Guided Tour To Akrotiri Excavations & Red Beach

The guided tour to Akrotiri Excavations and Red Beach offers a unique opportunity to explore Santorini’s rich history and stunning natural beauty. Visitors can explore the well-preserved archaeological site, discover the charming Megalochori Village, and indulge in the breathtaking scenery of the Red Beach. With expert guidance and a comprehensive itinerary, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure for both history enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. Uncover the secrets of Akrotiri and learn about the captivating landscape that has captivated travelers for generations.

Key Points

• The 8-hour guided tour of the Akrotiri excavations and nearby attractions is available in English and German, priced at €60.00 per person.
• The tour includes pickup and drop-off service, a live guide, and entrance to the Akrotiri archaeological site.
• Highlights of the tour include visits to the Prophet Elias Monastery, Megalochori Village, Red Beach, and Perivolos Beach.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and visitors are advised to bring sunscreen, hats, and cameras.
• The tour has received mixed reviews, with some issues reported regarding pickup and communication, and the final stop at Perivolos Beach not including fresh fish.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The guided tour of the Akrotiri excavations on the island of Santorini lasts 8 hours and is available in English and German.

The guided tour of the Akrotiri excavations on the island of Santorini lasts 8 hours and is available in English and German.

Priced at €60.00 per person, the tour includes pickup and drop-off service, a live guide, and entrance to the Akrotiri archaeological site.

Highlights include the Prophet Elias Monastery, the charming yet abandoned Megalochori Village, and the opportunity to visit the Red Beach and Perivolos Beach for swimming and local dining.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and travelers should bring sunscreen, hats, and cameras.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Itinerary Highlights

Highlights of the guided tour include a visit to the Prophet Elias Monastery, the highest point on the island at 565 meters above sea level.

Travelers will also visit the charming yet almost abandoned Megalochori Village, a traditional settlement, and the Akrotiri Excavations, a significant archaeological site once home to 200 families, now preserved under volcanic lava.

After, guests will have around 45 minutes of free time at the Red Beach, accessible on foot.

The tour concludes at Perivolos Beach for swimming and local dining, though fresh fish isn’t included.

Inclusions

The guided tour includes pickup and drop-off service, a live guide, and the entrance fee to the Akrotiri excavations, which costs €12 per person.

The tour offers the following inclusions:

• Roundtrip transportation from your hotel or designated meeting point

• An expert local guide to lead the group and provide commentary

• Admission to the Akrotiri archaeological site, a significant ancient settlement preserved under volcanic ash

• Approximately 45 minutes of free time at the scenic Red Beach

• Final stop at Perivolos Beach for swimming and local dining (fresh fish not included).

Important Information

It’s important to note that this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Visitors should come prepared with sunglasses, a sun hat, camera, and sunscreen. Beachwear is recommended, as the tour includes time at the Red Beach and Perivolos Beach.

Visitors should come prepared with sunglasses, a sun hat, camera, and sunscreen for the beach-focused portions of the tour.

Pickup details will be provided by email one day prior to the tour. Customers should review these details carefully to ensure a smooth pickup and start to the day.

While the tour provides an exciting glimpse into Santorini’s history and natural beauty, participants should be aware of the physical requirements and come equipped for the day’s activities.

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Customer Reviews

Based on the provided information, the customer reviews for this guided tour of the Akrotiri excavations seem mixed.

While the overall rating is 2.8/5 based on 4 reviews, several issues have been reported:

• Pickup failures

• Lack of communication

• Not suitable for wheelchair users

• Requires bringing sunglasses, sun hat, camera, sunscreen, and beachwear

• Final stop at Perivolos Beach doesn’t include fresh fish

These reviews suggest the tour may have logistical challenges and may not meet the needs of all visitors.

Prospective customers should carefully consider these factors when deciding whether this tour is the right fit for their Santorini experience.

Exploring the Prophet Elias Monastery

Although the highest point on the island of Santorini, the Prophet Elias Monastery offers visitors a breathtaking panoramic view at 565 meters above sea level.

The 18th-century Greek Orthodox monastery features a classic white-washed exterior and stunning views over the island’s iconic caldera and villages.

Tourists can explore the monastery’s courtyards, chapels, and museums showcasing Byzantine icons and religious artifacts.

While the monastery is a popular stop on many Santorini tours, visitors should note it’s not wheelchair accessible due to its hillside location and steep steps.

Discovering the Megalochori Village

After exploring the majestic Prophet Elias Monastery, the guided tour next takes visitors to the traditional settlement of Megalochori Village.

The guided tour next takes visitors to the traditional settlement of Megalochori Village after exploring the majestic Prophet Elias Monastery.

This charming yet almost abandoned post-earthquake village offers a glimpse into Santorini’s past:

• Stroll through the narrow, winding streets lined with whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches.

• Admire the elegant mansions and grand captains’ houses, architectural remnants of the island’s maritime heritage.

• Visit the village’s central square, where locals gather at the kafenio (traditional Greek café) for a leisurely coffee.

• Explore the underground canava (wine cellar) and learn about Santorini’s renowned winemaking traditions.

• Discover the village’s artistic community, with workshops and galleries showcasing local crafts and artwork.

Experiencing the Akrotiri Excavations and Red Beach

The guided tour then takes visitors to the Akrotiri excavations, one of Santorini’s most significant archaeological sites.

Preserved under layers of volcanic ash, this Bronze Age settlement offers a glimpse into the island’s past. Visitors will have the chance to explore the remarkably well-preserved ruins, learning about the advanced urban planning and sophisticated buildings that once thrived here.

After the excavations, the tour heads to the nearby Red Beach, known for its striking red cliffs and volcanic pebbles. Guests can enjoy around 45 minutes of free time to take in the stunning scenery and perhaps go for a swim.

Since You Asked

Is Photography Allowed at the Akrotiri Excavations Site?

Yes, photography is allowed at the Akrotiri excavations site. Visitors can take photos of the well-preserved archaeological ruins and ancient buildings that were buried under volcanic ash centuries ago.

What Is the Approximate Duration Spent at Each Location?

The tour spends around 45 minutes at the Prophet Elias Monastery, 30 minutes in Megalochori Village, 1 hour at the Akrotiri Excavations, 45 minutes at Red Beach, and the final stop is Perivolos Beach for swimming and dining.

Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

The tour includes restroom facilities at the Prophet Elias Monastery and during the stop at Perivolos Beach. However, there are no dedicated restroom stops at the other locations on the itinerary.

Can Special Dietary Requirements Be Accommodated on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t mention accommodating special dietary requirements. Travelers with specific dietary needs should contact the tour provider in advance to inquire about the availability of suitable food options during the tour’s stops.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t mention any discounts for children or seniors. However, you can check with the tour operator to see if they offer any special rates or concessions for these groups when you book the tour.

Final Words

This guided tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Santorini’s ancient history and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the well-preserved Akrotiri excavations, admire the stunning Red Beach, and discover the charming Megalochori Village and Prophet Elias Monastery. With round-trip transportation, expert guidance, and time to swim and dine, it’s an enriching experience for history enthusiasts and beach lovers alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: