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Community in Greece
Photo: Klearchoskapoutsis at English Wikipedia, CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
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 Bronze Age Cycladic settlement just outside the modern town.
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Ακρωτήρι
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.
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.
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.
Ruins of an old wind mill.
Άγιος Ευστάθιος
Greek Orthodox church with three bell towers.
A lone menhir on the route to the White Beach.
Greek Orthodox church built against the cliffs, with a characteristic bell tower with 3 bells.
Κόκκινη Παραλία
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!
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.
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!
A natural cave. Caution: the volcanic rock is very unstable, it is not recommended to enter without a guide.
Small pebble beach with a restaurant.
Horse riding excursions in south Thira, including the famed black sand beaches.
Traditional Santorinian cuisine.
Greek cuisine with, as the name suggests, a nice view over the caldera.
Greek seafood restaurant at the waterfront.
Mediterranean and Greek restaurant.
A culinary experience with a great view over the caldera. Expensive restaurant, but good choice for romantic dates.
Mediterranean cuisine and seafood.
Mediterranean cuisine and seafood.
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.
Design all suite hotel with private heated jacuzzi offering magnificent views over the Caldera and the Volcano.
Hotel in a quiet location with 55 rooms and suites, 2 pools, taverna, pool-bar, and a travel agency.
21 stylish and cosy hotel rooms, suites and maisonettes.
Offers romantic luxury and honeymoon suites with sea view, rooms overlooking the Caldera.
Private accommodation with caldera view.
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!
Gift shop run by the Society For The promotion Of Studies On Prehistoric Thera.
Woodworking workshop and handicrafts.
Convenience store.
There is a bus route from the Fira central bus station, which stop at the {{station|Akrotiri Bus Stop}} in the town centre, and then to its terminus at the Ancient Akrotiri archaeological site.
Read in the guideAkrotori 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.
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Santorini Island · International · JTR
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