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Archaeological Bus Tour to Akrotiri Excavations & Red Beach

Traditional village near Akrotiri on Santorini island with whitewashed buildings and sea view.
Akrotiri Excavations interior with ancient pottery and ruins in Santorini.
Murals of blue lilies inside Akrotiri Excavations, Santorini.
Amphorae among ancient ruins at Akrotiri Archaeological Site, Santorini, Greece.

Duration

7 hr 30 min

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

Transfers included

    • Travel across Santorini with shared transfers, including pickup and drop-off, and explore the ancient city of Akrotiri, remarkably preserved beneath volcanic ash.

    • Enjoy panoramic views from Prophet Elias Monastery, the highest point in Santorini, and soak in the quiet beauty of this historic mountaintop site.

    • Wander through the narrow lanes of Megalochori, a traditional village where whitewashed houses, bell towers, and quiet courtyards offer a glimpse of old Santorini.

    • Take in the dramatic volcanic landscape of Red Beach, where red cliffs and deep blue water create one of the island’s most iconic views.

    • End the day with free time at Perivolos Beach—swim in the Aegean, relax on black volcanic sand, or enjoy fresh seafood at a seaside taverna.

    • 7 to 7.5-hour guided tour of the Akrotiri archaeological site and the Red Beach

    • Shared air-conditioned transfers with pick-up and drop-off services

    • Expert English and German-speaking guide

    • Visits to 5 stops across the island: Prophet Elias Monastery, Megalochori Village, Akrotiri excavations, Red Beach, and Perivolos Beach

    • Free time at select locations (Red Beach, Perivolos Beach)

    • Entrance fee to Akrotiri excavations (€20)

    • Meals and drinks (optional stop at Akrotiri Bay)

    • Personal expenses

  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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  • What to bring

    • Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the tour includes uneven paths at the archaeological site, uphill stretches at Red Beach, and sand at Perivolos.

    • Don’t forget to pack swimwear and a towel if you plan to take a dip or relax at Perivolos Beach during your free time.

    • Bring sun protection like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, since many of the stops have limited shade, especially around midday.

    • Keep some small change or a card with you in case you’d like to buy a coffee or lunch at Akrotiri Bay or along the beach.

    What's not allowed

    • Photography is allowed in most areas, but flash, tripods, and selfie sticks are not allowed at the archaeological site—look out for posted signs.

    Accessibility

    • This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to uneven terrain and limited accessibility at some stops.

    Additional information

    • The entrance ticket to Akrotiri Excavations is not included in the tour price, so be prepared to pay €20 at the site entrance.

    • The visit to Akrotiri is self-guided, so take your time walking through the ruins and reading the signs and displays along the way.

    • Infants aged 4 and under can enter for free with an ID. Reduced or free admission is available at the ticket counter for eligible visitors such as children aged 6 to 18 from non-EU countries, EU citizens aged 25 or under and 65 or over, children under 5, and people with disabilities, with valid documentation.

    • Be mindful of the time you’re given at each stop and return to the bus on time to keep the group on schedule.

    • Tour timings and stop durations might vary slightly depending on the season or traffic, and your guide will keep you updated throughout the day.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
    • Please display your mobile voucher along with a valid photo ID at the pick-up point.
    • If you have purchased reduced-price tickets, please carry your valid photo ID proof for verification.
    • Kindly ensure that you arrive 15 minutes before the start time of your tour to avoid any delays.

    Pick-Up Points

    This is not a private pick-up. Pick-up collection is provided from specific meeting areas. In case of any delay, the pick-up time may vary.

    • Exo Gonia: 10:20 AM
    • Kamari: 10:30 AM
    • Monolithos: 10:30 AM
    • Messaria: 10:35 AM
    • Karterados: 10:40 AM
    • Fira: 10:45 AM
    • Pyrgos: 10:50 AM
    • Perissa: 10:30 AM
    • Perivolos: 10:35 AM
    • Emporio: 10:35 AM
    • Vlichada: 10:40 AM
    • Akrotiri: 10:45 AM
    • Meghalochori: 10:45 AM
    • Oia: 10 AM
    • Imerovigli: 10:15 AM
    • Firostefani: 10:20 AM

    Return: Approximately at 6 PM.

    The tour ends in Fira. There is a bus transfer service to Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia.

    Validity

    This ticket is valid for the date and time selected during checkout.

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