Sunny Santorini, officially Thira, is the largest and perhaps most beautiful of the Cyclades Islands, located in the Aegean Sea, southeast of mainland Greece. Breathtaking views from high cliffs, whitewashed churches with bright blue domes, and archaeological treasures of a lost civilization are a must-see, and our Santorini walking tours will help you do just that.
A Journey Through Santorini's Most Breathtaking Showplaces
Every corner of Santorini is steeped in history and natural beauty, from ancient ruins to picturesque beaches. This place offers many attractions that will entice you to visit Santorini.
Fira Town (Thira)
Fira, the capital of Santorini, is a place of whitewashed houses, winding streets, small squares and blue-domed churches. The town rises on 300-meter-high cliffs on the edge of a huge caldera, and getting to it from the small port of Skala is not so easy. To do this, you will have to climb 587 steps.
Akrotiri Archaeological Site
Twelve kilometers southwest of Fira, there was once an ancient settlement that was buried under a layer of ash in the 16th century BC after a volcanic eruption that created the caldera. Archaeologists named this settlement Akrotiri after the modern village located nearby. Excavations have shown that Santorini was a prosperous island before the eruption. Frescoes found during excavations, which once decorated the houses of Akrotiri, indicate close links between the island and North Africa (most of the frescoes discovered here are now kept in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens). The entrance fee is 12 euros.
Museum of Prehistoric Thera
The Museum of Prehistoric Thera, located opposite the bus station, houses unusual finds discovered during excavations in Akrotiri. No visitor to this museum remains indifferent, especially when they realize how old the exhibits are. The most notable is the well-preserved golden figurine of an ibex, dating back to the 17th century BC. Also note the fossilized olive leaves from the caldera, which are estimated to be at least 60,000 years old. The ticket will cost you 6 euros.
Temples of Ancient Thira
Fira, first inhabited by the Dorians in the 9th century BC, today is a very atmospheric place with the remains of buildings from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Here, archeology lovers will be able to admire the ruins of ancient temples, houses with mosaics, an agora, an ancient theatre, and a gymnasium that have survived to this day.
Maritime Museum
This museum is housed in a restored and converted 19th-century mansion, on a narrow street that leads north from Nikolaos Nomikos. The main theme of the museum is the maritime history of Santorini. The prosperity of Oia, and ultimately the entire island, was based on its merchant fleet, which served the eastern Mediterranean. The entrance fee is 5 euros.
Practical Information and Tourist Tips
You can book a Santorini city tour that will take you to the most iconic places on the island. Our tours last on average from 3 to 6 hours and are conducted in English. You can also find out more about the tour in its description or read the reviews of our tourists:
Personalized Tour of Santorini by Nikos
“We booked a private tour with Niko on our second full day in Santorini. This was a trip highlight, without question. Niko truly let us customize our tour based on our unique interests.”
“We booked a half day tour with Nikos and were very happy we did. He picked us up on time in a very comfortable Mercedes Benz and showed us so many things on the island. ”
The international Thira Airport (JTR) is located about 6 km from the capital of the island, Fira. To get to the city, you can use the bus (the fare is about 2 euros), which leaves regularly and arrives at the central bus station in Fira. A taxi transfer is also available, the cost of which is about 20-25 euros depending on the time of day. However, there is no train station in Santorini, as there is no railway network on the island.
Order a Santorini Tour
If you have long dreamed of a vacation on the island of Santorini, this is the place you need. Here you can enjoy sea views and ancient architecture, which you can explore during a free walking tour in Santorini. At the same time, our guides are professional and can immerse you in the history of this island with your head. Therefore, order a free tour in Santorini and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
