The Minoan settlement of Akrotiri on Santorini…
RED BEACH | This Akrotiri Page is from the Simply Santorini website – an insiders guide to getting the most from Thira - the honeymoon island. Santorini hotels, resorts, romantic locations, beaches, history, sunsets & much more…
You'll find Akrotiri near the famous Red Beach of the beautiful Greek Island of Santorini. Akrotiri is the most important archaeological site in Santorini because it was a Minoan settlement.
It dates back to the late Neolithic times and gradually developed into one of the most important cities and ports of the Aegean through the ages.
MINOAN SETTLEMENT ART |
The Minoan settlement had a complex drainage system, two and three-storey buildings elaborately built and decorated with striking frescos. The famous fresco of a fisherman and the boxing youths are examples of the style of art prevalent in Minoan society.
The inhabitants of the Minoan settlement had to flee and leave everything behind when a violent earthquake shook the island and the volcano erupted in 17th century B.C. Pompeii style the Minoan settlement was buried in volcanic ash, which preserved the frescos, pottery, furniture and artefacts. Examples of the buried treasures are displayed at the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira, as well as the life-size reproductions of the wall paintings.
Unfortunately, the excavation is not currently open to the public but you can visit the museum at Fira. For up to date information on when the site will be reopened to the public see Latest News
Sightseeing
AKROTIRI LIGHTHOUSE |
You can experience a breathtaking view from Akrotiri and you'll also find a ruined Venetian castle and a lighthouse right at the southwestern tip of Santorini.
The area is quiet so you won't find a frantic nightlife here so you'll need to visit livelier resorts like Kamari, Perissa and Fira if that's what you're looking for.
There is plenty of choice of accommodation in Akrotiri ranging from budget all the way up to some gorgeous Santorini luxury hotels with well-positioned rooms to enjoy the view at sunset over the volcano at Akrotiri. For example the luxury hotel of Maison Des Lys in Akrotiri offers guests a carefree and relaxing environment with all the facilities you'll need for a wonderful vacation.
BEST FISH RESTAURANTS |
There are lots of fabulous fish restaurants at Akrotiri too. We recommend the Dolphins Fish Taverna, which is probably one of the best fish restaurants on the island. You can try, the freshly caught Kalamaris or grilled prawns washed down with their own homemade wine. This is where the locals dine which is always a good recommendation.
And talking of wining and dining, don't forget to visit the nearby Santorini Wineries of Santo wines and Boutari wines to take a tour of the vineyards, winery and sample the very best in Santorini wines.
In the area you'll also find some pretty little churches like Agia Theodosia situated at the castle’s entrance. A few local feasts and religious festivals take place at Akrotiri. There are two in May (12th and 29th) and two in August (6th and 15th).
For more on Santorini feast days and festivals and Santorini churches see our Saintly Santorini section.
Beaches close by to Akrotiri are Red Beach or a little further on you can take a boat to White Beach.
For top tips about exploring Akrotiri and the island of Santorini see our Getting around Santorini section featuring scooter hire and car rental.
You'll most likely need a good map of Santorini and a Santorini guide book to explore the island fully. Here's our suggestion of the best around:
SANTORINI (HotSpots)
by Thomas Cook
| "Hotspots Santorini" highlights all you need to know about a country of diverse landscapes, excellent cuisine and amazing beaches.This book delivers: summaries of the best beaches and resorts, including Kamari, Perissa and Thira; an excursions section that lists the many activities on offer, including places to visit such as ancient Thira and Pygros; advice on the wide range of water sports and leisure activities; lists of local restaurants, bars, nightclubs and places of interest; maps of the local area showing the location of restaurants and places of interest; and, lifestyle section, including a summary of the types of food available, a menu decoder, festivals, sports and activities on offer. |
|
SANTORINI HOLIDAY MAP
by GeoCenter Holiday Maps
| A GeoCenter Holiday Map of Santorini, featuring a map on one side and top sights with colour photographs and tourist information the other. |
|
If you love Santorini then you'll love the wonderful Greek island of Crete. Visit our sister site of Completely Crete .Com for all you'll need to know about Crete.
Back to Santorini Locations Page
Home Page
Privacy Policy ║ Site Blog ║ Contact Us ║ Send us your Santorini Restaurant Review
© Copyright All Original Content 2006 – 2008 simply-santorini.com. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is not permitted.
Click here to learn about developing your own money-generating website
from Site Build It! - even with little or no web experience!
|
