or a specific page.

Your current itinerary settings and options.

Interactive maps are a premium feature and only available for certain account types. Free during the beta phase …

Choose your active itinerary or create a new one. Depending  on your account type, you are limited to only one list. Fill your list, move or drag and drop items between them.

As a premium member, you will have private and public lists, as well as default core lists (favorites, bookmarks, already been there, bucket list).

Collection of the content you enjoyed the most. Favorites are shared publicaly. Use Bookmarks for private storage.

Share your current itinerary: With friends and family via email, to Twitter, to Facebook or pin it on Pinterest.

Decide, if the active itinerary is public or private.

Your bucketlist, go ahead and add some POIs!

Bookmark content, that you want to keep as reference and for easy access.

Quickly search through your locations / notes ….

Places you have already visited and like to share.

Change NOTES

RECEIVER …

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

YOUR PROFILE

Current announcements, quick contact, website settings.

Quickly change some main profile and account settings.

Quickly change some website settings.

Get in touch!

Latest news and changes ….

Visiting Akrotiri of Thera – A Minoan Site in Santorini

One of the main attractions on the Greek island of Santorini is the archaeological site of Akrotiri. The extensive ruins of this Bronze Age settlement have been enclosed within a substantial structure. With walkways that enable visitors to walk among the excavated section of the Minoan port town, covered in volcanic ash in the 16th century. The site is away from the main tourist spots of the island. Here you will find all the essential visitor information, including how to get to Akrotiri archaeological site. 

Thomas Dowson

• Last Checked and/or Updated 8 August 2024
• No Comments

Quick Links for Buying Tickets to Akrotiri Online

Timed entry tickets for Akrotiri can be purchased online, in advance from GetYourGuide and Tiqets . Both suppliers have a free cancellation option should you need this.

Guided tours of Akrotiri are available, with or without transport to the site from a hotel or the port for cruise ship passengers looking for shore excursion.

• Private Guided Tour of Akrotiri only – purchase online via GetYourGuide
• Private Guided Tour of Akrotiri with Hotel/Port/Airport Pickup – purchase online from GetYourGuide or Viator

Or, continue reading this page for all the information you need in preparation for your visit to Akrotiri.

The prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri on the island of Santorini (Thíra) is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Aegean and Greece. In prehistory it was a well connected Minoan port town, with connections to mainland Greece and as far afield as Egypt and Syria. As the town was covered in ash following a volcanic eruption on the island in the 16th century BC, preservation of the settlement is exceptional.

Today the site is covered by a bioclimatic roof and walkways are suspended above the archaeological remains. In some areas paths have been created that allow visitors to walk among the two and three-storey buildings.

Did You Know? Akrotiri is referred to as the ‘Greek Pompeii’ because the site was covered in volcanic ash. And, like its Italian namesake, a charred bed was also recovered by archaeologists. This along with a number of frescoes and other artefacts are on display in the Akrotiri of Thera Galley in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.

History of the Archaeological Site

Although the earliest evidence of habitation dates to the Late Neolithic times (around 6,000 years ago), it was not until the Late Bronze Age (cira 4,000 years ago) that Akrotiri had developed into one of the main urban centres and ports in the Aegean Sea. The extent of the settlement is an estimated 20 hectares; although it has not all been uncovered.

The settlement has a number of notable features: it had an elaborate drainage system, and was made up of sophisticated multi-storey buildings that were decorated with exquisite wall-paintings. The quality and quantity of the furniture and ceramic vessels are evidence of the town’s prosperity. Whereas the numerous imported objects recovered by archaeologists indicate a wide network of communication across the Mediterranean; from Crete and the Dodecanese islands to mainland Greece, from Cyprus to Egypt and Syria

Sometime between 1620 and 1530 BC the inhabitants of the town were forced to leave after a series of severe earthquakes. There followed a volcanic eruption, the ash of which completely covered the island and the town. The exact date of the eruption is debated, (for the latest research, see this article in Science Advances), but it is generally accepted that this was the largest volcanic eruption in the last 4,000 years.

Earliest excavations were carried out in 1867, shortly after the site was found during excavation of tephra for construction in the Suez Canal. Modern excavations of the site began in 1967, and it was then that the full extent and significance of the sites was appreciated. Archaeological work continues today, with exciting discoveries still being made.

Artefacts from the site are on display in the Archaeological Museum of Thera (Fira) and the National Archaeology Museum (Athens).

Map of Akrotiri Archaeological Site

How to Get to Akrotiri

Where is Akrotiri? The archaeological site of Akrotiri is directly south of the modern-day village with the same name, at the south-western part of the crescent shaped island of Thíra, the largest island in the Santorini archipelago.

Visiting Akrotiri with private transport

Akrotiri is easy to drive to if you have a rental car. But having a car for your stay on the island is not essential. Some of the guided tours recommended on this page include a transfer from your hotel/holiday accommodation. Also, public transport on the island is very good. You can also book a private driver for transfers around the island.

Visiting Akrotiri by bus

There are regular buses from Fira (the central bus station for the island) to the car park at Akrotiri Red Beach throughout the week. Form there it is about a 250 metre walk to the archaeological site. From Fira to the Red Beach car park takes about 20 minutes, and costs around €2 for an adult.

It is also possible to get off the bus at the village of Akrotiri, and follow the well signposted path to the archaeological site. For further details of prices and timetables for buses to both the village of Akrotiri and the Red Beach, check the public buses  KTEL Santorini  website.

Archaeological Bus Tour To Akrotiri Excavations & Red Beach

Take a seven hour bus tour of a number interesting sights, including Akrotiri. From several pick up points around the island you will be take to Prophet Elias Monastery, Megalochori village, Akrotiri, Red Beach, the black Perivolos beach and finally a Santorini Vineyard.

More Information and Book Online at GetYourGuide

Visiting Akrotiri of Thera

Official Website

Opening Hours

1 November to 31 March:  daily from 08h30 – 15h30 1 April to 31 October:  daily from 08h00 – 20h00 Closed on the following days:  1 January, 25 March, Easter Sunday, 1 May, 25 December, 26 December

Ticket Prices For Akrotiri

Full:  €12 Reduced: €6 Free/Reduced Admission: From 1 November to 31 March all visitors pay the reduced rate, unless they are eligible for free entry throughout the year. There is a lengthy list of people eligible for free entry throughout the year, these include children and young people up to the age of 25 from an EU member state, children under 5 from non-EU countries, people from the EU who are over 25 years of age and enrolled in secondary education. Several people are eligible for the reduced rate from 1 April to 31 October. These include children and young people between the ages of 6 and 25, people from Greece and the UE who are older than 65 years of age. For full details check the website .

Combined Tickets

Gift shop, refreshments, toilets.

Buying Tickets Online for Akrotiri

Timed entry tickets for Akrotiri can be bought in advance online, in advance via the Greek government’s ticketing website .

BUT: read the Terms & Conditions: “ Upon completion of the transaction the ticket details shall not change, unless the site cannot be visited on the indicated day due to force majeure, in which circumstance the duration of the ticket can be expanded upon notification of the User. The ticket is not refundable, cannot be cancelled and cannot be changed. The price of stolen, lost or destroyed tickets is not refunded. ” And if you enter your email address in incorrectly, or you do not receive the email confirmation. Their email address is non-responsive.

For a small fee (around €2 per ticket) it is possible to buy tickets in advance with cancellation/refund options.  Entry tickets for Akrotiri can be purchased online, in advance from GetYourGuide and Tiqets . Both suppliers have a free cancellation option should you need this.

Guided Tours of Akrotiri Archaeological Site

Akrotiri Prehistoric City Guided Walking Tour – a one hour small group, walking tour of the archaeological site. No transport to the site is included.

Akrotiri Prehistoric City Private Guided Tour – for groups up to 8 people. Meet your guide at the entrance, pick ups are not included.

Akrotiri Private Guided Tour with Pick-Up from your hotel, the port or the airport. A perfect shore excursion for cruise ship passengers in Santorini.

Add Akrotiri to Your Itineraries & Travel Lists

If you are planning a trip to France to see the cave art, you can create your own travel lists (such as places you have been to, places you would like to visit) and an itinerary for your visit. These can also be shared with your friends and on social media. You can see how this is done by watching our Using the Itinerary video on YouTube , or reading the Using the Itinerary page .

For more ideas and suggestions, sites and museums to visit, see our Greece Travel Guide .

The Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri was one of the most important Minoan urban centres and ports in the Aegean Sea when it was covered by volcanic ash in the 16th century BC. The archaeological site, on one of the islands that makes up Santorini, was discovered in 1867 and extensive excavations began in 1967. As it was covered in ash the preservation was remarkable. Today the exposed ruins have been covered for protection, and walkways have been added to enable visitors to explore the site. Akrotiri is one of the most popular attractions on Santorini.

Archaeology Travel Writer

Username or E-Mail

Forget Password?

Do not have an account?

Already a member.

• Santorini Full Day Tour

Santorini Sightseeing Private Tour: 6 Hours

• Best of Santorini Private Tour
• Half Day Tour of Santorini’s South Side
• Northern Santorini Highlights Tour
• Santorini Guided Private Tour by Car with Wine Tasting
• Santorini Beach Tour
• Small Group Santorini Highlights Tour
• Small-Group Santorini Wine Tasting Tour
• Santorini Cooking Class
• Santorini Walking Tour
• Santorini Guided Tour with Wine Tasting

Santorini History and Wine Tour

• Santorini Food Tour
• Santorini Shared Transfer
• Santorini Private Transfer
• Santorini Sailing – Morning Cruise
• Santorini Sailing – Sunset Cruise

Destination

Akrotiri is known, of course, for its famous Minoan ruins. Akrotiri has several shingle bays formed by volcanic rocks, including the famous Red beach, with striking rocks painted with iron ore. The Akrotiri Lighthouse is known for its sunset views. Guesthouses and hillside villas offer views of the Caldera.

Santorini Shuttle Transfers

5 Hours Private Tour of Santorini’s South Side

Private Custom Tour Santorini In A Day

Why book with us.

• No-hassle best price guarantee
• Customer care available 24/7
• Hand-picked Tours & Activities
• Free Cancelation up to 48 hours

Get a Question?

Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

+30 6977914720

[email protected]

Proceed Booking

Already a member.

Username or E-mail

Don't have an account? Create one.

Or continue as guest.

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information Accept

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

Santorini Full-Day Private Tour

Santorini private sightseeing tour.

• Santorini Shore Excursions
• Santorini Highlights Tour
• Southern Santorini Tour
• Northern Santorini Tour

Santorini History Tour

Santorini beach tour.

• Santorini Sightseeing Tour with Wine Tasting
• Small-Group Santorini Sightseeing Tour
• Santorini Wine Tasting Tour
• Santorini Cooking Class and Wine Tasting Tour

Santorini Half Day Cruise

Santorini sunset cruise.

• Santorini Hiking Tours
• Semi Private Santorini Helicopter Tour
• Santorini Private Helicopter Tour

Santorini Shared Transfer

Santorini private transfer, destination.

Akrotiri is a small village on the island of Santorini. The famous Akrotiri located 15 kilometers south of the capital Fira, built on the slopes of a hill with stunning views of the Caldera.

Santorini Half Day Tour

Southern Santorini Highlights Tour

Why Book on TopSantoriniTours?

• Low Price Guarantee
• Customer care available 24/7
• No Booking Fees
• Fee Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

Get a Question?

Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

+30 694.0844.866

[email protected]

Proceed Booking

Already a member.

Username or E-mail

Forget Password?

Don't have an account? Create one.

Or continue as guest.

7 Things to Know Before You Visit Akrotiri, Santorini’s Epic Archaeological Site

I loved every minute of my time in Santorini, but three things stick out in my head as true can’t-miss itinerary items: seeing an Oia sunset, tasting crisp Santorini white wines, and visiting the Akrotiri archaeological site.

The ancient site of Akrotiri in Santorini is nearly 4,000 years old. It’s in remarkable condition, especially given that the entire city was destroyed in one of the largest volcanic eruptions the Earth has ever seen.

If you’re planning to visit Akrotiri from Fira or other places in Santorini, here’s what you need to know to plan the perfect Akrotiri tour.

Here’s What to Know Before Visiting Akrotiri, Santorini

Akrotiri is often called greece’s pompeii – and the comparison is rather apt.

Akrotiri and Pompeii are frequently compared, and it’s not surprising why when you look at their histories.

Both are ancient civilizations that were destroyed by volcanoes, and the layer of volcanic ash which settled over them preserved the cities impeccably. They both had to be meticulously excavated from the ash, and huge remains of entire cities were found.

But there are some important differences between the two

There are several differences between Akrotiri and Pompeii, but there are two critical points to highlight here.

For one, Akrotiri is a far more ancient civilization than Pompeii. Akrotiri had its heyday in the 2nd millennium BC (around 1650-1550 BC), before the Minoan eruption — one of the largest recorded volcanic events in history — completely devastated it. Pompeii, on the other hand, was destroyed in 79 BC, nearly 2,000 years later.

Unlike Pompeii, though, the residents of Akrotiri had ample time to flee. Violent earthquakes proceeding the eruption tipped people off, and historians believe they fled in boats.

However, there’s no evidence that anyone from Akrotiri survived the exodus, and it’s likely that they died in a tsunami post-eruption while trying to flee. As a result, Akrotiri was stripped of nearly all of its valuables, and no human remains were found in Akrotiri, unlike Pompeii.

Akrotiri is mostly undiscovered, with much excavation work still ongoing

The ancient city of Akrotiri is enormous. To date, only 5% of the site has been excavated. This is wildly different than Pompeii, which is 70% excavated — nearly 15 times more completed!

Even though it was discovered over a hundred years ago, the work is still ongoing (and Balkan bureaucracy is likely not speeding up the process!). Pompeii was discovered nearly 300 years ago, so they’ve had a lot longer to uncover the sight.

As you can imagine, with only 5% excavated, there are many mysteries that have yet to be revealed at Akrotiri!

But even with only 5% excavated, it’s an incredibly fascinating and rich archaeological site

You may hear “only 5% excavated” and assume there’s nothing interesting to see at Akrotiri – but you’d be dead wrong.

Despite the small percentage of the site which has been discovered, the Akrotiri archaeological site has massive amount of findings. There are over 15,000 pots, the remains of two ‘skyscrapers’ which once formed the entrance to the city, and even one of the world’s oldest toilets (with functional plumbing, apparently!)

The name of the original settlement is still a mystery

A lot is known about the Akrotiri archaeological site, but there are a few huge blank spots: namely, what the name of this massive city ever was in the first place.

There have been several ancient glyphs found preserved in the archaeological site, but no one has yet been able to decode it. So the name ‘Akrotiri’ actually comes from the village nearby, and it simply means “cape.”

There’s not a lot of placards or historical context, so a guide is key

I went to Akrotiri on a guided tour, and it was one of the best decisions I made on my trip.

The guided tour that I did covered a lot: visiting Akrotiri as well as the Mountain of Prophet Elias (and its monastery), the adorable traditional village of Megalochori, the Red Beach, Perissa Beach (the black sand beach), and wine tasting at Santo Wines. It was a wonderful day trip, covering basically all of southern Santorini in one hassle-free (but admittedly long) day.

I loved that it made seeing all of those sights in a single day without a car extremely easy, and after seeing Santorini roads, I wouldn’t have wanted to drive much there anyway!

I also found that having a guide at Akrotiri was essential to getting the most out of my time there, as a lot of the site was not explained, and the informational placards were fairly limited. Our guide was phenomenal and had a tablet on hand to show us renderings of what certain places must have looked like, as well as photographs of parts of Akrotiri which had been moved in other museums to be better preserved.

I recommend adding value to your visit to Akrotiri with a guided tour — the simplified transportation and the added historical context offered a fantastic value. If you want to do the same tour that I did, this is the affordable group tour I did and loved. We had about 45 minutes to explore Akrotiri, which was ample time for me.

Book your group tour to Akrotiri & southern Santorini today!

If you’re traveling in a group and prefer a private tour at your own pace, there are some options! This 1.5-hour tour is private and more in-depth than the tour I did, but you’d have to sort out transportation yourself. If you want a private tour with a transfer option, check out this tour here .

Alternately, you could take advantage of Akrotiri’s proximity to some of Santorini’s best wineries on this Akrotiri and wineries tour, which takes you to three of Santorini’s best wineries on a 5-hour private group tour. Check tour itinerary and details here.

If you don’t want to pay for a tour, it appears that you can hire a guide upon arrival at Akrotiri for 10 euros per person, plus the 12 euro entrance fee.

Pro tip: If you’ll also be visiting Museum of Prehistoric Thira, the Ancient Thira site, the Icons Collection in Pyrgos, or any other of the major sites on Santorini, buy the pass for 14 euros. Even if you just visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thira (6 euro entrance) plus visit Akrotiri, you’ll save 4 euros.

Be aware that many of the highlights of Akrotiri have been moved

In order to properly preserve the findings of Akrotiri, several of the most beautiful highlights of the archaeological site have been moved to places where they are less vulnerable to the elements. This includes the beautiful wall paintings, which indicate that Akrotiri was an incredibly rich and developed settlement.

I was glad that I had a guide at Akrotiri because she informed us that many of the wall paintings had been moved to the Thera Gallery in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, as well as the local Museum of Prehistoric Thira (not to be confused with the Archaeological Museum of Thera, which is not even worth the 2 euro entry fee).

Essential Things to Bring with You to Santorini

If you’re planning a trip to Greece, you’ll want to pack all the normal essentials, but here are a few things we strongly recommend bringing that may not have crossed your mind. For more packing tips, check out our complete  Greece packing list.

–  A physical guidebook, in paper or on Kindle . We love  Lon ely  Planet  Greece  for this region and strongly recommend it to supplement blogs. Blogs are great, but a combination of a blog and a guidebook is key to having the best access to information easily at your fingertips.

–  A water bottle with a filter . We generally recommend using a water bottle with a purifying filter to reduce your plastic consumption and ensure you won’t drink any funny-tasting water on your stomach that could make your trip unpleasant! We recommend  the GRAYL water bottle  – it filters water perfectly in an instant so that you can even drink from lakes, bad taps, etc.

–  Motion sickness pills . Santorini roads are winding, especially around the coast and hills! If you have a weak stomach like we both do, save yourself and bring some  non-drowsy motion sickness pills . This will also come in handy on Greek ferries and other Santorini must-dos like a catamaran cruise!

–  Travel safety items . We think Santorini is safe to travel, but at the same time, it never hurts to be prepared! Some people like to carry  money belts , but neither Stephanie or I use these. Instead, we both carry the same  PacSafe anti-theft backpack .

It has locking zippers, slash-proof construction with metal mesh hidden in the fabric, and tons of other smart security features — all while being cute and stylish enough to be our everyday bag. We recommend it highly for both male and female travelers, as it’s neutral enough to be unisex. We also strongly recommend travel insurance! Our recommendation is at the bottom of the post.

Read More:  Essential Greece Packing List: What to Wear & Pack for Greece

More Greece Resources

First read our guide to  planning a trip to Greece , which covers visas, budgets, vaccines, and much more.

Next, you’ll want to read our all-season  Greece packing list .

If you’re a lover of archaeological sites, we also have guides to visiting Delos from Mykonos and visiting the Acropolis in Athens .

We’re still working on the rest of our Santorini content, but to get you started, we have a guide to the best Santorini cave hotels for all budgets .

If you are still trying to figure out your Greece itinerary, check out our guides on  where to go in Greece , the best places for  island hopping in Greece , and when is the  best time to visit. 

We publish new content about the Balkans almost every day! For more information about traveling to Greece and the Balkans, bookmark our  Greece  and  Balkan  travel pages so you can find out what’s new before your trip.

Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!

I’m sure you’re aware that it’s a good idea to have  travel insurance  for traveling in Santorini, Greece in general, or anywhere in the world!

Stephanie and I have both been paying customers of  World Nomads  for the last three years. We love the peace of mind it gives us in case of emergencies, accidents, illnesses, theft, or trip cancellation or disruption. 

While Santorini is safe, there’s always a risk inherent in everyday travel like pickpockets or injury, so it’s better to play it safe.

>>  Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here  <<

Pin this guide to visiting Akrotiri, Santorini!

Originally from California, Allison has been living in Bulgaria for the last two years and is obsessed with traveling around the Balkans. She has been published in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, Matador Network, and the Huffington Post. She loves befriending dogs, drinking coffee, geeking out about wine, and cooking food from around the world.

Related posts

Submit a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

New on Sofia Adventures:

• How to Spend a Magical One Day in Istanbul: Mini Itinerary
• 30 Insanely Delicious Greek Street Foods You Need to Try
• 13 Things That EXIT Music Festival Visitors Should Know

• All Santorini Tours
• Santorini Excursions
• Santorini Wine Tours
• Santorini Boat Tours
• Santorini Helicopter Rides
• Santorini Shore Excursions
• BOOK A TOUR

Traditional Villages & Akrotiri Excavations

Adding item to wishlist requires an account, already a member.

Username or E-mail

Forget Password?

Don't have an account? Create one.

Why book with us.

• No-Hassle Best Price Guarantee
• Excellent Customer Support
• Hand-picked Tours & Activities
• Attention to Detail

Any Question?

Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you. We are on WhatsApp!

+30 695 860 3680 [email protected]

• 4.5 Hours (Approx.)
• Flexible Starting Times
• Free Cancellation

With medieval structures, Ottoman towns, and weathered ruins spread out across the entire island, Santorini proudly displays its extensive past. On this 4.5 hours Santorini traditional villages & Akrotiri tour, learn about the island’s history and present culture without having to deal with the hassle of organizing your transportation. Before marveling at the unique natural phenomenon of Red beach , explore the towns of Pyrgos , Megalochori , and Emporio , as well as the Akrotiri excavations.

• This customized trip starts and ends at your hotel or cruise ship for your convenience
• Explore picturesque towns and medieval castles
• Explore the well-known Akrotiri prehistoric settlement excavations
• Complete your journey by gazing in awe at the stunning Red Beach
• Perfect tour for first-time visitors to Santorini or cruise ship guests

Meeting Point

This tour includes pick up & drop off from most hotels in Santorini, or the closest accessible point, as well as the top of the cable car for cruise ship visitors.

Important Information

Most travelers can participate. However, this tour involves some walking—there are some places that can only be reached on foot—as well as some hills and inclines. Participants should have at least moderate physical fitness level; however, we always find the best alternative solutions to accommodate each traveler’s needs.

What's Included

• Hotel/port/airport pickup and drop-off
• English-speaking local tour guide
• Transport by luxury A/C vehicle
• Admission to the excavation site of Akrotiri
• Bottled water

What's Not Included

• Personal expenses & gratuities (optional)
• Cable car tickets (6 EUR per person, per ride) for cruise ship travelers
• Guided tour at Akrotiri
• Optional licensed guide to Akrotiri excavations (add on next step)

Cancellation Policy

The tour can be cancelled up to 24 hours before the activity starts. If you cancel after this time or do not show up, you will not be refunded.

What to Expect

Begin your private tour in Santorini with a  pickup  from your hotel or the closest accessible place, and then spend the day visiting the most famous island in the world with an expert local driver/guide

Begin your cultural experience with the village of Pyrgos . This town, perched atop a hill, is home to a Venetian castle from the 16th century. Roam around this beautiful region that the natives constructed to fortify the area with narrow alleys and circular roadways. Vineyards, blue-domed churches, tiny cave homes with lovely balconies, and pebbled walks surround the settlement.

Continue to Megalochori , one of the island’s most charming and gorgeous towns, where the traditional Cycladic buildings are carved out of volcanic rock. The landscape features blue-domed churches, underground caves, and white-washed tower bells. Explore this non-touristy community’s winding streets, sip Greek coffee in the pebble-stone square, and engage with the way of life and culture of the residents.

Next, discover Emporio , the gateway to a different time and the island’s commercial hub during the middle ages. To protect themselves against pirates, the villagers of this town used to build their homes next to one another in narrow, picturesque alleyways during the Middle Ages. As you go around the paths of the well-kept castle built in the middle of the 15th century, you’ll feel pleasant emotions.

Discover the secrets and wonders of this long-lost ancient city by exploring the Akrotiri Archaeological Site and traveling back in time. This 4,000-year-old Bronze age community, which dates back to the Bronze Age, flourished for millennia. It was eventually buried under volcanic ash, which paradoxically worked to keep them from being destroyed. Wander around the old walls to catch a view of the 3-story buildings, well-preserved paintings, intricate drainage system, and other features of a Minoan town.

Lastly, travel for a few minutes toward Red beach . Take in the serene beauty and magnificent views of this unique natural phenomenon.

Your private tour of Santorini will come to a close with a drop-off at the location where we picked you up after an amazing experience.

What is cancellation policy?

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts. If you cancel after this time or do not show up, you will not be refunded. All cancellations must be placed in writing on email [email protected] or via WhatsApp at +306958603680

For detailed information, check Terms & Conditions.

Is this activity wheelchair accessible?

This tour is not wheelchair accessible, due to Santorini’s morphology.

How to book?

To book the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions, contact us via our inquiry form or directly on email [email protected]  

Our group is bigger than 7 travelers. Can you accommodate us on a tour?

For groups greater than 7 travelers, please send us an inquiry via the inquiry form or directly on email [email protected]  

Related Tours

Best Of Santorini In A Day

Wine Tasting Santorini: Day or Sunset Tour

First of all, the booking was very smooth. I asked a lot of questions over email, but they responded very quickly with patience! Very accommodative in terms of where to pick up and drop off, and also the starting time! Argyris was our guide, he’s friendly and knowledgeable! We learnt a lot about santorini and greece during the tour! The van was also comfortable and spacious! Amazing tour, we had a great time!

We had a fantastic tour with Theo! He was extremely knowledgeable about Santorini and its history, and he was able to share numerous details about each of the small towns we visited. He easily adjusted our itinerary to include the red beach and added special touches, such as giving each of us a piece of baklava, to make the tour more memorable. Theo was very friendly and approachable.

We had a wonderful time in Santorini. We’d been before, so we decided to visit the three villages and Akrotiri with a group of six this time. It was incredible! The villages seemed off the beaten path and well worth a visit. We learned so much about the villages and the island’s culture. My husband was astounded when we visited Akrotiri. I frequently have to drag him to these historical sites, but he said it was a must-see! It was surreal to walk on the floor that people walked on in 1600 BC.

We also visited the red beach and ate lunch on the beautiful black beach. The food was great and we had such a relaxing time, with the warm sun in the background. Perfect trip!

Argyris was fantastic. He was a great tour guide because he was fun, knowledgeable, friendly, kind, and polite. He showed us the best routes to take and took us to the most scenic spots. I’d recommend him a thousand times over. I wish we could re-board the cruise ship with him. I was grateful for his advice. He also took us to an incredible restaurant that we had requested. Thank you very much for a wonderful afternoon!

Excellent tailored private tour of Santorini! Our driver, Argiris, was very informed and friendly. My family and I were very pleased with the trip. The Red Beach and Megalochori were two of our favorite places to explore. The highest possible recommendation.

Proceed Booking

Or continue as guest.

🌟 Exclusive Flash Sale! 🌟

Explore the beauty of Santorini with us and save big! 🌴 Book today to enjoy a special 15% OFF! Limited time offer until September 20th  – don’t miss out on this incredible deal.

Use code: FLASH15 at checkout.

Your dream island adventure awaits! 🚤🌅

Ancient Akrotiri

• Ancient Thira
• The Volcano
• The Caldera
• Ancient Arts and Frescoes
• Wine Tasting Tour

Santorini Caldera The Best Archaeologists to Guide you in Santorini...

Take a Private Guided tour in Ancient Akrotiri and discover an amazing World!

Archaeology and Excavations Tours Certified Archaeologists to Tour you to the ancient years of Akrotiri and Thera Island...

Admire the excavation ruins of the Great Minoan Civilization Era in Ancient Akrotiri after the Santorini volcano erruption at the 16th BC...

Discover Archaeological and Art findings Authentic frescoes, archaeological art items and wall-paintings sign the Santorini's life in the ancient years...

Ancient thira: the history of santorini great era's civilization tour to ancient thira and akrotiri in santorini and and learn about a forgotten great historical world, lost atlantis a private guided tour to the popular myth of lost atlantis.

• Private Guided Tours in Akrotiri and Santorini by Lisenced Archaeologist Experts!

The option of a Guided Tour in Santorini that offered by Young, Licensed, Experienced and Certified Archaeologists is totaly different and for sure much more upgrated than any other simple tour which is offered by any travel agents and business... For the Destination of Santorini Island in Greece we mention that we are Certified Archaeologists with valuable experience and Knowledge to offer local Tours and excursions' packages especially for all these tours that have historical and archaeological interest! Ancient Akrotiri

We are the Major Archaeologists and Certified Tour Experts in Akrotiri and Ancient Thira in Santorini!

• All Archaeologists in Santorini at your Tours’ Service!

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis,

Akrotiri Excavation and Archaeology Tours in Santorini

Ancient Akrotiri is the first ever appeared ancient town in the Island of Thira (Santorini)

• The Santorini Volcano tours, stories and mysteries!

• Arts and frescoes from the Ancient Great Minoan Era of Thera

Modern guided tours in Santorini provided by experts and local staff giving emphasis on tour

• The local excellent Wines were and are important always!

Santorini wines are very popular as their flavors and qualities are found nowhere in the

We are Certified Local Guide Experts of Archaeology and sightseeing Tours in Akrotiri Santorini!

4 hours, From €300/Group of 4 pax

4,5 hours, From €135

4,5 hours, €135 Per Person

4 hours, €55 Per Person

5 hours, From €480 per Group of 6 pax

4 hours, From €90

Early Bookings Guided Tour and Cruises Packages in Santorini

Ancient Akrotiri Excavation Tour

Lost Atlantis Myth Tour

Wine Tasting Private Tour

Private Tour in Oia and Best Sites

Santorini Best Sites Private Tour

Ancient Frescoes & Wall Paintings

Why choose us, the best certified and experienced archaeologists to guide your tours in santorini.

Proin nec gravida purus. Curabitur effici elementum dolor dapibus, nec maximus augue iaculis. In tincunt eget diam ac vulputate…

The most detailed Archaeology, Culture and History tour packages in Santorini

Private, flexible and small group tours in santorini with respectful to travelers needs and wants., selected wine tasting tours in the best vineyards and wine museums in santorini, passengers’ number is according to the boat protocole  in any offered sailing cruise in santorini, multilingual tour services in santorini depending on your mother talking language, custom and private day or sunset tours to santorini volcano, get extra discounted prices for “early bookings” on our tours in santorini, our achivements.

Private and VIPs Customers

Small private Groups of Customers

Archaeological and Historical Tours

Santorini Volcano Tours and Cruises

Popular tour venues in santorini greece.

Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs

Proin nec gravida purus. Curabitur effici elementum dolor dapibus, nec maximus augue iaculis

The cosmopolitan and traditional cycladic village

Excavation, Museum and Ruins

Prophet Elias Monastery

The Top-View of the island

Wine Museums and Vineyards

Amazing qualities of local wines

Tiger Temple

50% Discount on any Tour for any abroad University’ Group of Students of Archaeology & History Dept.

We encourage the young people and students of Universities to meet the Great History of Thera (Thira) which is mostly survived in the excavation site of Akrotiri and to many other seperated sites in Santorini. See Promotion Tour

Recommended Sailing Cruises in Santorini

Santorini Sailing Day Cruise

Suspendisse vel velit nullad phas vel velit nulla. Phasellus tincidunt in nisl eu iaculis.

Santorini Sunset Sailing Cruise

Client testimonials.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Donec laoreet magna diam, id ullamcorper lacus suscipit vehicula. In porta vehicula lacus, ac viverra ipsum volutpat quis. Aenean dapibus, nisl in efficitur iaculis.

Julie Smith

Sandy orthon, miky dutson, rubiya lucent, latest news.

Why is Akrotiri important?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, causae ornatus vituperatoribus nec ea, id euismod mediocrem his. Eu mel omnis mediocrem...

Archaeology Top Stories in Santorini

Santorini Archaeology is more than History!

Welcome to our Website.

Some of the Suggested Best Sites to tour in Santorini

Photo Gallery

Sorry, photo gallery is empty.

Donec ut ex ac nulla pellentesque mollis in a enim Suspendisse suscipit velit id ultricies auctor. Duis turpis arcu, aliquet sed sollicitudin seduisque velit nibh. Donec ut ex ac nulla sapien mauris, vitae sodales tellus suspendisse suscipit velit id ultricies auctor.

Footer Menu

• Santorini Caldera
• Ancient Akrotiri Private and Guided Tour

Latest Posts

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, causae ornatus…

Contact Info

84700, Santorini Greece

+30 693 677 7706

[email protected]