The site of Akrotiri had been closed for many years but it reopened to visitors in April 2012 The archaeological site of Akrotiri is one of the main attractions of Santorini. Located on the southern side of the island, between the village of Akrotiri and the famous Red beach, this site is visited by thousands of visitors every year. Excavations on Akrotiri has started as early as the 1870s by the French Archaeological School of Athens. A few years later in 1866, the first traces of an ancient settlement had been accidentally revealed, during the works to get volcanic soil from Santorini in order to insulate the Suez Canal Bridge. In the century that followed, many excavations were conducted until the excavations of archaeologist Spyridon Marinatos started in 1967. The works revealed a fully-working and developed settlement. Archaeologists believe that the town was originally constructed around 4,500 B.C. but in the 17th century B.C. it was destroyed by an earthquake.

Red Beach Santorini: The red beach is arguably one of the most famous and beautiful beaches of Santorini. It is located only some steps away from the ancient site of Akrotiri. The small size of the beach creates a much crowded atmosphere and there are many days where most of the visitors choose not to make it all the way down to the beach and instead admire this unique landscape of red and black volcanic rocks from the headland. The access is relatively easy.

The beginnings of Pyrgos Village can be traced back to the 13th century when the Venetians were in control of the island. It started off as a small town with a monastery that added a large fortress in 1580. They built it as a strategic defense point for this time period. Many historians say that Pyrgos was once the capital of Santorini up until the 1800’s when it switched to Fira. Although this is disputed, it is easy to see why they would choose Pyrgos for its high location away from the ocean.

A large, modern winery with stunning views of the caldera and cliffs. One of the Santorini’s most popular wineries for tasting, Santo makes and sells a wide range of wines that include white, red, sparkling, oak-aged and unoaked, and Vinsanto dessert wine. Santo’s on-site restaurant offers a good variety of snacks, entrees, and desserts (including a continental breakfast menu, kids’ menu, and prix fixe gastronomy menus), and their large wine shop also sells a comprehensive collection of local gourmet items – UPS home delivery available. There’s a sizeable parking lot on-site, and Santo is accessible via buses from Fira, Perissa, and Akrotiri.