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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VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW
- Official Website For Akrotiri Santorini Prehistoric City
- Akrotiri Santorini Prehistoric City on Google Maps
- Akrotiri Prehistoric City Tickets Prices:Full (12€), Reduced (6€) – for Senior EU Citizen over 65 years old and Students outside of the EU, Special Package Ticket (15€ Full) – for 3 days 1 access only to all of Santorini’s archaeological sites including Akrotiri, Ancient Thera and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera
- Free Admission to Akrotiri: under 18 years old, EU Students, on the specific dates 28th of October, 6th of March, 18th of April, 18th of May, the last weekend of September every year, and every first Sunday of the month from 1st of November til 31st of March every year
- Online Tickets: you don’t have to pre-book your tickets online, and there is barely any lines or queues in the ticket office at the entrance, even in July and August; just show up and pay for the ticket. There is always availability.
- Best Guided Tour of the Akrotiri with a licensed Archaeologist:Akrotiri Prehistoric City Guided Walking Tour
- How long does it take to visit the AkrotiriPrehistoric City? You need at least 1.5-2 hours to see the whole archaeological site
- Opening Hours Winter (November-March): 08:30-15:30 every day
- Opening Hours Summer (April-October):
08:30-15:30 Monday
08:00-20:00 Tuesday
08:00-20:00 Wednesday
08:30-15:30 Thursday
08:00-20:00 Friday
08:00-20:00 Saturday
08:00-20:00 Sunday - Akrotiri Prehistoric City is CLOSED on:
1 January
25 March
1 May
Greek Easter Sunday
25 December
26 December - Parking: There is a pretty big free parking lot just opposite the main entrance, so that’s not an issue; expect it to be very busy in July and August, though, so the earlier you visit, the better it will be.
- Best Time to go to Akrotiri Prehistoric City: it’s never very crowded and the bioclimatic roof offers very good ventilation so even on the hot summer days it’s very comfortable inside; overall I would suggest it’s better if you visit early in the morning around 9-10 so that you can continue your day to a nearby beach (Red Beach is in walkable distance)
- How to Get to Akrotiri: The “Akrotiri Bus” from Fira will take you there in about 20 minutes (check the Santorini buses)
- The best thing to bring with you on your visit to Akrotiri isa bottle of water! There are a few vending machines in the area and some small kiosks selling snacks and drinks, but you had better bring your water; you will need it in the summer.
- Where to Eat after your Akrotiri visit:There are only a few options just down the small beach from Akrotiri: Melina’s Tavern, Cave of Stolidas and Cave of Nikolas restaurants, with Melina’s being my personal favourite (they are all good!).
AKROTIRI SANTORINI PREHISTORIC CITY ENTRANCE AND TICKETS
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.
THE HISTORY OF THE EXCAVATIONS IN AKROTIRI
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.
INSIDE THE AKROTIRI SANTORINI PREHISTORIC CITY ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
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 SHOP
The Akrotiri Prehistoric City site has a small but lovely shop selling books and copies of some of the artefacts in Akrotiri.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS AND CRUISES FROM AKROTIRI
FAQs
Do I need to book Akrotiri tickets in advance?
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.
How much does it cost to visit Akrotiri in Santorini?
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.
How long does it take to walk through Akrotiri?
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.
Is Akrotiri the lost city of Atlantis?
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.
