Akrotiri Archaeological Site

Akrotiri Archaeological Site

Akrotiri Archaeological Site
4
08:00 - 15:30
Monday
08:00 - 15:30
Tuesday
08:00 - 15:30
Wednesday
08:00 - 15:30
Thursday
08:00 - 15:30
Friday
08:00 - 15:30
Saturday
08:00 - 15:30
Sunday
08:00 - 15:30
About
One of the best-preserved ancient settlements in the Aegean, the Akrotiri site was inhabited by the Minoans from Crete around 3000 B.C. The entire ancient city was buried under volcanic ashes after a massive eruption and no human remains and valuables were ever found. Imagine how life was like in Akrotiri as you navigate through an impressive network of buildings and rooms filled with earthenware. You can also view artefacts from the excavations of Akrotiri in the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira. Buy a value-for-money combo ticket for access to both the Akrotiri site and the museum. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 1-2 hours
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€9.00
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  • Dominiquek160
    Nozay, France1,095 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful mini Pompeii archeology site
    An exceptional place from where you will touch Atlantis... Discovered by chance, and recently, this city buried under the ashes of the Santorini volcano - which exploded more than 4000 years ago - takes us on a possible visit to the remains of Atlantis or at least I like to think so. .. given that this city, from the Bronze Age, seems modern and well equipped (sheltered streets, everything has drainage, houses equipped with toilets...)
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 24 March 2024
  • MeeShellMidwifeRN
    Turlock, California658 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ancient ruins
    We were surprised to see this archaeological site fully covered in a large warehouse type structure, different from most of the ruins we’ve experienced in Europe. They are still actively excavating this site and predict there is still another 3 stories of buildings to get down to. Very interesting to see so many intact artifacts found. They’ve also uncovered a home with an indoor toilet that is completely intact - amazing! It’s worth the short trip to see.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 26 March 2024
  • liam a
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must see
    March was the perfect time to go! No lines, no waiting, my wife and I could wait and see all of the artifacts at our own pace. This site has major implications for the history and development of modern society. A must see if you have any internet in History or archeology. Even if you don’t I would recommend as one of top 5 places to see on Santorini.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 28 March 2024
  • Greta Onasis
    Galicia, Spain195 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    We expected something more
    As an art historian, it seemed like a place with a lot of potential but little used. Being covered is ideal to escape the sun and heat, but information is scarce and the circuit is very short. It's a pity that no works of art are preserved inside (just a few amphorae) and they are in the Prehistoric Museum of Fira (if you don't know in advance you may be disappointed).
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 1 April 2024
  • NTXTravelBug60
    Dallas, Texas168 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very enjoyable ancient site
    This is a fascinating archeaological site. It dates to 1650 BCE, similar to the two big sites in Crete. What makes this one different is that it was at the site of the volcano which violently exploded for three days; among other notable effects (tsunami hitting Crete, the island in the middle if Santorini disappearing) it buried Akrotiri in ash, similar to Pompei. Evidently, people were able to escape (although no one knows where they went; tsunami, possibly) and small things were taken. But many wall frescoes and other items survived, as well at the foundations and many walls. The artifacts (including the wall frescoes) were removed and relocated to museums, including in Athens and in Fira here on Santorini. But walking through the well-preserved site was amazing as well. Good signage in Greek and English. Easy access.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 20 April 2024
  • Ciara E
    Minnesota28 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very interesting, easily accessible
    Akrotiri was fascinating. There is a lot of history involved in visiting the site, and you can tell it is still be excavated, yet it doesn't take away from the experience at all as you can still see everything. It is a decent size, but if you are expecting something the size of Pompeii in Italy, you will be disappointed. Akrotiri is entirely covered by a ceiling so you don't have to worry about being directly in the hot sun, making the experience much more enjoyable. It is easy to access by public transport as you can take an inexpensive bus directly to the site from Fira. The whole site is, for the most part, handicap accessible and they have separate, more accessible paths. It is probably one of the most accessible places on the island, so if you have mobility problems, it should be okay to visit.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 23 April 2024
  • Karen P
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Greek Pompeii
    If you are interested in Ancient History and staying in Santorini, this site is well worth a visit. A Minoan civilisation which compliments the ruins in Crete. The Museum of Ancient Thera, located in the town of Fira, contains the artifacts unearthed from the dig. A combined ticket can be purchased for 15 Euros, which also includes entry to Ancient Thera.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 24 April 2024
  • Professor-Rod
    Jacksonville, Florida113 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Must-See for History Buffs
    Let’s put it in historical perspective. Pompeii was covered in lava 1960 years ago. We consider it ancient. When Akrotiri was covered in lava it was 1500 years before Pompeii. The Romans would have considered it ancient. When you hear the word “prehistoric” you may think of cave dwellers or Cro-Magnon man. The people who lived here 2500 years ago had sophisticated wall murals in their homes, decorated pottery, streets, stairs, drainage for waste (there was little rain), a theatre, and probably a church and/or school. If you’re a history buff, IMO this place is a must see in Santorini. BTW most of the original murals are preserved and move to the Museum of Prehistoric Thira in Fira.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 23 May 2024
  • SkateMinsteronSea
    Isle of Sheppey, United Kingdom479 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must see if you are on Santorini
    This is a wonderful site that is a must see if you are interested in history and archaeology. There are lots of signs around to tell you what you are looking at but the artefacts found at the site are not there, which is a real shame. To see them you have to travel to the museum in Fira and I so wish they had been left on site.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 25 May 2024
  • Minh H
    Birmingham, Alabama460 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ok, nothing spectacular
    This was supposed to be the Pompeii of Santorini. Kind of disappointing. We have been to Pompeii and this is not nearly as impressive or massive in scope. The positive is it was under a roof and not as hot and dusty as Pompeii. I you are only here for a day or 2, I would skip it. If you have 3 days or more, it may be worth coming by
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 27 May 2024
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49MileDriver
San Francisco, CA39 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2024 • Couples
IF you like archeology and history, I recommend visiting the archeological site at Akrotiri. This is a relatively large site that continues to be excavated. The city is believed to have been founded in 1700 BCE and there are explanations throughout. If you have a group, it may be worth it to book a guide or if you are very patient you can wait for enough other tourists to gather and share the cost. We were not willing to wait and still found the experience very interesting. Note that the artifacts and fresco‘s from this site reside within the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira.
Written 6 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Travlintone
Chippenham, UK781 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Couples
I suspect that our coach tour guide was not a particular fan of archeology given the scant promotion of this museum when we stopped there for 90 minutes on our tour of the island.
This museum is however truly remarkable being the excavation of a whole town that has repeatedly been destroyed by earthquakes and rebuilt over thousands of years. Reminiscent of the site of the Terracotta Army site in China, the museum is the second largest in Greece and is a deserved World Heritage Site.
Entrance for adults is €12 with various concessionary fees if you live in a country sensible enough to still be in the EU. For €15 you can get a pass that also gets you into other Santorini museums.
Go there and see what human determination and endeavour can achieve and marvel at the scale of the archaeological dig.
Written 22 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mumofthree
United Kingdom7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 • Friends
Absolutely the best thing to do in Santorini. We were unsure whether to go. The public bus from Fira was 2 Euros and an air conditioned coach, much more comfortable than a UK bus! The site is inside and climate controlled to preserve it, and a welcome shelter from the heat and sun. It is unbelievable given some of it is 6,000 years old. There are a few artefacts left on site but mostly the buildings and pictures of what was found inside (amazing artworks). These are mostly now in the museum in Fira which is equally fascinating to look round.
We went afterwards to the red beach, which was equally lovely. Had we known the site was enclosed, we would have gone later in the day so we weren't walking to the beach at midday. I think the buses run back to Fira until quite late.
Written 28 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Simi P
New York62 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2024 • Couples
So when we got there we saw a sign that admission was 12eu admission but seniors paid 6 eu. When we inquired we were told this discount only applied to citizens of the European Union. Not impressed by that so we paid the full price. The only way to understand what we were seeing was by scanning a QR code where the tiniest print came up on our phone. It was so poorly lit ( and quite uncomfortably warm) inside that it was impossible to read what we were seeing. There were plaques along the way explaining, but again, there was no light to even read what was on the plaques so we couldn’t read about it. It was comfortable to walk around and we saw many different views but only at the end were there two video screens that gave better video explanations and they were interesting. We finished the entire walk around in under 30 minutes and used nice WC facilities outside the cafe and museum shoppe but the overall experience was not good as we had no idea what we were seeing. There should have been self wearable recorded audio guides or better lighting. We also still felt that a senior discount should be for all seniors and not only a selected group. At least advertise that stipulation more prominently. So, unless you really like looking at archeological ruins and digs and don’t really care what you are seeing, you can skip this one.
Written 12 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kevin B
Mount Juliet, TN4,243 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Couples
This is such a special archeological site. My wife and I were fortunate to visit back in late July and it was truly a wonderful experience. The site is located close to Red Beach and is easily accessible by bus as there's a stop directly outside. There are guided tours available, but we chose to do a self-guided tour and that was still very fun. The site is completely covered by a building to protect it and there's no air conditioning, so it was very hot and humid in the summer and it was nice to be able to go at our own pace because of that.

We live in the US and things that are 200 years old here are very rare and treasured, so it's truly a unique experience to peer down at ruins of a city that is 4000 years old. The most amazing part of visiting Akrotiri for us was seeing beautiful amphora that have been standing in the same place for 4000 years; that's something that we still can't truly understand even months later. Most of the artifacts are located at the Museum of Prehistoric Thira located in Fira and we definitely recommend going there afterwards as it's definitely the companion piece to the actual archeological site.

It's a wonderful place to visit overall and we definitely recommend coming here!
Written 27 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Pericx
19 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
I confess that I didn't have many expectations about this leg of the excursion I had booked. However, it was a very interesting experience. It was exciting to visit this ancient city, learning about its history and culture. I must make a special mention to the local guide who showed us the site, Nicola (name translated into Italian) for the passion with which he illustrated every detail of the city. His command of the Italian language is also excellent. A stop that I would absolutely recommend to anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of the history of the island of Santorini
Google
Written 16 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SARAH L
84 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
Was really looking forward to the visit to this ancient site, however upon arrival it transpires if you are from a county within the EU then it’s free! For anyone else it’s €12 to enter!!!
Nonsensical and just outright ripping people off!
I paid €30 as opposed to 2 visitors from the Netherlands who Waltzed in free!
How would Greece or Santorini deal with the lack of torlurism from the British!
Written 25 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Stanisław Ł
Bestwina9,164 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
When in Santorini, you must visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri, which is located at the base of a small cape on the southwestern coast of the island. There are extensive ruins of a Bronze Age settlement with very well-preserved artifacts showing the everyday life of its inhabitants. There was once an ancient Minoan city here, destroyed and covered with ashes by a volcanic eruption in the late 17th century BC. i.e. about 3,600 years ago. Regular excavations began here in 1967 and by 2006, 12 houses, solidly built of stone ashlars and up to three storeys high, had been unearthed. Remains of Minoan vases, furniture and inscriptions in linear writing were also found, but the most interesting are very well-preserved frescoes depicting scenes from everyday life. It is estimated that the peak of the city's development took place between the 20th and 16th centuries BC. At that time, the city had an area of approximately 20 ha and had several thousand inhabitants. The streets in the city were narrow, but the apartments were spacious, built of clay bricks with plaster walls, and toilets connected to the city sewage system. Some houses were connected to two pipes with cold and hot water from thermal springs. Today, the ruins are secured with a solid structure that protects them against weather conditions and allows safe visiting. An interesting fact is that no skeletons or fossilized human corpses were found here, as in Pompeii, which proves that people had to evacuate the city before the explosion.
Google
Written 20 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lamite57
Laval, Canada213 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
The site is very well landscaped and contains a real archaeological treasure. Nothing compares, however, to the site of Pompeii, where we have direct access to the ancient city and several of its buildings. The visit takes around 1 hour, taking your time. There are few posters of historical information, but by scanning a web link you can access more information on your mobile. At €12 pp the unguided tour is rather expensive, but we still contribute to an ongoing excavation project which has its merits.
Google
Written 18 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Divisa65
Creteil, France846 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 • Couples
The site is very well laid out and contains an archaeological treasure for those sensitive to old stones and ruins but it should not be compared to the site of Pompeii. The site is protected by a giant shed and wooden paths are marked to channel the public and not further damage the ruins. We speak of ruins. The tour lasts about 1 hour taking its time. There are few historical information posters, no information in French (yet there are many French visitors). The unguided individual visit at 15 € is expensive considering what there is to see but we participate in the continuation of the excavations (and there is still enough to do). We had the chance to visit with an excellent guide who made it interesting thanks to the many explanations about the site and history.
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Written 19 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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AKROTIRI ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE: All You MUST Know Before You Go (2025)

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