Akrotiri

Akrotiri’s settlement is in the southwestern and most distant edge of the island, 15km away from Fira. Akrotiri became particularly famous as the ancient city that was discovered buried under the volcano’s ashes. Unfortunately, the excavation is not open to the public but you will have the opportunity to take a small taste if you visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira. From those settlements that have a view of the Caldera, it is the most recently developed and the less spoilt by tourist interventions.

During the last few years many hotels and lodgings have been built to serve the needs of tourists whose number is constantly growing, as they seek for tranquility in the still virgin side of the Caldera. From Akrotiri you can go on foot to the Red Beach or take the boat to the White Beach. Mesa Pigadia, Kampia and from the Cladera’s side, Apothikes and Gialos, are other beaches for swimming. There is also a Venetian castle in Akrotiri that was shattered by the big earthquake and it is worth paying a visit. There may not be enough shops and a wild nightlife, but you will definitely find good food. You will find tavernas in Akrotiri’s port, in the center of the village and on the road towards Faros (lighthouse), which you should for sure visit. From there you will be able to observe the figure of an Indian, up in Mavro Vouno, that looks so natural as if it had been carved by a talented sculptor. According to the testimonies of local residents, this figure had been discovered by the well known archaeologist Spiros Marinatos, as none had noticed it until then. Either in the morning or in the afternoon the view of the endless blue and the rest of the island, from the lighthouse, is magnificent and the sunset is like a dream. In the area you will also find the churches of Agia Theodosia situated in the castle’s entrance, of Agios Epifanios, of Agia Triada and of Ypapanti.

Useful links for Akrotiri
Hotels