Today Akrotiri is a simple quiet village but at one time it was a busy area. Its sea location eased the exchange/trading from Crete and Cyprus for different materials and goods including copper which brought the village to an envious level of prosperity. 

Sadly, long before Pompei, Akrotiri faced the same significant natural disaster, a volcano eruption. The difference seems to be the awareness of the people of Akrotiri of the imminent tragedy. Residents were able to escape on time. Akrotiri did not count any human or animal casualties. 

The impact of the volcano did not only affect Akrotiri, the entire island suffered the devastating consequence of the eruption which occurred around 1500 BC and changed the face of Santorini forever.  The island was covered in lava and ashes and was abandoned for centuries.  

Not that long ago, excavation work started to find the buried city. Shortly after the start of the research, evidence was found. They say that only a fraction of the village is revealed at this time.

Many are surprised to find how advanced and organized the village was. On the site, you will notice the drainage system, heated floors, toilets, two-story houses and framed beds. We learned that they were making their wine and cultivating olives.  They had a storage room for food.

Not many valuables were left behind.  In fact, many pots with drawings were found during the excavations but only one small gold mule sculpture was found on site.

As you enter the museum, an elevated pathway takes you around the ruins at a height above the street level.  A small section allows you to the ground level of the village.  You will see with your own eyes the 2-story building, the drainage system, pottery and more.

Akrotiri is less than 30 minutes away from Fira by car, parking fee to expect. In addition to the entrance to the site.  You can combine your visit with the lighthouse and the red beach.

You can easily travel by car the roads are paved and you can visit the island easily. 

We were surprised to learn that on the island there is an archeological site and not any: Akrotiri.  I personally think this site is underestimated, the excavation site is well organized, nice interior but, to me, this prehistoric place is not presented to the level of its treasure.

For an overview of Santorini click here.

For all posts on Santorini click here.