Explore Santorini’s Ancient Wonders: Akrotiri, Frescoes & Ancient Thera Guide

Santorini boasts some absolutely jaw-dropping archaeological finds—beautiful, deeply unique, and even a little eerie when you consider how ancient and advanced they were. Here are a few of the most fascinating and one-of-a-kind discoveries from Santorini (many from Akrotiri):

🏺 1. The City of Akrotiri – A Bronze Age Time Capsule

This entire city was buried by volcanic ash in the 1600s BCE. It’s so well-preserved, it feels like time just stopped.

What makes it unique:

Multi-story buildings with staircases and balconies
Sophisticated drainage and plumbing systems—over 3,600 years ago!
Storage jars, furniture, beds, and even tools and ovens
It shows a level of urban design way ahead of its time

Think of it like the Pompeii of the Aegean, but with even fewer human remains—implying the people possibly escaped before the disaster.

Visiting and Seeing the Archaeological Site of Akrotiri with Your Own Eyes

By Public Bus (KTEL Santorini)

Departure Point: Fira Central Bus Station
Destination: Akrotiri village
Duration: Approximately 20 minutes
Fare: ~€3
Drop-off Point: Akrotiri Beach Bus Stop
Walk to Site: Approximately 250 meters from the bus stop to the archaeological site

Tips:

Buses can become crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Arrive early at the Fira bus station to secure a seat.
Tickets are purchased on the bus; having small change is helpful.

By Car

Distance: About 11 km

Duration: Approximately 20 minutes
Route: Drive south from Fira, following signs to Akrotiri
Parking: Available near the archaeological site

Opening Hours – Akrotiri Archaeological Site (Santorini)

From April 1 to August 31:

Tuesday to Sunday: 08:00 – 20:00 (last entry: 19:30)
Monday & Thursday: 08:30 – 15:30 (last entry: 15:00)

From September 1 to October 31:

September 1–15: 08:00 – 19:30 (last entry: 19:00)
September 16–30: 08:00 – 19:00 (last entry: 18:30)
October 1–15: 08:00 – 18:30 (last entry: 18:00)
October 16–31: 08:00 – 18:00 (last entry: 17:30)

Tips:

The site is closed or has reduced hours on certain holidays.
Arrive at least 30–45 minutes before closing time to enjoy the site without rushing.
Driving allows flexibility to explore nearby attractions like the Red Beach.
Add to your google maps: Google Maps link to Archaeological Site of Akrotiri
Tickets: Buy tickets for Archaeological Site of Akrotiri
Want to dive deeper?
Check out this article with beautiful photos and more insight into the Santorini museum in Akrotiri:
santorinivacationphotography.com – Santorini Museum in Akrotiri

2. Wall Frescoes (Murals) – Ancient Art found in Akrotiri,
moved to Fira town’s Museum of Prehistoric Thera

Especially famous ones:

The Flotilla Fresco: A panoramic depiction of ships sailing between cities—possibly evidence of trade or ceremony. It gives us a glimpse into daily life of a Minoan society.
The Boxing Boys: Two boys in motion, with confident expressions and movement. Stunningly realistic.
The Spring Fresco: One of the earliest known landscapes in art history.

Visiting and Seeing the Museum of Prehistoric Thera with Your Own Eyes

Location: In the heart of Fira town (Thira), Santorini’s capital. Just a short walk from the main square and Fira bus station.

Opening Hours

Monday, Wednesday to Sunday: 🕗 08:30 – 15:30 (last admission 15:00)
Tuesday: ❌ Closed

Tips:

Add to your google maps: Google Maps link to Museum of Prehistoric Thera
Tickets: http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/1/eh155.jsp?obj_id=3325

3. What is Ancient Thera?

Nestled atop Mesa Vouno Mountain, the Archaeological Site of Ancient Thera offers a glimpse into the past with ruins that span multiple civilizations, including Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. The site provides panoramic views of Santorini and showcases remnants of an advanced ancient city.

What makes it unique:

Well-preserved ruins of temples, houses, and streets. Like –Sanctuary of Apollo, Agora (marketplace), a Roman theater and public baths.
Roman and Byzantine architectural influences
Ancient Greek inscriptions and artifacts
Stunning views of the island from the summit

Visiting and Seeing the Archaeological Site of Ancient Thera with your own eyes

By Public Bus (KTEL Santorini)

Departure Point: Fira
Destination: Kamari, then to Ancient Thera
Duration: Approximately 20 minutes to Kamari, then about an hour of walk/hike uphill

Second choice is to take a bus from Fira to Perissa terminal and then hike up.

By Car

Distance: About 12 km

Duration: Approximately 20 minutes
Route: Drive south to Kamari, then following signs to Ancient Thera
Parking: Available near the site entrance

Opening Hours:

Daily: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM (last admission at 3:00 PM)
Closed: Wednesdays

Location & Contact:

Kamari, Santorini 847 00
Phone: +30 228 608 1939
Website: odysseus.culture.gr

Tips:

Arrive early to avoid the midday heat, especially during peak tourist season.
If hiking from Kamari, wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
Add to your google maps: Archaeological Site of Ancient Thera

Want to See More?

Explore More of Akrotiri Village
Get a glimpse of local life, beauty, and character beyond the archaeological site:
Santorini Village of Akrotiri – A Hidden Gem

Plan Smarter: What to Do—and Avoid—When Visiting Santorini
A must-read before your trip: practical, honest, and super helpful!
10 Best and Worst Santorini Travel Tips

If you’re curious to see what these ancient sites look like before visiting, here are two excellent videos I highly recommend. They really bring the history of Santorini to life and give you a sense of what to expect on your visit.

First: What is in Akrotiri, Santorini? | History, Archaeological Site, Prehistoric Museum Documentary

Second: Akrotiri and the Eruption of Thera: The Pompeii of the Aegean (I would skip the intro which is a minute long ;) )