Akrotiri

The Basics

The historic highlight of Santorini, Ancient Akrotiri is often visited on islandwide sightseeing tours by bus, minivan, or private vehicle. While the settlement can be explored independently, it’s more rewarding to go with a guide who can provide some context to the ruins.

Some Santorini tours combine a guided visit to Akrotiri with trips to picturesque Greek towns and villages such as Oia, Pyrgos, Megalochori, and Emporio; free time for swimming and sunbathing at stretches such as Perissa Beach or Red Beach; and wine tastings.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Nicknamed the Pompeii of the Aegean, Akrotiri is a must for ancient history buffs.

• The excavations are covered by a protective ceiling structure, which provides shelter from the hot Santorini sun.

• With level, wooden boardwalks overlooking the excavated site, Akrotiri is accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

Ancient Akrotiri is situated on the southern tip of Santorini, about 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) south of Fira. During the summer, local KTEL buses run several times daily from Fira to Akrotiri Beach.

When to Get There

Akrotiri is busiest during the summer months (June through August). Get here early in the day to experience it at its quietest. Between November and March, take advantage of free entry to the site on the first Sunday of every month.

Delve into Ancient Santorini

Visitors with an interest in the ancient history of the island will want to prioritize Ancient Thera, which showcases ruins dating from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Several museums, including the Museum of Prehistoric Thera and the Archaeological Museum (both in Fira), display objects unearthed from Akrotiri and beyond, while the Santozeum Museum (also in Fira) features frescos from the Bronze Age site.

Ways to explore

Many islandwide sightseeing tours, whether conducted by bus, minivan, or private vehicle, include a stop at Akrotiri to tour the ruins. While you can explore independently, it’s more rewarding to go with a guide, such as an archaeologist, who can add context to the remains. Some tours also visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thira, which houses artifacts from the site. It’s also possible to visit as part of a Santorini tour that combines guided visits to Akrotiri with trips to picturesque villages such as Oia and Pyrgos, free time for swimming and sunbathing at locales such as Perissa Beach or Red Beach, and wine tastings.

Accessibility

With level, wooden boardwalks overlooking the excavated site, Akrotiri is accessible to wheelchair users. It also has adapted bathrooms.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Although the site has a roof, a reusable water bottle always comes in handy during the Santorini summer.

What to wear

Flat shoes and breathable fabrics are your Santorini go-tos.

Not allowed

It’s best to arrange your own guide; it’s poor form to follow another group around the site listening to their guide.

Amenities

Wi-Fi, shop, restrooms, café

Address 

Akrotiri is situated on the southern coast of Santorini, about 7 miles (11 kilometers) south of Fira.

Driving

From Fira, follow the main Eparchiaki Odos Firon-Ormou Perissis drag south until just after the Lost Atlantis Experience. Turn right on Eparchiaki Odos Akrotiriou, following signs for Akrotiri. Turn left at Akrotiri village and follow the signs to the site.

Public transportation

Local KTEL buses run from Fira to Akrotiri Beach every hour or two throughout the day.

Best times to visit

During the busy summer season, the site is open until 8pm most nights. Plan to visit first thing in the morning or later in the evening to beat the crowds.

Best days to visit

It’s generally best to visit early in the week to avoid weekend crowds. Avoid Tuesdays during the winter, when the site is closed, and be aware that operating hours are shorter during Mondays and Thursdays during the summer, with the site closing at 3:30pm instead of 8pm.

Best months to visit

Akrotiri is busiest during the summer months (June through August). If you can, plan to visit Santorini during the spring (April–May) or early fall (September–October) instead.

Special events

NONE