The Minoans

Akrotiri Excavations

Bronze Age Minoan Settlement.

"Within the covered area, we’ve identified 35 buildings. Of these, only four have been excavated, and we’ve recovered over 14,000 whole pots from them! You can appreciate that we still have many centuries of work under this protective roof." - Christos Doumas in 2017

In 1967, Professor Spyridon Marinatos' lifelong theory came to fruition: the eruption of Thira's volcano in 1614-1613 BC was responsible for the collapse of the Minoan civilization. Tidal waves caused by the eruption travelled 70 miles south, wiping out the Minoans of Crete.

Play Me

3D Rendition of West House - Akrotiri

The excavations at Akrotiri uncovered one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean. After Professor Marinatos passed away in 1974, the work continued under the successful direction of Professor Christos Doumas.

Santorini Through The Ages - A Timeline



NASA - 13th IAA "Humans in Space" Symposium

In 21 - 25 May, 2000, NASA held the 13th IAA "Humans in Space" Symposium in Santorini. Co-sponsored by the Greek Aerospace Medical Association and Space Research, attendees and speakers, predominantly scientists from around the world, included NASA astronauts. One revelation was that rock samples taken from the volcano's crater came from outer space.

Play Me

Evolution of Santorini's Volcano. Greek Narration with English Typography & Subtitles.

Akrotiri Lighthouse

The lighthouse was built in 1892, during Ottoman Rule, by French company 'La Société Collas et Michel'. At first, it operated on oil; beams reached a distance of 23 nautical miles. During WW2, the lighthouse ceased operation, resuming in 1945. Manned by four persons, it had beam visibility of 25 nautical miles and rotary flash every 30 seconds. In 1983 electricity was installed; by 1988, the lighthouse was fully automated.

Ancient Thira - Mesa Vouno

The official name for Santorini is Thira, after commander and son of Sparta, King Thiras.

Excavations at Ancient Thira first began in 1896 under German archaeologist Baron Hiller von Gaertringen.

The citadel of Ancient Thira high up on Mesa Vouno was founded by Doric colonists from Sparta led by King Thiras. There, the Spartan commander encountered Phoenicians settlers who had arrived earlier, 400 years after the 1600 BC volcanic eruption and destruction of Akrotiri. The settlement later transformed into a wartime garrison under the Ptolemies during the second half of the 3rd century BC.

From the writings of Greek Historian Herodotus

"..Thiras was preparing to lead out colonists from Lacedaemon [Sparta]. This Thiras was of the line of Cadmus.. [he] held the royal power of Sparta. On the island now called Thira, but then Calliste, there were descendants of Membliarus, a Phoenician [who] dwelt [there] for eight generations. It was these that Thiras was preparing to join.. to settle among.. and not drive them out but claim them as in fact his own people.”

Archaeological Sites - Opening Hours

Under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports, multi-entrance passes are available at a reduced price (Akrotiri Excavations, Ancient Thira, Museum of Prehistoric Thira.) Tickets are valid for three days.

  • Akrotiri Excavations

    Akrotiri

    Summer: 8.00 - 20.00 (Thurs until 3pm)
    Winter: 8.00 - 15.00
    Monday closed
    Tel +30 22860 81366

  • Ancient Thira

    Mesa Vouno

    8.30 - 15.30
    Summer: Wednesday closed
    Winter: Tuesday closed
    Tel +30 22860 81939

Private Tours With A Licensed Guide
  • Our colleague, Georgia Dimas, offers private tours around Santorini. A licensed tourist guide, a day out with Georgia is fun, informative, and comfortable. Itineraries can be tailor-made to your specific interest. We can arrange an excursion before your arrival or when we meet.

Trip Advisor Travelers Choice Conde Nast
mysantorinihotels.com
Blue Dolphins Santorini Grand View Santorini Pool Villa Santorini Blue Spa Santorini Casa Grande Santorini Hideaway Jacuzzi Cave House Santorini Yposkafo Jacuzzi Cave House Santorini