Ancient sites in Santorini
Ancient sites are one of the main reasons to spend a day on Santorini beyond the caldera views. Two stand out. Ancient Thera is a classical-era site on Mesa Vouno, above Kamari, with views over the island and the Sellada necropolis. Akrotiri is a Bronze Age city in the south, buried in volcanic ash and now sheltered under a large canopy.
Places to go
Ancient Thera
Ancient Thera is a Classical-era hilltop site on Mesa Vouno, between Kamari and Perissa. Visitors come for the ruins, the history and wide views over the island.
Akrotiri
Akrotiri is a Bronze Age Minoan city buried under volcanic ash and pumice and left well preserved. Walk its streets and see the houses, the layout and the wall paintings the excavation has uncovered.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
Most people start at Ancient Thera. Ancient Thera sits on the hill above Kamari, between Kamari and Perissa. Buses run up to the top of the cobbled, cliffside road, so you do not have to drive it yourself. The site is classical in date and rewards a slow walk for its views over the island and its history. The Sellada necropolis was excavated by N. Zapheiropoulos between 1961 and 1982. Walking up from Kamari takes about an hour and is quite steep.
Akrotiri is a Bronze Age Minoan city, buried under volcanic pumice and ash, and it is well preserved. It lies in the south of the island, so it is a separate trip from Thera and takes more time to reach. The whole city is covered by a giant canopy, which makes it a comfortable visit even in hot summer months. Several tours sold on the island combine Akrotiri with wine, lunch or other villages, which can suit a full day. Red Beach is reached from nearby Akrotiri if you want to add a swim.
Where to go
- Ancient Thera. Classical-era site on Mesa Vouno with views over the island, the Sellada necropolis and a walk around the ruins. Between Kamari and Perissa, by taxi or bus; buses go to the top of the hill. A trip that goes here: Private Santorini Day of Discovery, 6 Hours
- Akrotiri Bronze Age city. Bronze Age Minoan city buried in volcanic ash and well preserved, sheltered under a giant canopy. In the south of the island; distance not given, by Separate trip from Fira; guided private tours are also sold. A trip that goes here: Private Ruins of Akrotiri and Wine, 3 Hours 30 minutes
- Sellada necropolis. Ancient burial ground at Ancient Thera, excavated between 1961 and 1982. On the Ancient Thera site, on foot once you are at Ancient Thera.
- Agia Irini. Ruin of an early Christian basilica in Perissa, free to visit. In Perissa, by taxi or bus to Perissa, then a short walk.
- Ancient Quarry. Overgrown remains of the quarry that cut stone for Ancient Thera; free and open at all times. Near Perissa, by taxi or walk from Perissa. A trip that goes here: Private Santorini Day of Discovery, 6 Hours
Getting there
Taxis or buses reach Perissa from Fira. From Perissa or Kamari, Ancient Thera is up the hill, and buses go to the top. Akrotiri is a longer trip to the south, usually by bus or taxi from Fira or as part of a guided tour.
When to go
April and May bring pleasant temperatures and a low chance of rain, which suits walking on the hills. Akrotiri's canopy keeps it comfortable in summer, but Ancient Thera is closed on Wednesdays.
Good to know
- Bring coins or cash for the KTEL bus, which takes cash only.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the paths around the sites are cobbled and uneven.
- Ancient Thera has an entrance fee, with reduced rates for some visitors.
- Taxis in Perissa can be hard to find, so agree on a return plan before you walk up.
Questions
Is Ancient Thera worth visiting on Santorini?
Yes, for the views and the history. It is a classical-era site on the hill above Kamari, with the Sellada necropolis. Buses go to the top of the road, or you can walk up in about an hour, which is quite steep.
How do I get to Ancient Thera?
From Perissa or Kamari you can take a bus or taxi up the twisting road to the site, or walk if you are fit enough.
Is Akrotiri hot in summer?
Akrotiri is covered by a giant canopy, so it can be visited comfortably even in hot summer months. It is a Bronze Age Minoan city buried in volcanic ash and well preserved.
