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Walk through the ash-preserved ruins of Akrotiri and explore Fira Old Town with an immersive audio guide.
Walk through the ash-preserved ruins of Akrotiri and explore Fira Old Town with an immersive audio guide.
Inclusions
Take in sweeping views from Prophet Elias Monastery, stroll through Santorini’s quiet villages, and explore the ruins of Akrotiri.
Take in sweeping views from Prophet Elias Monastery, stroll through Santorini’s quiet villages, and explore the ruins of Akrotiri.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Take in sweeping island views from Santorini’s highest point, visit the ancient city of Akrotiri, and end your day with the world-famous sunset in Oia.
Take in sweeping island views from Santorini’s highest point, visit the ancient city of Akrotiri, and end your day with the world-famous sunset in Oia.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Imagine walking through a city frozen in time, buried under volcanic ash for over 3,500 years. Unlike crumbled ruins elsewhere, in the ancient town of Akrotiri, you’ll find multi-story buildings, drainage systems, and elegant streets that hint at a highly evolved society. This was a thriving Minoan port, bustling with trade, art, and life, eerily preserved as if the inhabitants just stepped out.
Best for: A self-paced exploration of the Akrotiri site, providing an immersive experience through an informative audio guide
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Handheld audio guide
Recommended tickets: Santorini: Akrotiri ticket with audio guide
Best for: Those looking for a comprehensive tour of Santorini’s key archaeological sites and scenic beaches, all in one day
Duration: 7 hours 30 minutes
Guide: Expert English or German-speaking guide
Recommended tickets: Archaeological bus tour to Akrotiri excavations and Red Beach
Best for: Travelers who want to experience Santorini’s best on a comprehensive day tour, with a focus on history, culture, and breathtaking views
Duration: 10 hours
Guide: Expert English-speaking guide
Recommended tickets: Santorini bus tour: The majestic spots of Santorini and Akrotiri
Duration of visit: 1.5 to 2 hours
Best time to visit: Between April and October, with May to early June and September being ideal. Enjoy warm, sunny days with fewer crowds and comfortable exploring temperatures. Aim for early mornings or late afternoons to avoid peak heat and enjoy the site at its quietest.
Address: Fira 847 00, Greece
Find on maps
The Akrotiri archaeological site has a single, clearly marked public entrance, located on the southwestern edge of the modern Akrotiri village. It sits just opposite the main parking area and the last stop of the public KTEL bus from Fira.
The entrance itself is part of a modern facility with a ticket office, shaded waiting area, and restrooms. Once inside, visitors enter a fully enclosed excavation hall with elevated walkways and controlled climate. The layout is smooth and designed for wheelchairs or strollers.
Since there's only one entrance, all visitors funnel through this point, which can lead to queues, especially during peak midday hours. To avoid long lines, it's best to arrive early in the morning when the site opens (typically between 8am and 8:30am), or later in the day when tour groups have cleared out.
Several sections inside the excavation site are housed under a large, modern bioclimatic shelter, offering shade and protection from the elements. Within this covered area, you can move along elevated wooden walkways that circle and cross through the ruins. These paths are wide, stable, and have gentle slopes or ramps in many sections, making them navigable for manual and electric wheelchairs, as well as strollers.
However, not all paths are ramped; a few side corridors and closer views of certain areas have steps or raised thresholds that limit full access. We recommend wheelchair users or those with mobility concerns bring a companion for support.
There is a dedicated accessible restroom outside near the entrance, and the main entryway is on flat ground with no stairs.
Sail through Santorini’s caldera on small-group catamaran and yacht cruises that include swim stops at volcanic beaches, dips in the hot springs, and freshly grilled meals on board. Book tickets for sunset or daytime tours with hotel pickup, guided volcano hikes, and curated routes past the island’s most striking coastlines.
Book Santorini boat tours
Cruise the volcanic heart of Santorini on a guided boat tour combining a hike up Nea Kameni’s crater with a refreshing swim in the sulfur-rich waters of Palea Kameni hot springs. Your ticket includes hotel pickup, time to explore the quiet island of Thirassia, and panoramic caldera views, with a small-group setting and expert commentary throughout the journey.
Book Santorini volcano and hot springs toursYes, Akrotiri guided tours offer expert insights into the site’s history, highlighting the Minoan civilization, intricate frescoes, and advanced engineering. With an expert English or German-speaking guide, you’ll navigate the site more easily and dive deeper into Santorini’s buried civilization.
Yes, audio guides offer detailed commentary on the site's features, including frescoes, pottery, and drainage systems, enriching the self-guided experience.
While you can book Akrotiri tickets on-site, we recommend getting them at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance, especially between June and August, as the timed-entry slots tend to sell out quickly.
No, the Akrotiri entry ticket allows for a one-time entry to the archaeological site.
Arrive early in the morning, between 8am to 9am, to beat the crowds and enjoy a quieter, touring experience at the Akrotiri excavations.
Most visitors spend between 1 to 3 hours exploring the site at their own pace.
The archaeological site is partially wheelchair accessible, complete with smooth walkways and wooden ramps in some areas. However, a big portion of the site is uneven and rocky, so visitors with mobility concerns may find it challenging to navigate certain sections without assistance.
After visiting Akrotiri, consider exploring the nearby Red Beach and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira to further immerse yourself in Santorini's rich history.