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The Ancient Akrotiri Prehistoric ruins are one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites and the most significant cultural attraction in Santorini.
This is one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean that dates back to 4000 BC and flourished till the eruption of the Santorini volcano somewhere between 1650 and 1550 BC. Akrotiri Prehistoric Ruins is a beautiful, excavated, preserved archaeological site that sits very close to the Red Beach of Santorini.
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It’s very easy to go to the Akrotiri Prehistoric City Archaeological Site. There is a direct local bus from Fira (20 minutes’ drive), but you can also take a taxi or drive your car.
Archaeological excavations in Akrotiri started in 1867 when some locals found some artefacts. The main excavation, though, was initiated by the visionary Greek Archaeologist Spyridon Marinatos (who died in 1974) and his assistant Christos Doumas, who is still the main Lead Archaeologist in the ongoing Akrotiri excavations.
The main archaeological site in Akrotiri is covered in an impressive bioclimatic roof that has recently transformed the whole area. The new roof was installed and has been in operation since 2012. It was built to replace an old and rusty roof that was originally installed in the 70’s.
The Akrotiri Prehistoric City site has a small but lovely shop selling books and copies of some of the artefacts in Akrotiri.
No. Unlike the Acropolis in Athens, you do not need to pre-book your tickets online for Akrotiri. You can purchase your tickets directly at the entrance ticket office upon arrival. Even during peak season in July and August, the queues are minimal and there is always availability.
A standard adult ticket costs €12. Reduced tickets are available for €6 for senior EU citizens (over 65) and non-EU students. Admission is free for anyone under 18 years old and EU students with a valid ID.
You should plan to spend 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the Akrotiri archaeological site. Because the entire site is covered by a bioclimatic roof, it is well-ventilated and shaded, making it a comfortable walking experience even during the hottest hours of the day.
Many historians and archaeologists believe that the catastrophic volcanic eruption that destroyed and buried the advanced Minoan settlement of Akrotiri around 1600 BC may have inspired Plato’s legend of the lost city of Atlantis.
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Last updated: August 14, 2026
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Hi, I’m Renato Jordan Leite, I took my wife and son to Akrotiri in Dec 2007. It was no possible to visit the site, since the old structure from the 70’s was in place and it was forbidden the presence of visitors. As a an avid archeologist lover, geologist by formation, I had to see the site. I found my way to the site and got close enough to peep through the structure. I took a picture of the city. Immediately, some archeology student lady in the headquarter in place yelled “police”, and pointed at me, releasing the two dogs. I believe two more people were also there, but stayed behind. Fortunately I did not get hurt, I raised my hands, showed my camera, and approached her, dogs were around but it was OK, I explained to her I was a geologist with a passion, but it looks she could barely understand english. She guided me to the metal gate, I went back to my wife and son and then we visited the nearby beach. No restaurants in the area at that time. Went back to the city, had wine and olives and a wonderful meal, with an interesting adventure to tell about Akrotiri. Today I discovered the site was rebuilt as a touristic place in 2012. I would like to make a donation to the archeologists team, hopefully the ones that were present during my “unfortunate” contact with them, please let me know if you have an account for donation. If not, one day I will be back, will tell my story again, and place a donation in person. I wish all the best to the archeologists team, you are in my heart, and your achievement was great, intangible!!