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Best things to do in Akrotiri

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Where in the world: Europe  /  Greece  /  South Aegean  /  Cyclades  /  Santorini  /  Akrotiri

Top 15 things to do in Akrotiri

1. Red Beach

Famous for its red rock formations, Red Beach sits just steps from the site of an ancient Minoan settlement destroyed by a volcanic eruption and buried in ash around 1627 BCE. Blue waters lapping this beach create a striking contrast with the all-red landscape of the surrounding steep cliffs, which offer unobstructed views of the sea and the curving coastline. The small beach attracts hundreds of visitors each day, creating a lively resort atmosphere well into the evening hours. Two small cafes, cut into the volcanic cliffs just a short walk from the beach, offer cold drinks and light snacks.
Suggested duration: 1h 30 min
Tours from $110 › Learn more about Red Beach

2. Akrotiri

Set your clock back a few thousand years with a visit to Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement destroyed by a massive volcanic eruption around 1627 BCE. The volcanic ash buried the remains of many everyday objects used by the settlement's inhabitants, preserving for posterity the ancient way of life of a long-lost culture. Some historians suggest this archeological site, once an important port city on the Aegean, served as an inspiration for Plato's story of Atlantis, a supposedly fictional place mentioned in two of the philosopher's major works. To gain a better understanding of the lost community, take a guided tour around the excavation site.
Suggested duration: 1h 30 min
Tours from $60 › Learn more about Akrotiri

3. Perissa Black Sand Beach, Perissa

One of Santorini's black volcanic beaches, Perissa Black Sand Beach remains popular for its calm waters and abundance of sea life. Lined with rustic seafood taverns, the beach offers you a chance to snorkel or windsurf the turquoise sea during the day, and explore the island's popular dining and entertainment options at night. The site lies in the shadows of the Profitis Ilias, a 560 m (1,800 ft) high mountain that protects the coastline from the harsh Aegean winds. A rugged trail starts just above the beach and leads to the ruins of an ancient Christian church, which you can explore on foot or by riding a donkey.
Suggested duration: 2 hours
Tours from $55 › Learn more about Perissa Black Sand Beach

4. Semi Private Standard | Santorini Catamaran Cruise with Meal and Drinks

FROM $121
Sail around Santorini on a Catamaran during this 5-hour Cruise, departing from Vlychada Marina. Sail past the island's highlights, such as the Red & White Beaches, the Indian Rocks, and the Venetian Lighthouse of Akrotiri. Stop for snorkeling, marvel at the scenic views of the Aegean Sea and the Volcanic Caldera, and enjoy our Greek Buffet Lunch or Dinner on board with drinks.
Suggested duration: 5h
Tours from $121 › More about this tour at viator.com ›
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5. Experience Horse Riding

With Experience Horse Riding you can experience the pristine beauty of the island from horseback. Located in a small village near the famous archeological site and the lovely Red Beach, the riding club offers a variety of tours for both first timers and experienced riders that can last from 20 minutes up to 2 hours. A rustic, western style Ranch is equipped with a modern outdoor shower, bar, and restaurant. After a short introductory training session, you will embark on a scenic journey through vineyards and a volcanic canyon before you end up on a beach.
Suggested duration: 2h 30 min
Learn more about Experience Horse Riding

6. Caldera Beach

What Caldera Beach lacks in amenities, it makes up for with stunning vistas and a peaceful environment. Located a steep walk away from the main drag, this secluded cove boasts pristine blue waters and striking black sand. Relax in the shade of a tree or try out some of the area's superb snorkeling. It is a good idea to bring drinks with you, but a nearby restaurant can provide snacks and traditional Greek meals. Pack your camera to capture the view of the volcano.
Suggested duration: 2 hours
Learn more about Caldera Beach

7. Ancient Thera, Kamari

High above Kamari, you can explore the ruins of Ancient Thera. The former city was inhabited from ninth century BC to 726 AD. Hike up the 360 m (1,180 ft) hill, Mesa Vouna, to reach the ruins, or rent a scooter or car to get to the top. The ruins from the Hellenistic era include remnants from the Roman and Byzantine eras. Walk the short main street to glimpse what's left of two agoras (gathering places), several Greek temples, shops, Roman baths, Byzantine walls, and a church. Then look out over the towns and the coast of Santorini below.
Suggested duration: 2 hours
Tours from $242 › Learn more about Ancient Thera

8. Santorini Luxury Caldera Cruise with Full Greek Meal and Sunset

FROM $132
Board a modern catamaran yacht and cruise along the caldera cliffs of Santorini for a top-notch experience on the water, cruising towards the Red and White beaches, trying your hand at swimming at the warm springs of the volcano, and enjoying a full Greek meal with drinks prepared on board. Take in stunning views of the caldera as you glide through the shimmering waters of the Aegean Sea. Cruise towards the Red Beach and White or Mesa Pigadia beaches and swim at the warm volcanic springs where parts of the water are warmer due to the volcanic activity that exists for centuries on the island. A delicious fresh meal including BBQ chicken, pan-fried fish fillets, shrimp, pasta with tomato and basil, and complimentary Greek wine, beer, and sodas provide the finishing touches, at a secluded bay of the Santorini lagoon. Numbers are limited to a maximum of 20 guests plus crew, ensuring a relaxing and comfortable experience.
Suggested duration: 5h
Tours from $132 › More about this tour at viator.com ›

9. Akrotiri LightHouse

One of the oldest lighthouses in Greece, Akrotiri LightHouse still stands as a sentinel on Santorini. A French trading company built the square structure in 1892 and operated it with oil, but the beacon switched to electricity in 1988. Wear closed-toed shoes to safely climb the rocky hill, and when you're finished, consider a meal at one of the surrounding fish taverns. Bring your camera to take advantage of the many photo ops here, which are especially gorgeous at sunset.
Suggested duration: 2 hours
Tours from $93 › Learn more about Akrotiri LightHouse

10. SeaJets, Santorini

Suggested duration: 2 hours
Learn more about SeaJets

11. Santorini Volcano, Santorini

The cause of one of the largest and most destructive eruptions in recorded history, Santorini Volcano represents an active volcano with a crater rising out of the sea. The volcano violently erupted in 1627 BCE, destroying the island's thriving Minoan settlement. Although no clear records remain of this event, the eruption appears to have inspired many Greek myths and produced a short-term climatic change that caused heavy rainstorms as far away as Egypt. Today, all of Santorini serves as a kind of volcanological museum, offering you a chance to observe a range of geological features. To appreciate the volcano in its full glory, take a boat tour around the island.
Suggested duration: 2 hours
Tours from $27 › Learn more about Santorini Volcano

12. Half-Day Exclusive Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with Meal and Open Bar

FROM $121
Sail … the dream on a luxurious catamaran and unlock your senses. Cruise around the Caldera of Santorini. Feel the healing waters and mystical surroundings of the Hot springs. Swim and snorkel at the crystal clear waters of Red beach and Thirasia island. Enjoy a delicious freshly prepared meal prepared on board and open bar. Choose either Diamond Day or Scarlet Sunset cruise.
Suggested duration: 5h
Tours from $121 › More about this tour at viator.com ›

13. Santorini's Best Driver, Santorini

Suggested duration: 4 hours
Learn more about Santorini's Best Driver

14. Perivolos, Perivolos

Unwind and sunbathe at Perivolos, popular for its blue water, black sand, and secluded atmosphere. Umbrellas and sun loungers are available for rent, and a row of quality bars and restaurants lines the beachfront. Adventurous travelers can take advantage of the onsite water sport facilities, including windsurfing, kayaking, scuba diving, and jet skiing. Be sure to take water shoes as the sand gets extremely hot in the afternoon and hides some rocks.
Suggested duration: 2 hours
Tours from $54 › Learn more about Perivolos

15. Semi Private Premium | Catamaran Cruise with BBQ on board & Drinks

FROM $132
Sail around Santorini on a Catamaran during this 5-hour Cruise, departing from Vlychada Marina. Sail past the island's highlights, such as the Red & White Beaches, the Indian Rocks, and the Venetian Lighthouse of Akrotiri. Stop for snorkeling, marvel at the scenic views of the Aegean Sea and the Volcanic Caldera, and enjoy our onboard BBQ Lunch or Dinner with local wine, beer and soft drinks.
Suggested duration: 5h
Tours from $132 › More about this tour at viator.com ›