History trips in Santorini
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.
About ancient sites in Santorini
Ancient Thera is a classical-era site on a hill above Kamari, with the Sellada necropolis excavated between 1961 and 1982. Akrotiri is a Bronze Age Minoan city in the south, buried under volcanic pumice and ash and kept well preserved. Both are the island's main ancient sites.
Ancient Thera sits on Gavrilos Hill between Kamari and Perissa. Buses run to the top, or you can drive or walk. Walking up takes about an hour and is steep. Akrotiri is a separate trip; it is covered by a giant canopy, so it stays comfortable in summer heat. Taxis from the port to Perissa take about 15 minutes.
- 1961 to 1982 Sellada necropolis excavated
- About 15 minutes Taxi from port to Perissa
History excursions in Santorini
Booked with our partner Shore Excursions Group. Prices are per person. Each trip says where it goes.
Private Guide and Vehicle - Half Day Santorini
Goes to Akrotiri
Private Ruins of Akrotiri and Wine
Goes to Akrotiri
Private Excavations of Akrotiri
Goes to Akrotiri
Private Vehicle - Full Day Santorini
Goes to Akrotiri
Where to go for Ancient sites
Each trip shows where it goes.
Ancient Thera
Ruins of a Classical-era city on Mesa Vouno, with the Sellada necropolis excavated across the hill. Findings from the digs are in the archaeological museum in Fira.
Akrotiri
Walk the streets of a Bronze Age Minoan town buried under volcanic ash. The whole site sits under a giant canopy, so the walk is comfortable in summer heat.
What to expect
Most people start at Ancient Thera. From the port area, a taxi to Perissa takes about 15 minutes, and 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.
Tour or on your own Either Ancient Thera is reached by bus or taxi from the port area, while Akrotiri is a separate trip to the south and is also sold as a guided private tour.
Time it takes Half a day Ancient Thera fits comfortably into a morning or afternoon; Akrotiri is a separate outing that needs its own travel time across the island.
Effort Moderate Expect a steep walk on the hill at Ancient Thera, and a lot of walking around both sites, with some uneven ground.
Who it suits Walkers, first-timers, families Both sites suit people who like history and views, and Akrotiri stays comfortable in summer heat thanks to its canopy.
Good to know Twisting road to Thera The road up to Ancient Thera is twisting, and driving it requires a confident driver; buses go to the top.
Best months March to January The sites are open across most of the year, but Ancient Thera is closed on Wednesdays, so check the day before you go.
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 the port?
A taxi from the port to Perissa takes about 15 minutes. 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.
More to do in Santorini
Ancient sites in other places
The same thing, at the other places that do it well.
Cozumel
Walk among the plazas and temples of San Gervasio, the island's most important Maya site, reached by taxi or rental car.
Sailings that stop in Santorini
873 sailings on 19 cruise lines call here in the next twelve months. Totals are for two guests, taxes included.
Viking Neptune
Celestyal Discovery
Explora II
Sources: Ancient Thera, Wikipedia · Red Beach (Santorini), Wikipedia · Kamari, Wikivoyage · Perissa, Wikivoyage · Santorini, Wikivoyage
Photo: Zde, CC BY-SA 4.0