This Bronze Age settlement was buried by volcanic ash in 1600 BCE, preserving detailed frescoes and advanced drainage systems from an ancient Minoan civilization.
Walk through the ancient streets of Akrotiri, a 3,600-year-old settlement buried under volcanic ash on Santorini’s southern coast. See three-story buildings with staircases still standing, walls painted with images of fishermen and antelopes, and clay pots left behind by residents. Just north of the ruins, the modern village of Akrotiri has narrow cobblestone streets, a stone castle from the 1200s, and a lighthouse built in the late 19th century. The area stretches from the excavation site to Red Beach, where cliffs made of red volcanic rock drop into the sea. Volcanic soil colors the landscape in shades of rust and black, with drystone walls dividing fields of grapevines.
Visiting the Akrotiri Excavation Site
The Akrotiri excavation site preserves a town frozen by a volcanic eruption around 1650 BCE. Streets paved with flat stones connect buildings that once had wooden balconies and second-floor workshops. In one room, you’ll find a wall painting showing two women collecting saffron flowers, their baskets filled with crimson threads. A golden statue of a wild goat was discovered in a building thought to be a religious space. A protective roof made of steel and glass covers the site, letting sunlight filter onto walkways that let you look down into excavated rooms. Entry costs €12 (€6 for students), and timed tickets are mandatory during peak seasons.
Goulas Castle in Akrotiri Village
Walk up the steep paths from Akrotiri village to reach the remains of Goulas, a fortress built by Venetian rulers in the 13th century. Earthquakes damaged much of the structure, but sections of the outer walls still stand. From the hilltop, you can see the curve of Santorini’s flooded volcano and the island’s patchwork of vineyards. On the way up, notice small gardens growing capers and cherry tomatoes beside white-painted houses. No entrance fee is required, and you’ll likely have the ruins to yourself outside midday.
Akrotiri Lighthouse and Coastal Paths
The Akrotiri lighthouse, built by French engineers in 1892, marks the island’s southernmost point. Its white tower rises from cliffs formed by ancient lava flows, casting a light visible to ships near Crete. A dirt trail starts at the lighthouse and winds past rocky bays to Red Beach, taking about 45 minutes to walk. The lighthouse interior opens daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, though the exterior is accessible at all times. Its square design differs from the rounded towers common in other Greek islands.
Red Beach and Local Eateries
Red Beach lies a short walk southeast of the Akrotiri excavation parking area. Sharp red cliffs surround a strip of dark sand, where you can swim in clear water if you arrive before 10 AM. Near the beach entrance, a family-run taverna grills octopus and serves tomato fritters made with local produce. For a less crowded spot, follow the marked trail that starts behind the excavation site and cuts through farmland to the village. Rent a bike in Akrotiri village to cover this route faster.
Planning Your Visit
The Akrotiri excavation opens daily from 8 AM to 8 PM between April and October, with shorter hours in winter. Public buses from Fira to Red Beach stop near the site entrance—get off when you see a sign for the excavation. Renting a car costs about €15 per day and lets you visit the lighthouse, castle, and beaches on your own schedule. Book a guided tour to learn about clay tablets found here, marked with symbols still not fully translated. Many artifacts from the site, including painted vases and bronze tools, are displayed at the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira. A combined ticket for the museum and excavation costs €14.
