Akrotiri holidays

Holidays to Akrotiri line up volcanic beaches, ancient ruins and seaside tavernas in one of Santorini’s best-kept secret spots.

Ancient ruins

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.

Volcanic beaches

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.

Seaside tavernas

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.

The Venetian castle

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.