Discover Akrotiri: Archaeology and Village

Akrotiri combines an important prehistoric site with the village, the Red Beach, and tavernas by the sea. The excavated part of the city tells the story of a long settlement history; an organized tour brings its streets and buildings into focus for visitors. The character of the village and its dining options may also play a part in choosing where to stay.

The Archaeological Site of Akrotiri

The archaeological site of Akrotiri is one of the most important prehistoric settlements in the Aegean. Visitors can explore the excavated part of the Late Cycladic city beneath a modern bioclimatic shelter. The tour offers selected viewpoints; from the walkways, visitors can see an area of about 12 stremmata of the city center uncovered so far. The shelter was designed by architect N. Findikakis.

The excavated center includes paved streets and squares, as well as more than 30 multistory public and private buildings. The settlement of Akrotiri dates back to the Late Neolithic period: the first settlements date from the 4th millennium BC. In the Early Bronze Age, during the 3rd millennium BC, the site developed into an important center of trade and culture, with ties to Minoan Crete, Egypt, and Syria.

In the 17th century BC, the settlement was destroyed and buried by the eruption of the Thera volcano. As a result, buildings, frescoes, and objects were partly preserved. During a visit, you can take in both the scale of the excavated city center and individual elements of its urban layout.

The Village and Where to Stay

The Red Beach is in the village of Akrotiri. Picturesque tavernas by the sea add to the dining options for visitors. If you are particularly interested in the archaeological site, the history of the place, and the village, you can search specifically for a holiday apartment in Akrotiri. If you would also like to plan your trip around other landscapes and experiences on Santorini, take those into account when choosing your destination as well.

Santorini in a Broader Context

Santorini is the southernmost island of the Cyclades; the Santorini island group is characterized by a landscape shaped by active volcanoes. Santorini’s caldera was formed by a massive eruption around 1600 BC. The eruption around 1600 BC shaped Santorini’s caldera; the archaeological site of Akrotiri reveals the history of a prehistoric city.

The trails on Santorini also offer different perspectives. A path along the caldera rim leads from Imerovigli to Oia and offers views of the sea, the caldera, and the volcano. Other hiking trails connect Pyrgos with Profitis Ilias, Emporio, and Ancient Thera. For a general guide to getting there: the flight from Athens International Airport to Santorini Airport takes 50 minutes. Check the flight schedule and duration before your trip.

Local Flavors and Products

Santorini’s cuisine includes several regional specialties. Santorini Fava is a PDO product made from the cotyledons of the legume Lathyrus clymenum L., which grows exclusively in the volcanic soil of Thera. The Santorini tomato also has PDO status; its cultivation dates back to the early 19th century. Local chefs use PDO cherry tomatoes to make tomato fritters called tomatokeftedes.

Other regional specialties include the white Santorini eggplant, with its sweet aroma and juicy flesh that does not absorb oil when fried, and Chloro, a creamy goat’s cheese produced in very limited quantities. These products add a culinary dimension to the Santorini experience; the tavernas by the sea are part of the local dining scene in the village of Akrotiri.

Discover More Destinations

If you would like to explore more places as you plan your trip: Vlychada, Kamari, Karterados, Pyrgos, Imerovigli, Perissa, Agios Georgios, Mesaria.

Back to the main travel overview: Santorini.