he village of Akrotiri is situated at the southern end of the Santorini island, near the southwest cape after which it took its name. Built on a hill, it is crowned by the Goulas, the fortified residence of the local ruler during the Venetian occupation (1204-1671).
Though severly damaged by the 1956 earthquake Goulas still dominates the entire region.

wo km after the village of Akrotiri is Santorini's most important archaelogical site. The prehistoric site of Akrotiri played an important role in the Aegean affairs during the third and second millenia B.C. One of the greatest and most cosmopolitan harbours of the Mediterranean during the first half of the second millennium, Akrotiri was burried under a thick mantle of ash when the volcano erupted in about 1.600 BC.

The tidal wave caused by the eruption struck the north coast of Crete and swept away the palace of Knossos. It was perhaps this which marked the end of Minoan civilization.

he archaelogist's spade is bringing this splendit city to light, offering the holiday-maker on Santorini a unique opportunity to come close to the roots of the Aegean civilization, the civilization of Europe.
	Today the remains of this Minoan city, with two and three-storey houses decorated with wall-paintings and a large number of vessels, protected by a vast roof, are accessible to the visitors.

ear Akrotiri one can find two picturesque beaches, the Red Beach and the White Beach. The Red Beach (Kokkini Paralia) is one of the most beautiful hidden beaches of Santorini. Walking to the Red Beach gives one the opportunity to enjoy the dramatic volcanic landscape of Mavro Rachidi with the chappel of St. Nicholas at its foot. The scarcity of white stones on the island merits the special name given by the locals to the other magnificent beach, the White Beach (Aspri Paralia). Accessible only by the sea, it offers a pleasant swimming in peace and privacy. Worth a visit, finally, is the Pharos (Lighthouse), which has guided for centuries the mariners of the Aegean with its light.

Photos and text taken from "Santorini - Today and yesterday" (Toubis Editions)

Back to Beaches and villages