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The Greek island of Santorini has two “faces”. The first is luxury hotels, restaurants with caldera views, impressive sunsets and beaches with volcanic sand. The second is ancient monuments, by which you can trace the difficult history of Santorini.
23.01.2018
После открытия археологической зоны Акротири несколько лет назадThousands of history lovers poured onto the island hoping to unravel the riddle of the ancient settlement.
How to get to Akrotiri
Getting to Akrotiri is easiest from Fira. Archaeological area located 10 km from the capital of Santorini. From the Fira bus station with at intervals of 30 minutes to 1 hour buses depart. Ticket price – about 2 euros to the excavation and 1.8 euros to the village of Akrotiri. By taxi the trip will cost 15 euros.
The history of Akrotiri: from antiquity to the present day
The name “Akrotiri” is a small village on Santorini and the settlement of the Bronze Age, located a few minutes from it. It is believed that the settlement belonged to the developed Minoan civilization but its original name is still nobody knows Locals engaged in agriculture, navigation and trade, and over time, Akrotiri has become a thriving city.
Around 1500 BC Akrotiri was buried under a layer ash, the release of which occurred as a result of a volcanic eruption. The elements for a long time stopped the development of civilization not only on Santorini, but also on Crete. In some sources Akrotiri appears as “Greek Pompeii”. Hidden for centuries under this ash, the city is perfectly preserved. During the excavation at the end 1960s could not find human remains, because of what historians have concluded: the local population left the city before destructive earthquake.
The result of the excavation were numerous murals, furniture, pottery, statues and the only gold item – Capricorn figurine. Discovery for scientists have become difficult sewer systems of ancient Akrotiri and the structure of houses, which had three floors. The modern village of Akrotiri, located near the excavation zone, is a quiet village. Can stop for dinner or lunch – traditional ones work here Greek taverns, there are several shops and sightseeing the Bureau.
Archaeological site of Akrotiri
The main reason to visit Akrotiri is, of course, the excavation zone. Studies of the territory of the ancient settlement began in the middle XIX century. But so far we have managed to free no more from the ashes. 35% of the area. Over Akrotiri installed pavilions with special walkways – go down directly to the ancient streets are not will succeed. From these tracks you can view artifacts and foundations. buildings, among which there are workshops, houses of commoners and rich citizens, storerooms with surviving earthen vessels, murals. Most valuable exhibits were taken to Athens and exhibited in the Museum prehistoric Fira – worth a visit after meeting with Akrotiri.
Ticket price to the archaeological zone of Akrotiri
The entrance ticket to the territory of the excavation of Akrotiri will cost 12 Euro. It is much more profitable to buy a combined ticket for 14 euros. is he valid for 4 days and applies to visiting not only Akrotiri, but also of Ancient Fira, the Museum of Prehistoric Fira, the Archaeological Museum and Church Museum of Pyrgos.
You can visit Akrotiri on March 6th (Memorial Day of M. Mercury), May 18 (Museum Day), last weekend of September (European Heritage Days), as well as national holidays (March 25 and October 28).
Opening hours of Akrotiri
In high season (April 1 – October 31) Akrotiri is open from 8:00. until 20:00, on Thursdays – until 15:00.
In winter (November 1 – March 31) the archaeological area is open from 8:00 until 15:00 except Monday.
What else to see in Akrotiri and what to do
Another attraction of Akrotiri is one of the oldest lighthouses of Greece. It was built in 1892 and is notable for its square tower. It is better to visit the lighthouse at sunset, when with its heights offer better views. From the Venetian times in Akrotiri ruins of the castle remained. After the capture of Santorini by the Turks was damaged and finally destroyed by an earthquake 1956 The castle towers in the very center of the village. Of religious attractions in Akrotiri worth seeing the church Virgin and Holy Trinity.
photo Tiantian Zhou
Near Akrotiri are the two most famous beaches of Santorini – Red and White. Red can be reached on foot in 10 minutes or get the boat. For holidaymakers on the Red Beach there are sun loungers. The sea off this coast is known for rich underwater life and attracts divers. But the main factor in the popularity of the beach – impressive rocks of bright red color.
White Beach, named for the color of rocks and stones, can only be reached by boat. Despite this, in the midst There are always a lot of tourists here. On the beach you can buy drinks and snacks, rent sun loungers.
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Hotels Akrotiri
If you want to stay near the main attraction Santorini and at the same time have quick access to the beaches, you can choose one of the nearest hotels. A few minutes drive from Akrotiri work:
- Villa Maria Rooms – apartments with free parking and open pool. Some rooms have a kitchenette. offer a view of the caldera. 800 m from the hotel – the center of the village Akrotiri, 1.5 km – excavation;
- Sublime Villa – a villa 200 meters from Red Beach, 800 meters from the excavation of Akrotiri and 1.5 km from White Beach. Guests are offered sun terrace, breakfast in the room, free transfer to airport;
- Capeland Houses – apartment complex just 300 m from excavation of Akrotiri, 600 meters from Red Beach. Guests are offered parking, terrace, kitchenette, barbecue. Is possible rental of equipment for snorkeling;
- Akrotiri Hotel is the most popular option in Akrotiri among guests of the island. The hotel is built in the traditional Cycladic style and located 300 m from the excavations. Akrotiri Hotel has a terrace for recreation, tour desk, free parking, equipment for diving
