- Not to be confused with the Akrotiri region of Cyprus.
Akrotiri (Greek: Ακρωτήρι) is a town on the southwestern end of Thira, the largest island of the Santorini archipelago. Though it offers great view of the caldera and volcano, it is not as overrun by tourists like Fira and Oia. It has become famous by the discovery of an ancient Minoan settlement just outside the modern town.
Understand
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Akrotiri is about 15 km south of Fira, on the south-western tip of Thira, the largest island of the Santorini archipelago. It is built on the slopes of a hill offering spectacular views of the caldera. The top of the hill also features ruins of a 13th century Venetian castle, constructed as a defensive fortification to protect Thira from raiders. Most of the modern town is built around the castle ruins.
Akrotiri is most famous for the Minoan Bronze Age settlement that was discovered 2 km southeast of the current town. When the Santorini volcano obliterated the former island ca. 1600 BCE, a major settlement was buried in volcanic pumice and ashes. As a result, it was exceptionally well preserved, unlike other Minoan settlements in the Cyclades. The Akrotiri archaeological site is considered the most valuable Minoan-era scientific evidence because it was covered at the height of the Minoan civilisation. The comparison with Pompeii is often made, and rightfully so. Many artefacts were unearthed in the ruins, but no bodies and very little jewelry were discovered, which suggests the Minoans had evacuated prior to the eruption.
Get in
[edit]There is a bus route from the Fira central bus station, which stop at the Akrotiri Bus Stop in the town centre, and then to its terminus at the Ancient Akrotiri archaeological site.
Get around
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Akrotori is small enough to get around by foot, even the lighthouse at cape Akrotiri can be reached within an hour of walking. From the town centre, the archaeological site is 2 km to the south.
See
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- 1 Ancient Akrotiri (Ακρωτήρι), ☏ +30 2286081939, [email protected]. Daily 08:30-15:30; closed Tuesdays. At the end of the 1800s, the volcanic earth here was excavated to provide material for the construction of the Suez Canal. There were traces of a prehistoric settlement then, but it wasn’t until 1967 when archeological excavations at the so-called ancient Akrotiri started. Archaeologist Spryridon Marinatos, a professor at the University of Athens, brought to light 3-story buildings and masterpiece-wall paintings. This is the most popular archaeological site in Santorini, and one of the best preserved sites in all of Greece, owed to the same factor that caused its destruction. After the eruption in the 17th century BC, the whole island was covered with volcanic material, destroying a society while protecting remnants of their daily life. The entire site is covered with a giant canopy. €20.
- 2 Faros Lighthouse. 24/7. An 19th century lighthouse at the far south-western tip of Thira, built by the French in 1892 making it one of the oldest in Greece. Its operation was suspended during the Second World War but recommissioned by the Greek Navy in 1945. It's a popular viewpoint for Santorini's famed sunsets. The lighthouse itself is not open to visitors because it is still in active operation by the Greek Navy. Free.
- 3 La Ponta Castle. 24/7. Ruins of a Venetian castle in the centre of Akrotiri. The Republic of Venice, occupied Thira in 1207, and soon constructed this fortress, along with several other fortifications and watchtowers across the island. Before, the site used to be a Byzantine watchtower. Due to its excellent location, the castle became the best defensible position on Thira. The Ottomans failed to conquer the castle during the Ottoman-Venetian wars and it remained in good condition, but was reduced to rubble by the 1956 earthquake. Free.
- 4 Old Mill. 24/7. Ruins of an old wind mill. Free.
- 5 Saint Efstathios Church (Άγιος Ευστάθιος). Greek Orthodox church with three bell towers. Free.
- 6 Menhir. A lone menhir on the route to the White Beach. Free.
- 7 Agios Nikolaos Church (at the start of the Red Beach hiking trail). 24/7. Greek Orthodox church built against the cliffs, with a characteristic bell tower with 3 bells. Free.
Beaches
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A boat from Akrotiri stops at Red, White and Black beaches, about every 10-20 minutes, €10 for a round trip. Travellers may get off the boat, visit the beaches and get back on in a later boat. The only stop with a pier is Akrotiri so if you intend to get off, tell them explicitly or they won't know to stop (though they often ask) and be prepared to get off directly into the sea and walk through the water to get to the beach. They always stop in waters shallow enough to walk in for adults (highest it comes to is the waist) so it is possible to bring bags, but make sure you can lift them above your head.
- 8 Red Beach (Κόκκινη Παραλία) (south of Akrotiri). 24/7. A popular bathing spot, with colourful sand composed of pulverised black and red volcanic rock. The unstable volcanic rock is prone to landslides however, and parts of the beach are occasionally inaccessible due to landslide risks. The beach can be reached from Ancient Akrotiri by a hiking trail, approx. 800 m. The first few meters of the water near the shore are quite gravelly, so be prepared to step on some stones. Women are frequently topless. The beach is extremely popular, mostly with locals, although there are no facilities such as showers available. The tavernas built into the caves on Red Beach seem to have no electricity or running water, so if you eat or use the washrooms there, bring along hand sanitizer! Free.
- 9 White Beach (east of Red Beach). A black sand and pebble beach lined with white rocks, quite similar to the cliffs of Dover except for their volcanic origin instead of marine. The White Beach can be reached only by boat. Free.
- 10 Caldera Beach. A small beach with relatively deep clear waters, which makes it an excellent spot for diving and snorkeling. There is a diving school that rents out equipment. You feel like swimming in an aquarium if you go underwater here! Free.
- 11 Beach Cave. A natural cave. Caution: the volcanic rock is very unstable, it is not recommended to enter without a guide. Free.
- 12 Kampia Beach. Small pebble beach with a restaurant. Free.
Do
[edit]- 1 Experience Horse Riding, ☏ +30 694 410 3744, [email protected]. Horse riding excursions in south Thira, including the famed black sand beaches. €20 - €150.
Buy
[edit]- 1 Ancient Akrotiri Museum Shop, ☏ +30 2286085457. Gift shop run by the Society For The promotion Of Studies On Prehistoric Thera.
- 2 XξYLO Wood Design Santorini, ☏ +30 2286301420, [email protected]. M-Sa 09:00-21:00; Su 11:00-21:00. Woodworking workshop and handicrafts.
- 3 Anna's Mini Market, ☏ +30 2286081355. Convenience store.
Eat
[edit]- 1 The Good Heart, ☏ +30 6981314338. 11:00-23:00 daily. Traditional Santorinian cuisine.
- 2 Panorama, ☏ +30 2286081183. 11:00-22:00 daily. Greek cuisine with, as the name suggests, a nice view over the caldera.
- 3 The Cave of Stolidas, ☏ +30 2286082193. 09:00-23:00 daily. Greek seafood restaurant at the waterfront.
- 4 Caldera Romantica, ☏ +30 2286081481. 09:00-23:00 daily. Mediterranean and Greek restaurant.
- 5 Alali, Epar. Dromos Akrotiriou Kaldera, ☏ +30 2286 083388, [email protected]. 13:00-22:30 daily. A culinary experience with a great view over the caldera. Expensive restaurant, but good choice for romantic dates.
- 6 Glaros, ☏ +30 2286081168. 11:30-23:30 daily. Mediterranean cuisine and seafood.
- 7 Melina's Tavern, ☏ +30 2286082764, [email protected]. 10:00-midnight daily. Mediterranean cuisine and seafood.
Drink
[edit]- 1 Akrothiri Cafe & Cocktail Bar, Epar.Od, ☏ +30 2286081457.
Sleep
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- 1 Apanemo Hotel, ☏ +30 22860 82831, [email protected]. Offers bed and breakfast accommodation. This is an amazing hotel. The rooms are immaculate and nicely decorated with stunning views. There is a 3-level infinity pool that looks out over the caldera view toward Fira.
- 2 Avant Garde Suites, ☏ +30 2286028866, [email protected]. Design all suite hotel with private heated jacuzzi offering magnificent views over the Caldera and the Volcano.
- 3 Hotel Village Mathios, ☏ +30 2286081152. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. Hotel in a quiet location with 55 rooms and suites, 2 pools, taverna, pool-bar, and a travel agency. €65.50.
- 4 Kalimera Hotel, ☏ +30 2286081855. 21 stylish and cosy hotel rooms, suites and maisonettes.
- 5 Maison Des Lys Hotel, ☏ +30 2286081877. Offers romantic luxury and honeymoon suites with sea view, rooms overlooking the Caldera.
- 6 Kokkinos Villas, ☏ +30 2286081941. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Private accommodation with caldera view. €135.
- 7 Kalestesia Suites, ☏ +30 2286085097. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Private rooms around a swimming pool at the highest point of the Akrotiri hill, offering an incredible view over the caldera and Nea Kameni. The rooms have a private hot tub, incredibly romantic for stargazing at night! €110.
Go next
[edit]- Take the bus back to Fira and get off at Megalochori
- Walk directly to Emporio or Exomytis.