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Ancient Thera (Greek: Αρχαία Θήρα) is the name of an ancient perfectly round volcano island now known as Santorini. It was named after the mythical ruler of the island, Theras, and is known to have been inhabited by Greek Minoans as early as the 15th century BC when the volcano erupted resulting in a significant change to the shape of the island and killing many of the Minoan inhabitants. Starting in 1895, Friedrich Hiller von Gaertringen systematically investigated the city until 1904. Later excavations by N. Zapheiropoulos between 1961 and 1982, under the auspices of the Archaeological Society of Athens, unearthed the city's necropolis in Sellada. Findings from these excavations are on exhibit at the archaeological museum in Fira. Excavation work was again taken up between 1990 and 1994 under the leadership of Wolfram Hoepfner of the Free University of Berlin and resulted in a more precise understanding of the history of the southern Aegean.
Ancient Thera is today open to the public and can be reached on a winding road that starts at Kamari or several footpaths from both sides of the mountain.
Basic ruins not as good as some others. The location on top of mountain provides great views. Entrance fee on 18/9/17 was 4€ for an Adult.
Chris FletcherJan 17, 2018
Beautiful, historic and memorable. We drive up to here on a quad. Take it slowly it has tight bends and goes high up. It was cheap to get in and the walk was a little challenging up hill and over rock. My partner proposed to me over looking the sea and the island, it was a beautiful and stunning setting.
Kelly CooperOct 18, 2017
A site less trampled. Well laid out and very interesting. Awe-inspiring views from the parched land out over 270 degrees of Aegean blue sea. Worth the visit but get a ride up to the site; it's a long meandering walk only for the exercise-seeking. There are basic amenities at the top so take plenty of fluids and sun screen!
Daz WilkinSep 15, 2017
Long winding road to get to the top best in small car or atv. Then the walk to the ruins is fairly easy if you are fit. We spent about an hour and it was enough time to see it all. Beautiful views from everywhere. Well worth the $4 entrance fee. No guide needed
MaryAnne BakerSep 22, 2017
Well worth a visit. You need to be mobile though as you have to walk up a bit. But the views are well worth it.
Seetheworldwith DaphDec 21, 2017
Very small historical site. Extremely windy! Your hair will die! Take caution as you proceed upwards and downwards! Worth a visit if you're a history buff. The great view does make the visit awesome!
Am TanApr 2, 2018
Awesome place, worth seeing. The drive thru that serpentine is quite scary! Be careful there. Be prepared to spend about 1 hour here to see it really good. It's very windy up here in late February, but not cold. Nice place to contemplate about life, to slow down, quiet down.
Adam SkibaMar 31, 2018
Nice place with a nice panoramic view. Old ruins of ancient city, nothing special though. Would recommend the hike by feet for the brave.
Umang GuptaApr 4, 2018
The site of ancient Thera was occupied in the classical and Hellenistic periods and up until the middle ages. It is often overlooked as tourists flock to the more easily accessed and more ancient Bronze age site of Akrotiri. It is located on a rocky hill on the south of the island, with incredible views all around. I recommend approaching it form Perissa on foot instead of driving to the car park on the col between the entrance and Mt Profits Ilias. The walk up is steep but very pleasant. The site consists of the ruins of the houses, temples, streets and squares of the ancient city. There are many instructive panels with descriptions in Greek and English, explaining the main landmarks. There is an entrance fee, but this is very reasonable and it is free for EU students.
Michele PaulattoMar 30, 2018
It is a beautiful place to visit. Tickets were 2€ in off season and no mini bus, but a walk of 40 min was worth visiting ancient Thira.
Nitya NandMar 31, 2018
After a “stimulating” walk ( donkey ride up optional...) up and the €4 entry fee we were amazed at the extent of these ruins - a whole hilltop city with central square, gymnasium, places of worship, baths and sewage system. Ancient ( some BC) so in ruins but a fascinating walk. The information boards are very well done too. It’s a rocky walk up so good shoes advised. Also usually very windy. There is a kiosk at the parking lot at the entrance gate if you need refreshments.
Vincent OliverJun 28, 2018
This place really surprised us, most people we spoke to didnt know it existed. Its 10 Euro each for return trip mini bus to get up/down the hill from Kamari or you could take a chance and walk it...then its 4 Euro to get in. You could spend hours up here as there are loads of ruins to look at but also the views from up there are incredible. Would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes looking at historical sites or snapping shots with their camera.
Ash TJun 24, 2018
Quite interesting ancient site. The view all around when you are at the top is stunning. My opinion is if you don't like hiking and the heat please think twice before you are paying for entrance as there are a good 15 minutes walk up the hill after the entrance before you get to actual site. If you love scenery, ancient ruins and don't mind the heat and have free time then please do visit but don't forget to bring some water and maybe umbrella with you as there are not many big trees for you to escape the burning sun.
Chad ChangMay 11, 2018
Worth the climb if your feeling fit. Otherwise you can cheat and drive most of the way. Place dates before Christ so pretty amazing to walk amongst it. All is mostly ruins minus a few broken pillars but considering the age it's pretty good shape. Go for the view alone:)
mikey geloJul 5, 2018
The remains of a city on top of the highest hill/mountain on the Island. There is limited parking at the top and the drive up to the parking area is "interesting". It cost 4€ per person to get in and you are free to spend a much time as you want admiring the ruins or the view over the island.
Kevin GrimshawMay 1, 2018
Stunning view and interesting history is being told behind the ruins. You can get to know how the people in ancient Greece lived. Although it was hard to get up to the top it was totally worth it, its way better to take a car or a taxi up and walk back down. The tickets are quite reasonable as it was 4 euros for adults.
Lukasz TrelaJul 28, 2018
Basic ruins not as good as some others. The location on top of mountain provides great views. Entrance fee on 18/9/17 was 4€ for an Adult.
Chris FletcherJan 17, 2018
Beautiful, historic and memorable. We drive up to here on a quad. Take it slowly it has tight bends and goes high up. It was cheap to get in and the walk was a little challenging up hill and over rock. My partner proposed to me over looking the sea and the island, it was a beautiful and stunning setting.
Kelly CooperOct 18, 2017
A site less trampled. Well laid out and very interesting. Awe-inspiring views from the parched land out over 270 degrees of Aegean blue sea. Worth the visit but get a ride up to the site; it's a long meandering walk only for the exercise-seeking. There are basic amenities at the top so take plenty of fluids and sun screen!
Daz WilkinSep 15, 2017
Long winding road to get to the top best in small car or atv. Then the walk to the ruins is fairly easy if you are fit. We spent about an hour and it was enough time to see it all. Beautiful views from everywhere. Well worth the $4 entrance fee. No guide needed
MaryAnne BakerSep 22, 2017
Well worth a visit. You need to be mobile though as you have to walk up a bit. But the views are well worth it.
Seetheworldwith DaphDec 21, 2017
Very small historical site. Extremely windy! Your hair will die! Take caution as you proceed upwards and downwards! Worth a visit if you're a history buff. The great view does make the visit awesome!
Am TanApr 2, 2018
Awesome place, worth seeing. The drive thru that serpentine is quite scary! Be careful there. Be prepared to spend about 1 hour here to see it really good. It's very windy up here in late February, but not cold. Nice place to contemplate about life, to slow down, quiet down.
Adam SkibaMar 31, 2018
Nice place with a nice panoramic view. Old ruins of ancient city, nothing special though. Would recommend the hike by feet for the brave.
Umang GuptaApr 4, 2018
The site of ancient Thera was occupied in the classical and Hellenistic periods and up until the middle ages. It is often overlooked as tourists flock to the more easily accessed and more ancient Bronze age site of Akrotiri. It is located on a rocky hill on the south of the island, with incredible views all around. I recommend approaching it form Perissa on foot instead of driving to the car park on the col between the entrance and Mt Profits Ilias. The walk up is steep but very pleasant. The site consists of the ruins of the houses, temples, streets and squares of the ancient city. There are many instructive panels with descriptions in Greek and English, explaining the main landmarks. There is an entrance fee, but this is very reasonable and it is free for EU students.
Michele PaulattoMar 30, 2018
It is a beautiful place to visit. Tickets were 2€ in off season and no mini bus, but a walk of 40 min was worth visiting ancient Thira.
Nitya NandMar 31, 2018
After a “stimulating” walk ( donkey ride up optional...) up and the €4 entry fee we were amazed at the extent of these ruins - a whole hilltop city with central square, gymnasium, places of worship, baths and sewage system. Ancient ( some BC) so in ruins but a fascinating walk. The information boards are very well done too. It’s a rocky walk up so good shoes advised. Also usually very windy. There is a kiosk at the parking lot at the entrance gate if you need refreshments.
Vincent OliverJun 28, 2018
This place really surprised us, most people we spoke to didnt know it existed. Its 10 Euro each for return trip mini bus to get up/down the hill from Kamari or you could take a chance and walk it...then its 4 Euro to get in. You could spend hours up here as there are loads of ruins to look at but also the views from up there are incredible. Would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes looking at historical sites or snapping shots with their camera.
Ash TJun 24, 2018
Quite interesting ancient site. The view all around when you are at the top is stunning. My opinion is if you don't like hiking and the heat please think twice before you are paying for entrance as there are a good 15 minutes walk up the hill after the entrance before you get to actual site. If you love scenery, ancient ruins and don't mind the heat and have free time then please do visit but don't forget to bring some water and maybe umbrella with you as there are not many big trees for you to escape the burning sun.
Chad ChangMay 11, 2018
Worth the climb if your feeling fit. Otherwise you can cheat and drive most of the way. Place dates before Christ so pretty amazing to walk amongst it. All is mostly ruins minus a few broken pillars but considering the age it's pretty good shape. Go for the view alone:)
mikey geloJul 5, 2018
The remains of a city on top of the highest hill/mountain on the Island. There is limited parking at the top and the drive up to the parking area is "interesting". It cost 4€ per person to get in and you are free to spend a much time as you want admiring the ruins or the view over the island.
Kevin GrimshawMay 1, 2018
Stunning view and interesting history is being told behind the ruins. You can get to know how the people in ancient Greece lived. Although it was hard to get up to the top it was totally worth it, its way better to take a car or a taxi up and walk back down. The tickets are quite reasonable as it was 4 euros for adults.
Lukasz TrelaJul 28, 2018
Basic ruins not as good as some others. The location on top of mountain provides great views. Entrance fee on 18/9/17 was 4€ for an Adult.
Chris FletcherJan 17, 2018
Beautiful, historic and memorable. We drive up to here on a quad. Take it slowly it has tight bends and goes high up. It was cheap to get in and the walk was a little challenging up hill and over rock. My partner proposed to me over looking the sea and the island, it was a beautiful and stunning setting.
Kelly CooperOct 18, 2017
A site less trampled. Well laid out and very interesting. Awe-inspiring views from the parched land out over 270 degrees of Aegean blue sea. Worth the visit but get a ride up to the site; it's a long meandering walk only for the exercise-seeking. There are basic amenities at the top so take plenty of fluids and sun screen!
Daz WilkinSep 15, 2017
Long winding road to get to the top best in small car or atv. Then the walk to the ruins is fairly easy if you are fit. We spent about an hour and it was enough time to see it all. Beautiful views from everywhere. Well worth the $4 entrance fee. No guide needed
MaryAnne BakerSep 22, 2017
Well worth a visit. You need to be mobile though as you have to walk up a bit. But the views are well worth it.
Seetheworldwith DaphDec 21, 2017
Very small historical site. Extremely windy! Your hair will die! Take caution as you proceed upwards and downwards! Worth a visit if you're a history buff. The great view does make the visit awesome!
Am TanApr 2, 2018
Awesome place, worth seeing. The drive thru that serpentine is quite scary! Be careful there. Be prepared to spend about 1 hour here to see it really good. It's very windy up here in late February, but not cold. Nice place to contemplate about life, to slow down, quiet down.
Adam SkibaMar 31, 2018
Nice place with a nice panoramic view. Old ruins of ancient city, nothing special though. Would recommend the hike by feet for the brave.
Umang GuptaApr 4, 2018
The site of ancient Thera was occupied in the classical and Hellenistic periods and up until the middle ages. It is often overlooked as tourists flock to the more easily accessed and more ancient Bronze age site of Akrotiri. It is located on a rocky hill on the south of the island, with incredible views all around. I recommend approaching it form Perissa on foot instead of driving to the car park on the col between the entrance and Mt Profits Ilias. The walk up is steep but very pleasant. The site consists of the ruins of the houses, temples, streets and squares of the ancient city. There are many instructive panels with descriptions in Greek and English, explaining the main landmarks. There is an entrance fee, but this is very reasonable and it is free for EU students.
Michele PaulattoMar 30, 2018
It is a beautiful place to visit. Tickets were 2€ in off season and no mini bus, but a walk of 40 min was worth visiting ancient Thira.
Nitya NandMar 31, 2018
After a “stimulating” walk ( donkey ride up optional...) up and the €4 entry fee we were amazed at the extent of these ruins - a whole hilltop city with central square, gymnasium, places of worship, baths and sewage system. Ancient ( some BC) so in ruins but a fascinating walk. The information boards are very well done too. It’s a rocky walk up so good shoes advised. Also usually very windy. There is a kiosk at the parking lot at the entrance gate if you need refreshments.
Vincent OliverJun 28, 2018
This place really surprised us, most people we spoke to didnt know it existed. Its 10 Euro each for return trip mini bus to get up/down the hill from Kamari or you could take a chance and walk it...then its 4 Euro to get in. You could spend hours up here as there are loads of ruins to look at but also the views from up there are incredible. Would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes looking at historical sites or snapping shots with their camera.
Ash TJun 24, 2018
Quite interesting ancient site. The view all around when you are at the top is stunning. My opinion is if you don't like hiking and the heat please think twice before you are paying for entrance as there are a good 15 minutes walk up the hill after the entrance before you get to actual site. If you love scenery, ancient ruins and don't mind the heat and have free time then please do visit but don't forget to bring some water and maybe umbrella with you as there are not many big trees for you to escape the burning sun.
Chad ChangMay 11, 2018
Worth the climb if your feeling fit. Otherwise you can cheat and drive most of the way. Place dates before Christ so pretty amazing to walk amongst it. All is mostly ruins minus a few broken pillars but considering the age it's pretty good shape. Go for the view alone:)
mikey geloJul 5, 2018
The remains of a city on top of the highest hill/mountain on the Island. There is limited parking at the top and the drive up to the parking area is "interesting". It cost 4€ per person to get in and you are free to spend a much time as you want admiring the ruins or the view over the island.
Kevin GrimshawMay 1, 2018
Stunning view and interesting history is being told behind the ruins. You can get to know how the people in ancient Greece lived. Although it was hard to get up to the top it was totally worth it, its way better to take a car or a taxi up and walk back down. The tickets are quite reasonable as it was 4 euros for adults.
Lukasz TrelaJul 28, 2018
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM |
Wander is a travel search engine that allows you to find the perfect travel destination that fits your budget and preferences.
Cheap flights to Santorini (Thira)
Vacation packages to Santorini (Thira)