Akrotiri
Akrotiri settlement is situated in the southwest of Santorini island and got its name due to its geographical location (AKROTIRI = CAPE).
At the top of the hill on which the modern village is built, stands the Venetian tower (Goulas), also known as Akrotiri castle or La Ponta, i.e. the old castle. The castle was built in the 13th century by the Republic of Venice, which had taken over Santorini in 1207. With a view to fortifying the island, Venetians built a series of fortresses and observatories at key points around it.
The settlement is traditionally built around the old castle. Colorful church domes peek out among the small, whitewashed Cycladic houses, with their well-kept gardens and gleaming roofs and offer visitors an unforgettable experience as they explore the narrow cobbled streets.
Apart from the traditional settlement and the nearby famous beaches, such as Red Beach, White Beach and Mesa Pigadia, Akrotiri is also known for its prehistoric settlement, one of the most famous and important archeological sitesin Greece, featuring rare findings from the Minoan settlement, which was buried in lavathousands of years ago.
It dates from the 18th century BC and allows visitors the opportunity to admire a prehistoric city. According to archaeologists, houses were two-story and three-story and most were equipped with a sewer and toilet. The excavations even brought to light shopsvery similar to modern ones.
Akrotiri beach in Santorini is the coastal part of Akrotiri settlement and is situated very close to the famous prehistoric settlement and the also famous beaches of the area (Red Beach andWhite Beach). You will find it on your way to the sea from the archeological site. Akrotiri beach is not among the most famous one is Santorini,with visitors flocking to the nearby Red Beach, but it is very picturesque and there are some amazing taverns in the area so you can enjoy your food with a view to the beach.