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The village of Akrotiri is on the southern end of the island. It is crowned by the ruins of a fortified residence, the Goulas, built during the Venetian occupation (1204-1671).
The site of Ancient Akrotiri is about two kilometres past the village. The dig is housed under a huge shed where the excavation goes on, as it has for the last 30 years. Inside, this ancient Minoan village has modern looking streets lined with two- and three-story houses, squares, shops, work-shops and a public market. Although everything is the color of light brown dust, one can imagine the bright colours, the sounds and the bustling energy of the busy streets, the serene beauty of the artfully decorated houses, and perhaps visualize someone sipping a cool drink, while meditating on the wonderful murals that decorate the walls. These famous wall painting, have since been taken to the Athens museum for preservation, along with tools and other artifacts found on the site. Amphoras, jars and vases can be still be seen here, some half buried in the ash of the volcano that erupted in approximately 1500 B.C..
Akrotiri was a wealthy, educated and cultured community that had a great deal of influence in Aegean afairs. Its harbour was one of the most cosmopolitan and life was very good.
Fortunately, the citizens of Akrotiri managed to pack up and escape before the volcano erupted. It is believed that they were advised of the danger by soothsayers and further warned by a series of earthquakes* that rocked the island. For that reason, few artifacts such as household goods, furniture and jewelry have been found. The only casualty unearthed so far is said to be a pig, his bones still well preserved. However, only a small part of the site has yet been uncovered.
The volcano, although sleeping for centuries, is ranked as one of most dangerous in the world and one of those most likely to erupt again.
Two scenic beaches are just a short distance away from Akrotiri: the Red Beach and the White beach. The Red beach (Kokkini Paralia) is one of the most picturesque hidden beaches of Santorini. The Red beach offers the volcanic landscape of Mavro Rachidi and the Chapel of St. Nicholas.
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