Akrotiri - Once-Buried Minoan Town:
Akrotiri was buried in the eruption of the Thira volcano, which may have damaged or destroyed the Minoan civilization on Crete.
An Inside Site:
To protect the ruins, the site of Akrotiri is covered with a large roof. It can be hot in the midday, so go early if you can.
Akrotiri is Closed Until ....:
A roof collapse in 2005 killed one tourist and has required a complete redesign of the roof shell over the site. Original estimates expected it to reopen in 20007 - then 2008 - now there is no definite date for the reopening. Check locally when you go.
Opening Hours for Akrotiri:
Akrotiri is open 8:30am to 3pm Tuesday through Sunday; it's closed on Mondays. In summer, extended hours may be offered. See above.
But Check Hours Before You Go:
Due to the collapse of a portion of the roof, Akrotiri is closed. Again, check locally before you go.
Telephone Number:
Check with the site authorities directly at (011) 30 286 081366. This number also gives information for the new museum and ancient Thira.
More on Akrotiri:
The best value for the visitor to Santorini is to purchase a special access ticket for 8 Euro. This covers admission to Akrotiri itself, the Archaeological Museum in Thira, the Museum of Prehistoric Thira, and the Roman-era town of Ancient Thira. Normally, just the admission to Akrotiri is 5 Euro.
If the site is still closed, don't miss the Museum of Prehistoric Thira in Thira. And if the site is open, it's an excellent companion piece - frankly, having spent much time at the hot, enclosed site of Akrotiri, I'd rather do the museum. You'll come away with a better understanding of the Theran culture than you will get from visiting the ruins themselves. It's an excellent collection of Minoan-era artifacts found on the island. More on Akrotiri: Akrotiri - Santorini's Mystery
