I was pleasantly surprised to learn about the ancient Minoan civilization on Santorini when researching the various attractions to visit on the island. I decided to book an excursion from the ship that included a visit to the archaeological site of Akrotiri, along with stops in Fira and Oia for the extraordinary sunset.
According to historians, the residents of Santorini had anticipated the eruption of the volcano, vacating their homes in the 17th century BC. Although the catastrophic event destroyed the island, ash and lava created a protective layer over the land until it was accidentally discovered in 1967. Excavations of the ancient town of Akrotiri are bringing to light the lives of an ancient fishing village which was once a successful and prosperous port.
The discovery of Akrotiri came about when pozzolana miners arrived to remove stone to build the Suez Canal. These findings led Spyros Marinatos to begin excavating the area, which has undoubtedly uncovered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. The “Home of the Fisherman” is one of the most spectacular findings among the ruins with beautiful frescoes and tiled floors.
The site has been dated back to the 1620s BC and the excavation of the site continues to this day. According to archeologists, the pots that were found at the Akrotiri site dated back to the Neolithic times around the 5th century BC.
It is believed that the site of Akrotiri was where the more wealthy Minoans lived due to the items that have been uncovered. Intricate details of the frescoed walls and the few belongings that were found were indicative to those possessions found among the elite.
Other towns sprung up around the main metropolis of Akrotiri, the city center of the surrounding settlement. Akrotiri is the main focus of the archaeological dig of southern Santorini.
We were provided some time to explore the site on our own before descending down a stairway leading to the ancient streets of Akrotiri. Among the finds were evidence that the economy was based on Maritime shipping and trade, as the landscape would not have been conducive for agriculture and farming. It was an opportunity of a lifetime to go back in time to the 5th century BC and witness life as it had once been in this little village of Santorini.
Have you had the opportunity to visit the island of Santorini? I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my port day on this beautiful Greek island and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
Akrotiri Archaeological Site
Thera 84700 Greece
Telephone: +30 2286 081939
- Admission Fee: 12 Euros for full ticket price and 6 Euros for reduced ticket price; The special ticket price of 14 Euros for full ticket or 7 Euros for reduced ticket is good for 4 days and allows admission to the archaeological sites and museum in Thera, Ancient Thera, Akrotiri and the archaeological museum, Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Collection of Icons and Ecclesiastical Artifacts at Pyrgos. Children and students 18 years of age and under are free of charge.
- Hours: Open daily from 8 AM to 3 PM Tuesday to Sunday in the months of November 1 to March 31; open from 8 AM to 8 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and Thursdays from 8 AM to 3 PM in the months from April 4 – October 31. The museum is closed on Mondays.
- Amenities: Historic tours, Exhibits, Group Tours, Special Exhibits
- Scenic View: Amazing archaeological artifacts
- Length of Visit: 4 hours
Gavalas Winery
Megalochori, Santorini, Cyclades
Telephone: +30 22 8608 2552
Call or email the winery directly for hours of operation. Email: info@gavalaswines.gr
Harbour of Ammoudi
Sunset Ammoudi Taverna
Unnamed Road
Oia, Santorini, 847 09 Greece
Telephone: +30 2286 071614
Where to Stay:
Laskarina’s Old Bakery Cave House
Oia Santorini Thira
Oia, Egeo , 84702 Greece
Where to Eat:
Restaurant Iris
Imeroviglion, Kiklahedes
Santorini, Greece 84700
Telephone: +30 2286 032692
What to Eat:
- Baklava is layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts, spices and sweetened with honey
- Greek Salad
- Greek Wine from Santorini is unique as the grapes are grown in volcanic ash
- Gyros
- Lamb
- Local Olives
- Mashed Fava Beans (Fava me Koukia)
- Moussaka is an eggplant or potato based pie with meat and cheese
- Pomegranates
- Saganaki is a phyllo pastry stuffed with cheese and covered in honey
- Souvlaki are meat kabobs made from lamb, beef or chicken
- Spanikopita is a phyllo pastry filled with spinach, cheese, and sometimes onion
- Tomato Fritters made with tomatoes and onion, they are spiced either with oregano and peppermint then deep-fried
- Tzatziki is a yogurt based sauce with bits of garlic, onion, cucumbers, olive oil and lemon. Pita bread is usually served with this dish for dipping.
What to Read:
- The Summer House in Santorini by Samantha Parks
- One Summer in Santorini by Sandy Barker
- Secrets of Santorini by Patricia Wilson
Photo Guide for Santorini:
- Akrotiri Lighthouse
- Amoudi Beach for the private beach and lovely restaurants (see octopus hung up for drying)
- The town of Caldera for panoramic views of the sunset and center of the caldera
- Fira for the sunsets from restaurants and bars
- Fira for the scenic views of whitewashed buildings
- Oia
- Skaros Rock
- Windmills in Oia and Fira
For more information about the beautiful country of Greece, visit my following links!
Mykonos, Greece: Whitewashed and Wild
The Island of Delos: A Lesson in Greek Mythology
Corfu: An Old Town, Palace and Monastery
Corinth, A Biblical and Historical Perspective
The Site of Olympia and its Role in the Olympic Games
The Archaeological Museum at Olympia
Athens, Greece: A Living Museum