Akrotiri Holidays

Akrotiri, in the south of Santorini, is famous for its ancient Minoan city, which was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in around 1600 BC. The site itself is just a five-minute car ride away from the modern-day village that bears its name – you can wander around the preserved site and explore some of the buildings, roads, and Minoan art that have been discovered since excavations began.

Akrotiri’s well placed for chilled-out beach days. Caldera Beach is the closest to the village – just a 10-minute stroll away – and serves up a blend of black, volcanic sand and pebbles. If you head for 10 minutes on foot in the other direction you’ll find Balos Bay, a secluded little spot with volcano views. The most impressive one in the line-up, though, is Red Beach – this stretch is named after the coloured hills that overlook it, and it’s less than 10 minutes’ drive away.

Foodies will be in their element here – the town’s loaded with tonnes of sea-view taverns, and of course, the speciality here is freshly caught fish, with the likes of red snapper and grouper on the cards. Some restaurants even have a boat, so that they can go out and catch their own haul.

This weathered 13th-century castle sits in the heart of Akrotiri’s modern-day village. It earned its name from the Republic of Venice, who built it in 1207 during their occupation of Santorini. Despite suffering severe damage during a 1956 earthquake, it’s been partially restored, and is now used as a workshop and exhibition space for Greek artefacts. And it’s arguably the best place in Akrotiri to admire the panoramic sea views.