Akrotiri is an archaeological site of great significance, extending beyond the island. It lies in the south of Santorini about 12 km from the capital and is dated back to 6 000 years ago, with the most important discoveries made in the 1960s. In the late Bronze Age, the place started to transform into the centre of the whole Aegean region and its great level of development is evidenced by the findings of a sewage system, ships, and pieces of art like paintings and wood carvings. Unfortunately, like most historical sites on the island, Akrotiri was also hit by an earthquake due to intense volcanic activity on the island, and so many buildings were razed to the ground. Nonetheless, some of he edifices built in the 16th century BC, are suprisingly well-preserved till nowadays - maybe paradoxically due to the dusty particles that covered the whole island after the volcanic explosion, thus protecting the buildings from ravages of time.

The walk through the prehistoric town is a real trip into the past. You can recognize the streets and fallen houses easily, some of them with one or two stories preserved and visible doors and windows. In some houses, pantings and frescoes were discovered during the excavation works, exhibited in their original shape in the Archaeological Museum of Athens.

Yet this account of precious jewels if Santorini is not finite, since both archaeologists and historians still continue working in this unique space to show more evidence of the life of our ancestors to the public.

Once you are there, you can also go to see the Red Beach.