Santorini Archaeological Tour: Akrotiri Excavations & Red Beach

Walk through a Bronze Age city preserved under lava, then swim at two contrasting beaches

A guided archaeological tour of Santorini covering Prophet Elias monastery, the traditional village of Megalochori, the Akrotiri excavations and two beaches over six to seven hours, with English-speaking guide, entrance fee to Akrotiri, air-conditioned transport and hotel pickup included. The tour runs on a fixed itinerary with free time at Red Beach and Perissa Beach for swimming or exploring on your own.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit villages, excavations, and beaches

• Visit Prophet Elias Monastery
• Explore Megalochori village
• Tour Akrotiri Excavations with guide
• View Red Beach from above
• Free time at Red Beach or Akrotiri Bay
• Swim and relax at Perissa Beach

The Experience

The day starts at Prophet Elias monastery, where you get the opening views across the island before heading to Megalochori, a traditional settlement that emptied after the 1956 earthquake and now sits almost abandoned—the architecture and quiet streets give a sense of what Santorini looked like before tourism. From there the tour moves to Akrotiri, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece: a vast Bronze Age structure that once housed around 200 families and was preserved intact when the volcano buried it under lava thousands of years ago. Your guide walks you through the excavation and explains what the layout tells about how people lived then.

After Akrotiri you have roughly 45 minutes of free time at Red Beach, where you can view the colorful rock formations from above or walk down to the water's edge for coffee and Greek mezedes at a local taverna. The tour then moves to Perissa Beach, a black sand beach on the opposite side of the island, where you have time to swim or eat fresh fish at one of the beachfront restaurants. The air-conditioned bus collects you at the end and returns you to your hotel.

What’s included

• English-speaking guide at the Akrotiri excavations.
• entrance fee to the Akrotiri Archaeological Site.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• pickup and drop-off from your hotel or designated meeting point.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kamari Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guide explaining Akrotiri's archaeology while you visit villages and beaches on set times; choose the German-escort option if that's your language preference.

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Top questions

What exactly is the Akrotiri excavation and why is it significant?

Akrotiri is a Bronze Age settlement buried under volcanic lava from an ancient eruption, preserving a structure that once housed around 200 families. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece because the lava sealed it so completely that you can walk through rooms, see pottery and household items, and understand how people lived thousands of years ago without the usual decay that destroys most ancient sites.

How much free time do I get to swim at the beaches?

You have roughly 45 minutes at Red Beach, which includes a 10-minute walk down to the water, so most of that is viewing time or a quick dip. At Perissa Beach you have more time to swim and eat, with enough hours to relax without feeling rushed.

Is the entrance fee to Akrotiri included in the tour price?

Yes, the 12-euro entrance fee to the Akrotiri Archaeological Site is included in the tour price, so you do not pay separately at the gate.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English and German, so you get live interpretation at the Akrotiri excavations and throughout the stops.

Does the tour include meals or drinks?

Meals and drinks are not included, but you have free time at Red Beach and Perissa Beach to order coffee, mezedes or fresh fish at local tavernas at your own cost.

Will my young child need a seat on the bus?

Children under four years old do not reserve a separate seat; they sit on a parent's lap during the drive. Infants are also required to sit on an adult's lap.