Akrotiri archaeological excavations site Santorini

I consider it “a must see.” The first time I planned to visit it, Akrotiri was closed after the roof collapsed killing tourists n 2005. Years later, I only returned to Santorini to visit the reopened site , strong new roof, even though I really did not want to to go back to Santorini. It is ancient, 4th millenium BC, and following your visit you should also go to the National Archeological Museum in Athens to see the frescoes they removed from Akrotiri to better preserve them.

It all depends on how interested you are in Minoan civilization .... a very interesting, artistic, nonwarlike society that began in Crete and flourished for centuries before being overtaken by the (warmongering, bronze-sword-wielding) Mycenaeans from the Mainland. If you are just mainly interested in scenery & landscapes it is probably not for you. Some of us are just History Nerds, that's OK too.

My young adult children who are not “history nerds” really enjoyed it as did my husband and I. I would say it is better if you have a tour to make sense of what you are seeing. We did not and ended up eavesdropping on other tours. (There are tours available but we did not take one). The Minoans were sophisticated people. You will be amazed if you go.

Akrotiri is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, even though only 3-4% of it has been excavated so far. Definitely don't miss it. Go when they first open in the morning at 8am to avoid all the bus tour crowds.

I would also consider it a must see, it is one of the most important archeological sites in Greece and unlike most other classical greek sites, Akrotiri is truly Ancient, being from the bronze age around the 16th century BC.
Another site worth visiting is Ancient Thira on top of the mountain between Kamari and Perissa. It’s classical greek and has great views as well.

One of our top reasons for visiting Santorini was to take a tour of Akrotiri. Our knowledgeable guide helped to make it a rewarding experience. We never tired of having the opportunity to visit archaeological sites in Greece. It was a great way to connect wth the museums we visited in Athens, etc.

Thanks everyone for your input. I am going to keep Akrotiri on the list.