Akrotiri Archaeological Site

Ακρωτήρι

A Minoan Bronze Age city buried under volcanic ash in the 17th century BCE, the 'Pompeii of the Aegean'. Its multi-storey buildings, streets and murals are well preserved, and it is one of the possible inspirations for the legend of Atlantis.

Akrotiri lies at the southern tip of the island. It was an important harbour city of the Cycladic Bronze Age, closely tied to the Minoan civilisation of Crete, and at its height its population may have reached several thousand. The eruption of Thera around 1600 BCE (scholars estimate between 1640 and 1540 BCE), one of the most violent volcanic eruptions in human history, buried the entire city under tens of metres of ash. Unlike Pompeii, however, the inhabitants seem to have evacuated in advance, and no human remains or valuables have been found. Systematic excavation began in 1967 under archaeologist Spyridon Marinatos. It uncovered two- and three-storey buildings in good condition, streets with drainage systems, large storage jars, plaster casts of furniture, and many fine wall paintings, including the Spring Fresco, the Boxing Boys, the Fishermen and the Ship Procession. The originals are displayed at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens and at the Prehistoric Thera Museum in Fira.

The site is covered by a newly built eco-friendly canopy (2012). Visitors walk along raised walkways between the houses and streets, and can get close to buildings such as the West House, the Triangular Square and Xeste 3, all with information panels. Admission costs about €12, half price in winter. Guided tours can be hired, and a visit takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. The sudden disappearance of the city is thought to have possibly inspired Plato's legend of Atlantis.

The site is about a 15-minute walk from Red Beach. The nearby village of Akrotiri has the remains of a Venetian castle and several restaurants. It can be combined with Red Beach, the Santo Wines winery and the Faros lighthouse, the island's southernmost sunset spot, for a half-day southern route. Getting there: take a bus from Fira to the Akrotiri stop, about 30 minutes. The site entrance is on the road.

Akrotiri Archaeological Site

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