Akrotiri is the name of an excavation site of a Minoan Bronze Age settlement on the Greek island of Santorini, associated with the Minoan civilization due to inscriptions in Linear A, and close similarities in artifact and fresco styles.
The excavation is named for a modern Greek village situated on a hill nearby. In the south of the island lies Akrotiri, one of the most important Aegean settlements of the early Bronze Age (first half of the 2nd millennium B.C.). The settlement was deserted because of the eruption of the volcano, but it was saved too for the same reason.
Volcanic material covered it preserving the evidence of its glorious past: the vast territory, the multi-storeyed houses with exquisite frescoes, an amazing sewer system, stone streets and squares, and a multitude of luxurious vases and items of furniture.
The town's life came to an abrupt end in the last quarter of the 17th century B.C. when the inhabitants were obliged to abandon it as a result of severe earthquakes. The erruption followed. The volcanic materials covered the entire island and the town itself. These materials, however, have protected up to date the buildings and their contents, just like in Pompei. Most of the information in this section comes from the Greek Ministry of Culture.
Nearby lies the beach of Almýra, where sun worshippers can enjoy a beautiful quiet beach with impressive sea-sculpted rocks in the background. The Akrotíri area is famous for its ruins of an ancient town but tan-seeking sunbathers will also discover some marvellous beaches there.
