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 20 January 2023
- No Comments
- Santorini
Quick Links for Buying Tickets to Akrotiri Online
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.
Archaeology Travel may earn a commission at no extra cost to you should you decide to purchase them.
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.
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
Valid for three days, this combination ticket is avlid for entry to Akrotiri, Ancient Thera, and Prehistoric Thera Museum. These tickets can be purchased at each venue. There is no reduced price for this ticket.
Facilities
Gift shop, refreshments, toilets.
Buying Tickets Online for Akrotiri
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. Skip-the-Line 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.
Archaeology Travel Writer
