Ancient Akrotiri: Santorini in Minoan times

The Minoans are still a little-known civilisation, steeped in mystery and speculation, and the subject of much research and new hypotheses by today's historians. They were 'invented' by the archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, who unearthed the world-famous site of Knossos in Crete at the very end of the 19th century.

It was from this large island, whose coastline can be seen on a clear day from Santorini, that the Minoans originated. Sailors and traders, they founded several colonies in the Cyclades, the largest ever discovered being ancient Akrotiri, unearthed in the 1960s by Spiridon Marinatos.

Its size, architecture and the artistic treasures unearthed during the excavations suggest that it was a flourishing city. The refinement and high level of development of the Minoans, an ancient civilisation born around 3500 BC, seems incredible today!

But in 1600 BC, the Santorini volcano erupted in a gigantic eruption, burying ancient Akrotiri under more than 40 metres of volcanic fallout. This thick layer of sandstone, an excellent insulator, protected the city from the ravages of time for centuries!

This is why ancient Akrotiri is often referred to as the "Greek Pompeii"... but the Minoan site is much older, and has one major difference: no bodies from that era have ever been found in the city! The inhabitants, alerted by the signs of the threatening volcano, will no doubt have left Santorini before the catastrophe...

As you can see, ancient Akrotiri is a major archaeological site not only on Santorini, but also in Greece. An imposing structure naturally regulates the atmosphere around the site to ensure its preservation, while footbridges allow you to explore it from every angle. The remains are impressive, but probably only represent 5% of the excavations to be carried out in the Akrotiri region!

After visiting ancient Akrotiri, the whole of the Akrotiri area remains to be discovered. A short distance from the site are the brown rocks of Red Beach, the most spectacular and busiest of Santorini's beaches: a must-see photo, but difficult to find a place on the sand at the height of the season... Beyond, a short path along the cliffs leads to Kambia Beach, which is often quieter.

Also not to be missed is a visit to the village that gave its name to the archaeological site: Akrotiri. Still in its original state, the narrow streets and small houses with their typical vaulted roofs have largely escaped the influences of mass tourism: a rare sight in Santorini! From the small kastro on top of Akrotiri, which has been in ruins since the 1956 earthquake, you can enjoy a splendid view of the south of Santorini.

👉 When should you visit ancient Akrotiri?

To avoid the crowds, it's best to get to the site as soon as it opens.

🚍 How do I get to Ancient Akrotiri?

By bus, regular service from Fira with Santorini's KTEL buses. A footpath links Ancient Akrotiri to the village of Akrotiri (15min). For the Red Beach, follow the small road.

⏰ Opening times at Old Akrotiri:

In season (April-October): 8am-8pm In winter (November-March): 8.30am-3.30pm.

👛 Admission tickets:

Admission: full price €12, concessions €6 3-day combined ticket: €15 (includes the archaeological site of Ancient Thira and the Fira Prehistoric Museum, both must-sees).

Guided tours available (and recommended), in French: approx. €10/person. Duration: 1 hour.

🌊 When should you visit the Red Beach?

As early as possible in the morning, or at dusk at the end of the day, to avoid the crowds in season... and discover the site intact. Out of tourist season is even better!

🚩 Warning: some years, the Red Beach is closed to the public due to the risk of the cliffs collapsing. Never place your towels too close to avoid the risk of falling rocks.