While many visitors eschew the cultural delights of Santorini for the more carnal pleasures of the caldera villages, it is a shame to visit Santorini and not appreciate the astonishing history and geology of this fascinating island.
The numerous must-visit sights of Santorini are scattered around the island, making vehicle rental crucial; opt for a reliable car rental company to ensure a seamless, stress-free experience.
Akrotiri
The Greek Pompeii or the home of the lost city of Atlantis? One of the richest archaeological sites in the Aegean is found in the south of the island at Akrotiri. The ancient town was frozen in time by ash from an eruption 3,600 years ago. Akrotiri was settled as early as 3000 BC and reached its peak after 2000 BC when it had trading relations with Minoan Crete, Egypt and Syria.
Beautiful frescoes depicting aspects of Akrotiri life are displayed in the National Archaeological museum in Athens while others are shown in the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira. No mortal remains have been found so far suggesting that the inhabitants of the city had prior warning of the eruptions and fled by boat to neighbouring islands.
The archaeological site is covered by a modern bioclimatic shelter while excavations continue and it is thought that only a third of the site has been explored.
Phone: +30 22860 81939 Website: www.odysseus.culture.gr
Ancient Thera
The most important city of Thera in ancient times is located on Mesa Vouno. Originally settled as a Dorian city with 9th century BC tombs, there are Hellenistic houses, traces of Byzantine fortifications and an engraved phallus, all found over 600 m above the island. The scattered ruins are found on the summit of the mountain; hike up from Perissa or Kamari or take a taxi.
Phone: +30 2286 081939 Website: www.odysseus.culture.gr
Archaeological Museum of Fira
While the most outstanding artefacts from Santorini are displayed in the Archaeological Museum in Athens, the museum in Fira houses a fine collection of geometric black and red vases from the 5th century BC, alongside frescoes and sculptures from the Archaic to Roman period and some Byzantine and prehistoric items.
Phone: +30 22860 22217 Website: www.odysseus.culture.gr
Lost Atlantis Experience Museum
A modern, innovative space that narrates the story of Lost Atlantis; learn about the Minoan history of Santorini and the evidence that connects the island with Plato’s myth through holograms and interactive presentations. There is also a full -sensory re-enactment of the earthquake, eruption and tsunami that led to the destruction of Atlantis.
Phone: +30 22860 85076 Website: www.lost-atlantis.com
Tomato Industrial Museum
Discover how the humble tomato helped to save the island after the collapse of the Vinsanto wine trade to Russia. The old factory was one of the first to produce tinned tomatoes and now also houses the Santorini Arts Factory (SAF), a contemporary art space and cultural centre.
Phone: +30 22860 85141 Website: www.tomatomuseum.gr
Museum of Prehistoric Thera
The treasures from Akrotiri are displayed here alongside items dating from the Neolithic era up until the Cycladic period. Frescoes show colourful representations of nature and give a valuable insight into the everyday lives of a civilisation that thrived during the Minoan Bronze Age. The fresco fragments with painted swallows are a favourite island motif and the 60,000 year old fossilised Olive leaves prove the tree to be indigenous.
Phone: +30 22860 23217 Website: www.odysseus.culture.gr
Naval Maritime Museum of Thera
An old neoclassical captain’s house in Oia is home to an interesting collection of maritime related objects. Ship figureheads, seaman’s chests, uniforms and models reveal the extensive nautical history of the island, Santorini’s main trade until tourism took over.
Phone: +30 22860 71156 Website: www.facebook.com/MaritimeMuseum
Read also:
The Beaches of Oia and the Caldera on Santorini
From Romantic Cocktails to All-Night Dancing: Nightlife on Santorini
