Santorini

1. Akrotiri

In 1627 BC, the Theran eruption destroyed a settlement on the island of Santorini. The volcanic ash that settled over it and ultimately buried it preserved the remains of the Minoan Bronze Age settlement now known as Akrotiri.

Excavations at the site began in 1967 and local legend started claiming that the stunning remains may have been the inspiration for the story of Atlantis by Plato. Visitors will be able to see a large variety of artifacts, including Late Cycladic pottery such as vases and figurines; other pieces include bathtubs, beehives, oil lamps, and much more.

The frescoes in Akrotiri are one of the most famed in Santorini and include images of the Minoan town, flowers, and other scenery.

Thera 847 00, Greece, Phone: +30-22-86-08-19-39

2. Ancient Thera

The Ancient Thera was inhabited from the 9th century BC to 726 AD and is located at the top of the Messavouno mountain.

Named after the mythical ruler of the island, Theras, the city was excavated in the late 1800s by German archaeologist Friedrich Hiller von Gaertringen. Visitors are invited to explore the remains, which can be reached via the many footpaths that wind up the mountain.

Particularly noteworthy aspects of ancient Thera are the agora, the basilike stoa, and the theater, which was built into the slopes below the city and could seat over 1,500 people.

Kamari 847 00, Greece, Phone: +30-22-86-08-19-39

3. Archaeological Museum of Thera

The Archaeological Museum of Thera has an extensive collection filled with artifacts that date back to 700 BC.

Items on display range from marble figurines and prehistoric vases to amphorae and other pottery. There are some beautiful sculptures and inscriptions, from the Archaic to the Roman period, which visitors can appreciate.

One artifact that shouldn’t be missed is a krater with Attic black figures of four ships on the internal rim. The building that houses the museum is an architectural beauty and was built in 1960 to replace the previous museum, which had burned down during the earthquakes in 1956.

Erithrou Stavrou, Thira 847 00, Greece, Phone: +30-22-86-02-22-17

4. Argyros Mansion

Restored to its original beauty and charm, Argyros Mansion transports visitors back to the life of the glamorous and wealthy in 19th century Santorini.

The property is in excellent condition and not only shows visitors the architecture and decor of an era past, but is also filled with many pieces of art and unique furnishings. The historic home is privately owned but open to the public, and there are many fun and friendly guides who can give visitors interesting tours filled with little details about Argyros.

One of the best aspects of the mansion is the dedicated tasting room for wines of Canava Avantis; it has a fantastic ambiance and is filled with excellent wines for visitors to try.

Santorini 847 00, Greece, Phone: +30-22-86-03-16-69

5. Byzantine Castle Ruins

Visitors vacationing in Santorini should make the time to explore the historic Byzantine Castle Ruins . Visitors are urged to wear comfortable shoes for the short hike up and should head up the ruins in time to see the stunning sunset.

The remains of the 15th century castle offer one of the most beautiful, as well as one of the most photographed, sites in Greece; visitors can view a panoramic stretch of Santorini all the way from the citadel.

The picturesque whitewashed buildings stand out against the towering windmill, azure seas, and spectacular cliffs to create something out of a fairytale.

Oia 847 02, Greece

6. Canava Santorini Loukas Lygnos

Canava Santorini Loukas Lygnos was established in 1974 by Evagellos Lygnos and has been producing fine spirits since then.

The same principles, methods, and recipes are used by his son, Loukas Lygnos, to continue the tradition today. Visitors are invited to take a tour of the distillery, understand the distillation process and, of course, try some of the spirits created at Canava Santorini.

The on-site museum “Santorini the days gone by” lets visitors see the recreations of homes and work sites from the distillery’s past; the exhibits are filled with the original artifacts that have been collected over the years.

Mesaria, Thira 847 00, Greece, Phone: +30-22-86-03-15-73

7. Imerovigli

Situated at the north of Santorini, Imerovigli is a picturesque village that is recognized as one of the original settlements of Greece.

The village was used in the old times to view approaching pirate ships because of the clear view across the caldera; today, visitors can still see the stunning views that Imerovigli offers without the fear of pirates.

Known for being one of the most romantic destinations in Greece, Imerovigli is a must-visit location for all types of tourists. The streets are lined with traditional houses, hotels, cafes, taverns, and some breathtaking churches and chapels for visitors to explore.

8. Lignos Folklore Museum

The Lignos Folklore Museum can be found in a cave house that was built in 1861 in Fira.

Visitors will be able to explore the museum with exhibits such as the traditional winery with a wine press, antique utensils, barrels, and treading vats. Other exhibits include traditional workshops for carpenters and shoemakers and a historical archive filled with lithographs, manuscripts, and books.

The art gallery at the Lignos Folklore Museum is filled with works by famous artists from around the world who were inspired by Santorini; in addition to these works, visitors will also be able to see many historical images of life on the island.

Fira - Kontochori Santorini 847 00 Greece, Phone: +30-22-86-02-27-92

9. Megaro Gyzi

Founded in 1980, the main purpose of Megaro Gyzi is to offer cultural and spiritual development to locals and visitors in Santorini. The cultural center that Megaro Gyzi is housed in was donated by the Catholic Diocese of Santorini and has beautiful architecture and décor, which visitors can explore in detail.

Depending on when they travel, visitors will be able to enjoy the many events held at the center throughout the year; these range from concerts and musical recitals to exhibitions, performances, film showings, and much more. The permanent collection includes authentic engravings, historical manuscripts, and a collection of Santorini’s strata.

25is Martiou 405, Thira 847 00, Greece, Phone: +30-22-86-02-30-77