Archaeological sites & Μuseums of Santorini
Despite the growth in tourism the island has experienced, Santorini, one of the most famous islands in Greece, remains an enticing, mysterious beautiful destination.

The volcanic Caldera, i.e. the huge underwater crater formed by the eruption in the 16th century B.C., dominates the landscape. The same eruption resulted in three quarters of the island being submerged beneath the sea. Why not try the unique experience of a boat trip around what is left above sea level:

On Nea Kameni, make sure you’ve got some sturdy shoes to protect your feet and a bottle of water and you’re off to conquer the summit, in other words the crater of the volcano!
On the islet of Palia Kameni, dive into thermal sulphur waters.
On Therassia, the largest of the volcanic islets opposite Oia, you can ride a donkey to reach the top of the island and visit Manolás, a village which has bravely withstood the ravages of time. Enjoy the magnificent view of Santorini and the marvel of Potamós, a settlement consisting of cave-houses.

Let’s take a tour around the archaeological sites of Santorini

• In the south of the island lies Akrotiri, one of the most important Aegean settlements of the early Bronze Age (first half of the 2nd millennium B.C.). The settlement was deserted because of the eruption of the volcano, but it was saved too for the same reason. Volcanic material covered it preserving the evidence of its glorious past: the vast territory, the multi-storeyed houses with exquisite frescoes, an amazing sewer system, stone streets and squares, and a multitude of luxurious vases and items of furniture.
• The only town on the island in the ancient times, Thera, was founded by Dorian colonists at Méssa Vounó, a natural fortress area of the inland. Perched on the hill at a height of 369 metres, the ancient town spreads out in terraces. It boasts antiquities such as the Sanctuary of Artemis, the Agora, the Royal Portico, the Temple of Apollo Karneios, the Basilistai House, the Gymnasium of the Epheboi, a theatre and the Terrace of Festivals.
• The beautiful village of Oia, most of which is embedded in the pumice of the cliffs, is the first settlement in Greece to have been designated a cultural heritage site. Hundreds of visitors marvel at the worldwide famous sunset from here. Profitis Elias in Imerovígli is your alternative spot for a breathtaking sunset. Not to be missed is also Emporeió, a traditional village with a medieval touch, thanks to the fortress architecture, the narrow streets and the six-metre-tall windmills.