Excursion Akrotiri excavations tour at Santorini

In prehistoric times, the people who inhabited what today is known as Santorini, called the island Strongoli (round). These people enjoyed a high standard of living; they built two-story houses, tilled the earth and were skilled artists, recognizing the beauty of colour. Discover the excavation site of famed Akrotiri during this half-day tour.

Akrotiri Excavations

Depart the ship by a local tender to Athinios, where you join the waiting motor-coach. Enjoy your scenic drive to the southern end of the island and the archaeological site of Akrotiri. A volcanic eruption circa 1,600 BC destroyed all life on the island, and the island itself sank beneath the waves. The excavations here, led by Professor Spyros Marintos, began in 1967 and document the existence of life on Strongoli, legendary Atlantis; although no written records have ever surfaced to support this. It is an amazing city with houses, streets, squares and workshops, all of which had been covered under a thick blanket of pumice for over 3,500 years. You are able to walk around this ancient city among well-preserved buildings, which will give you an insight into the ancient civilization of Santorini, the center of a civilization akin to the Minoans of Crete.

Akrotiri Village

After the tour of the excavations discover the nearby village and explore one of the 5 fortified settlements on the island in medieval times. At the end of tour, return through the beautiful countryside back to the port of Athinios where your tender will await to take you to the ship.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Panoramic Views, Akrotiri Excavations, Akrotiri Village

Note

Please note: This tour involves moderate walking and is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs or with limited mobility. Guests should wear seasonal clothing, flat walking shoes and sun protection. Please note that at the conclusion of the tour you will have an option to remain in the town of Fira for self-exploration. Only Euro currency is accepted. Guests will have to make their own way to the tender boats from Fira using a cable car. Cable car ticket costs 10.00 Euros one way. Long lines for the cable cars may be encountered during the busy summer season. The tour requires a minimum amount of participants to operate.