Holidays to Akrotiri

Akrotiri is a pretty, tranquil little seaside resort on the southern coast of Santorini, one of the most romantic and glamorous of the Greek Islands. Akrotiri is a whitewashed string of hotels and taverns set along the waterfront, and you can pick up a boat (or walk) to the famous Red Beach. This spectacular cove has red sands and ochre cliffs, which are crowned by the little whitewashed church of Agios Nikolaos. Next to it is the smaller White Beach, which is backed with white cliffs. Akrotiri is located next to the spectacular Bronze Age Minoan settlement which shares the same name, and is one of the finest archaeological sites on the island. If you fancy some shopping and sightseeing, head to the island capital of Fira, about a 25-minute drive away.

Akrotiri beach fringes the lower end of the town. Small and pebbly, it still makes for good paddling and has a smattering of marvellous beachfront restaurants which provide both stunning views and delicious dining as the sun dips into the aquamarine sea. Akrotiri is also fantastically situated for accessing one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. The striking burnt red sands of Red Beach are just a 15-minute walk from town (or a short boat-trip away). The proximity of Akrotiri to this sought-after bay gives you ample opportunity to beat the crowds and stake your claim on this slice of paradise. Around the corner from Red Beach lies White Beach, which is ideal for those looking to spend lazy beach days undisturbed.

Akrotiri is small, but still boasts a good choice of traditional restaurants, cafés and taverns, where you can tuck into authentic Greek cuisine and fresh seafood. Many of them are located along with beach front, and pair delicious home-cooked dishes and breathtaking views – the perfect sunset dining experience. Islanders claim that the volcanic soil of Santorini makes its fresh produce tastier than anywhere else in Greece: try the poulia yemista (stuffed courgette flowers), the domatokeftedes (tomato fritters) or the Santorini salad (olives, cucumber and tomatoes, and the local chlorotyri cheese) and you’re bound to agree! The fresh seafood is not to be missed, but you might also fancy some of the local lamb or pork. The excellent wines of Santorini provide the perfect accompaniment, or you could go for some locally made ‘Donkey’ beer.

Akrotiri is calm and tranquil, which is exactly what draws visitors who come time and time again to this charming little resort. Tavernas will welcome you to stay long into the evening, and some of the beachfront bars and restaurants liven up in the evening, but you won’t find loud clubs or neon lights when the sun goes down here. If you’re looking for wild nights on the town, you’re best bet is the island capital of Fira is where you should head. This is home to the very best of Santorini’s nightlife, bursting with bars and clubs to suit all tastes.

Akrotiri is an idyllic destination for family holidays. Peaceful, beautiful, and with access to some fantastic beaches, it’s the perfect spot for a laid-back family break. The beaches are a huge draw - safe, beautiful, and well serviced with facilities. On top of this, many of the hotels have their own pools where you can lounge with a book and keep a close eye on the little ones splashing around. For any budding archaeologists, the nearby Minoan ruins provide the perfect opportunity to play Indiana Jones. A short drive will take you to the waterpark near Perissa, which is great fun for kids and has special attractions for infants and toddlers. Perissa and Kamari beaches are also the main spots for water sports like jet-skiing and paddle-boarding.

If you are looking for a quiet and authentic little village to enjoy a romantic holiday with your partner, then Akrotiri on the beautiful island of Santorini is perfect. Its famous beaches – the Red Beach and the White Beach – are small but spectacularly beautiful. There is nothing more romantic than taking a boat ride along the coast to the gorgeous coves, or even to a traditional restaurant accessible only from the sea. The sunsets of Santorini are world famous, and you can enjoy some of the best from Akrotiri’s charming beachfront taverns. You could enjoy an excursion to the enchanting island capital of Fira, which has a dramatic cliff top setting and boasts some fabulous shops and nightlife.

Sleepy little Akrotiri is a quiet resort, but there are plenty of activities in the area to get your adrenaline pumping. One of the best ways of exploring this gorgeous coastline is by sea kayak, which you can rent from the main beach. You could kayak over to the famous Red Beach, or head further to reach the lesser-known and considerably quieter White Beach. But there are lots of other tiny coves which are accessible only by boat if you want total peace and seclusion. If you’re looking for a wider range of water sports, head to Perissa and Kamari beaches, where you can do everything from jet-skiing to paddle-boarding.

Akrotiri is located next to one of the most spectacular ancient sites anywhere in the Greek Islands. The Bronze Age Minoan settlement of Akrotiri was buried under a thick layer of ash after a huge volcanic explosion destroyed the island in 1627 BC. Just as later happened in Pompeii (Akrotiri is sometimes called ‘the Minoan Pompeii’), the ash preserved much of the ancient settlement, and some remarkable frescoes, pottery and furnishings have been discovered at the site. Many of these are on display in the Archaeological Museum in Fira, about a 25-minute drive away. Fira, which enjoys a stunning setting on the rim of the caldera, is the island capital and home to a host of excellent museums.