Last Updated on August 26, 2022 by
Famous for its well-preserved frescoes and historical excavations, Akrotiri in Santorini surely deserves a stop on your island itinerary. Famous as the “Pompeii of Greece”, Akrotiri treasures one of the most excavation sites of Greek nation. In this blog, you will discover the best things to do in Akrotiri. This includes historical information about the ancient settlement, a map with all the best spots and where to eat and stay.
Table of Contents
Historical Akrotiri
The village of Akrotiri (in Greek Ακρωτήρι) has a millenary history. Indeed, excavations of the site show the first settlements of the village existed already during the Minoan Bronze Age. Akrotiri is actually situated in a little peninsula of the Santorini island and it’s widespread into three different main locations: the village itself, the excavation site and the beach. You can easily dedicate an entire day to this place and never get tired of its beauty!
During the Minoan Bronze Age (3500 to 2100 BC) the town of Akrotiri was one of the main flourishing inhabited centres of Santorini. High quality potter, frescoes and paved streets found by the latest excavations demonstrate the village was a little gem in the Aegean Sea. Unfortunately, the volcanic eruption of Thera, sometimes around the 16th century BC, destroyed the ancient settlement and buried the village under the volcanic ash. Sounds familiar? Yes, it is actually the same thing that happened in Pompeii with the difference that in Akrotiri no human remaining have been found. However, the volcanic ash helped the preservation of the frescoes and all the various objects and artworks left in the settlement that now can be admired in the Archaeological Museum of Thera.
Medieval Akrotiri
During the medieval period, Akrotiri was one of the five fortified areas of Santorini. During the 13th century, the Venetian Republic occupied Santorini as part of the government expansion into the Aegean Sea. As a part of this occupation, Akrotiri became one of the main Venetian sites. In fact, its strategic position in between the mountainous areas of Santorini and the coast, made it a perfect location for a defensive structure. This was named as “La Ponta” (that in Italian/Latin means “la punta” tr. “the top”). A name that locals still use to describe the ruins of the place. The castle was built around a defensive tower called “The Goulas” that was used as an observation point. The castle and the nearby settlement were partially destroyed under the Turkish attacks in 1617, when the Venetian lost the control of the island. However, the tower survived in good conditions and still stands on the top of the hill of Akrotiri, hosting now the tsabouna exhibition.
Things to do in Akrotiri Map
In the map below you can discover the exact location of the places mentioned in this blog.
Best things to do in Akrotiri
Akrotiri main sites are widespread from the hill to the coast. You can plan an entire day and enjoy a traditional Greek lunch in the picturesque village that connects the low area of Akrotiri to the castle at the top of the hill.
Look for the sea enemies at the top of the Venetian Castle, La Ponta
The Castle of Akrotiri in Santorini is situated in the highest point of the village.
The castle dates back to the 13th century and it was built by the Venetian on the top of a former Byzantine fortification. Because of its ideal position, difficult to reach, La Ponta remained unconquered until the 17th century. Unfortunately, the earthquake of 1956 turned in into nothing less than a ruin. However, a restoration made in 2012 gave it the castle a new life thanks to the permanent tsabouna exhibition and the organisation of local musical events.
Getting to the Akrotiri castle
Despite easy to spot from a distance, reaching la Ponta from the Akrotiri village can be a little tricky. In fact, Akrotiri has many little alleys and it’s quite easy to get lost. Locals perfectly knew this, so they prepared some lovely hand-painted signs leading to the castle from Akrotiri central square. You just need to follow them to find it!
Akrotiri castle entrance fee and opening hours
The entrance to the castle is completely free to enter! Moreover, from its lovely the terrace, you can admire one of the most amazing views of Santorini. If you are visiting during summer, the castle is also used to host musical events (tickets sold separately). I think that listen to a concert in this historical place must be quite unique!
The castle is open 24h. However, the exhibition might be closed at certain times. The Venetian Castle of Akrotiri local association organises also flute workshops or historical tour of the castle and Akrotiri area. There is nothing bookable online but you can ask more info directly at the castle.
Planning more day trips in Santorini? Why not visit Megalochori!
Get stunned by the colourful Santorini Red Beach
Many people don’t know that the famous Red Beach in Santorini (it’s original name is Kokkini Paralia), is actually part of Akrotiri. This is called Ko Indeed, the village extends from the mountainous hills to this part of the coast in Santorini. With its striking red-coloured volcanic sand, the Red Beach is probably one of the most famous and unique beaches of Santorini. The only problem is that visiting is actually ILLEGAL. In fact, being considered a fragile environment, the beach was permanently shut off by the Greek authorities (there are even signs all around warning people).
Why the Red Beach in Santorini is Closed?
The Red Beach in Santorini has been officially closed in 2013. This because the volcanic rocks surrounding it are very fragile and there are serious risks of landslides. Moreover, in order to reach the actual beach you have to go down some of these friable rocks without protection from an eventual fall into the ocean.
It is safe to visit the Red Beach in Santorini?
Despite the “dangers” coming from possible landslides nothing (except a visible sign) has been actually done to prevent people climbing down to the beach. In fact, there are no fences or policeman guarding the site to avoid people trespassing. The beach is completely open and if you want to go there, you can still do it at your own risk. I’m not even sure of possible fines if you trespass.
Concerning the safety, this depends largely on the weather conditions, your physical abilities and the condition of the path to the beach. In fact, there is not really a route to descend towards the red pebbled-beach. You must count on your climbing abilities and common sense. Moreover, a part of the “path” is very tight, lingering dangerously towards the sea at a considerable height. The lower path towards the beach is easier to do and not really dangerous. In relation to my experience, the route is not as challenging but, of course, I won’t do it with children. Moreover, the unpredictability of the rocks’ stability cannot guarantee something won’t happen to you.
Honestly, I thought the real danger in this beach is coming more from the sea rather than from the rocks. In fact, the stripe of sand is not as big as you imagine. When the tide is up or a small boat pass nearby the shores the waves arrive literally in your face, carrying with them all your belongings (true story). Therefore, don’t put your towel or any bag less than 2 mt from the shore.
Best time to visit the Red Beach in Santorini
We do not usually trespass into forbidden places. Nevertheless, we did an exception for the Red Beach. We considered all the risks and having done more dangerous climbs in other parts of the world (e.g. Iceland) we thought this won’t be as dangerous. Moreover, the beach tend to be very crowded (like one of the most crowded places in Santorini) at any hour of the day without patrolling. So we didn’t take the trespassing order as an absolute true (if it actually is we still don’t know).
Anyway, to minimise our impact we visited at very early morning. This is the best time to go before the massive crowd arrives. We arrived around 8 am and left at 10.30 when the beach became unbearably crowded. There is a small parking near the beach but, likewise, you should arrive early to find a space!
Discover the Prehistoric city of Akrotiri
If you have some extra time is worth a visit to the ruins of the prehistoric city of Akrotiri. This ancient fishing village flourished for more than 500 since fifth millennium BC. Unfortunately, it’s glory was abruptly wiped away by the volcanic eruption of Thera 16th century BC. Like Pompeii, the ruins, frescoes and pottery of this village have been under the volcanic ashes for centuries before being excavated in 1867. Modern excavations in the 20th century brought to light an entire city that since 2012 is possible to visit directly from its excavation site.
Akrotiri frescoes are incredibly important for Greek history and the study of Minoan art because better preserved than those in Knossos.
Entrance fees and opening times
The ticket price to access the excavation is €12. There is a reduced admission of €6 for escorting parents on educational visits of primary schools, Greek citizens, EU people over 65 years old, university students with a valid ID. You can buy also a Special Ticket Package at €14 that will last 4 days and grants you the access to Ancient Thera, the Akrotiri Archaeological Museum, Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Collection of Icons and Ecclesiastical Artefacts at Pyrgos.
Opening Hours
Winter: (1 November – 31 March 2022) – 08.00 – 15.00 Tuesday – Sunday
Summer: (4 April – 31 October 2022) 08:00 – 20:00 and on Thursdays 08:00 – 15:00 – Closed on Monday.
Searching for a nice place to visit in Santorini? Why not visit Pyrgos Kallistis?
Watch the sunset from the Akrotiri lighthouse
The Akrotiri Lighthouse is located in the extreme southwest side of Santorini and it’s well-known for being one of the best spots from where to watch the sunset. The original lighthouse was one of the first of its type built in Greece. It was built by a French company in 1892. Unfortunately, this stopped working during the WWII. After the war, in 1945, the lighthouse was rebuilt by the Greek Navy and changed from fuel to fully automatic in 1988.
Tips for watching the sunset at the Akrotiri lightouse
We reached this spot by scooter about 20 mins before sunset. Nevertheless, it was already packed with people (and with this I mean there were people sitting on the rock wherever I could watch! don’t be fooled by the picture). If you want a good spot, you should arrive at least one hour before sunset.
There is a space where you can park your scooter/car and then you have to climb till the lighthouse. I would not recommend doing this if you are afraid of height. In fact, there is not an actual footpath to follow and you have to walk on the steep (and crumbling) slope to find a suitable place to seat and watch the sunset. The lighthouse itself is closed to the public and surrounded by military fences.
I was actually a bit upset that we remained stuck on the hedge of the cliff for about ten minutes because people were queuing to find a spot on the rocks. So we left. I found a bit dangerous trying to overcome people sit on the rocks in a such precarious spot!
The secret sunset spot in Akrotiri
Instead of being stuck in the cliff with hundreds of people we decided to go nearby and find another place. If you go back to the main road for about 5 minutes going towards the centre of Akrotiri there is a church just in front a a shop called “Pricky Pear”. From here you can watch an amazing sunset, without people!
Where to eat in Akrotiri
Akrotiri is a nice place where to have a good lunch/dinner. You can always have the choice to buy something on the go and dine on the beach but if you want to stop in Akrotiri there are plenty of choices. We chose for lunch Taverna Glaros where you can have a glorious Greek salad or very fresh sea food. If you want to stay closer to the beach, near Mesa Pigadia Beach you can find Akro. We haven’t tried this personally but we heard good things about it and the view at sunset is magical (and less crowded than Oia).
Happy Travels!
Read other Santorini guides
Want to discover more about Santorini? Read these other guides below! Click on the pictures to discover these amazing villages!
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