A Journey Back in Time: Santorini, the Second Chapter
The winds blew hard in Santorini, and I wasn’t feeling my best, so I remember spending quite a bit of time resting at the accommodation. I thought I hadn’t explored much, but as I organized my travel notes, I realized I had actually seen quite a lot — and that made me feel rather proud. After a night in Santorini, a new morning began.
☀️ Morning, and the Ocean View
Will it be clear today? The morning greeted me with bright skies and no rain. The ocean view from my room was stunning.
When I went down for breakfast, I was surprised to see quite a number of guests — including many Korean travelers! And the traces of the previous night… snacks and beer 😂 all bought from ΣΚΛΑΒΕΝΙΤΗΣ (SKLAVENITIS), a fairly large supermarket near the accommodation.
🚌 Heading for the Southern Tour
Today’s plan was to take a bus to explore the southern part of the island. I even saw several of the same travelers I’d spotted on the way to Oia the day before — perhaps we all plan our trips in similar ways.
From time to time, I saw donkeys carrying luggage through the narrow alleys. Having lived in a city, I don’t often see such scenes, so it felt both fascinating and a little touching — these small creatures carrying such heavy loads.
🏺 Akrotiri
Opening hours: 08:00–20:00
Entrance fee: €2
This is a prehistoric archaeological site where you can walk through the remains of a Minoan-era village. It’s quite spacious, and taking your time to explore takes about one to two hours. A detailed explanation of the site will be written separately.
🏺 Akrotiri, Explained by an AI Curator
Located in the southwest of Santorini, Akrotiri is an ancient city buried under volcanic ash about 3,600 years ago after the eruption of the Thera volcano. A once-prosperous civilization came to an abrupt halt, but thanks to the ash, everyday life from that era has been preserved almost perfectly. Often called “the Pompeii of Greece,” Akrotiri provides vital clues about the ancient Aegean civilization.
🏛️ History of Akrotiri
People began settling here around 3000 BCE, accumulating wealth through agriculture and trade. Strongly influenced by the Minoan civilization of Crete, the city developed advanced urban planning, art, and technology. The frescoes in particular reflect the richness and sensitivity of the society. Around 1600 BCE, the massive eruption of the Thera volcano buried the town in thick ash, sealing it from air exposure — which is why wooden beams, grains, and household tools remain astonishingly well-preserved today.
🧱 Layout of the Site
The site is protected under a modern roof structure, and visitors walk along wooden decks overlooking the ruins. The main sections include:
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Residential Quarters:
Two- to three-story buildings densely packed together, built with brick and stone. Some still have window frames and staircases. The town already had drainage systems, and many rooms still contain pottery and household utensils.
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Storerooms & Workshops:
An area filled with pottery, jars, and food storage spaces. Numerous amphorae and traces of grain discovered here show that Akrotiri was once a thriving trading port.
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Public Area:
Believed to have served as a market or plaza. The alignment of buildings and streets indicates that organized urban planning existed even back then.
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Fresco Viewing Area:
Some restored frescoes are displayed in an on-site gallery (replicas), while the originals are housed in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. Among the most famous are The Procession of Youths and The Blue Monkeys.
💡 Tip for Visitors
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Most of the site is covered, so it’s visitable even in rain or strong winds.
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The ground is uneven — comfortable shoes are a must.
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Admission: €12 (as of 2024). A combined ticket also grants entry to nearby Red Beach and the Archaeological Museum of Fira.
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During the off-season, the site is quiet, allowing for a peaceful walk through the remnants of ancient daily life.
After touring Akrotiri, I headed to Red Beach. The name comes from the reddish color of the sand and rocks. Santorini was formed by volcanic activity, and the rocks along this coast are its direct result.
Whether it’s the mineral composition or weathering that gives them this hue, I couldn’t say for sure. Even the stone walls along the road are built from the island’s characteristic red and black volcanic rocks.
🕯️ A Grave by the Roadside
A small private tomb stood quietly beside the road. Judging by the birth and death dates, it belonged to someone who had passed away young. The fresh flowers and traces of visits moved me deeply.
🌋 Red Beach
With its red sands and dramatic cliffs, Red Beach stands as vivid proof of Santorini’s volcanic origin. The wind was incredibly strong. For reference, the bus returning to Fira from Red Beach takes a different route via Perissa Beach.
Winter in a quiet resort town feels desolate — no swimmers, no sunbathers, only a few visitors wandering like us before leaving again. The pace of the day felt almost too leisurely. I don’t even remember what I had for lunch or dinner; perhaps I forgot to take photos. I returned early to the accommodation to watch the changing colors of the sky.
🏛️ Ancient Thira
If you plan to visit Perissa or Kamari Beach, it’s worth stopping by the Dorian ruins of Ancient Thira as well. Just note that the walking distance is a bit longer than between Red Beach and Akrotiri.
🌆 A Final Stroll through Fira
Before my flight to Crete, I took one last quiet morning walk around Fira. Unlike Oia’s maze-like alleys, Fira’s main walking route follows Agiou Mina Street along the coastline.
On the morning of departure, the hazy light slowly turned into the clear glow of day. With a touch of wistfulness, I left Fira for the airport.
🍽️ Leaving Fira Behind
25is Martiou Street is one of Fira’s main areas, lined with restaurants and cafés — though many were closed for the low season. It must be lively in summer.
During my stay, I’d often seen the same guests around the hotel. On the last day, I finally learned who was who: the free-spirited woman I thought was traveling alone was actually with her son, and the two “mother and daughter” travelers turned out to be friends — one simply had her hair down that morning and suddenly looked the same age as the other!
Though I’m not fluent in English, I exchanged a few farewell words before checking out.
💭 At the End of the Journey
Traveling abroad isn’t impossible without perfect English, but I sometimes wished I could chat more freely with the people I met along the way. I realized that courage — not fluency — is what really matters. Maybe it’s time to let go of perfection and learn to show myself as I am.
✈️ Off to Crete
I took the airport bus from the terminal and arrived with time to spare, browsing the small shops and duty-free store. I bought a tiny magnet as a keepsake.
Then I boarded my Aegean Airlines flight to Crete!
A quick tip: pay for checked baggage online during check-in — it’s much cheaper.
At the counter: 2 suitcases → €100
Online: €24 😱
👉 Always prepay your baggage fee when flying with Aegean Airlines!
🚌 Santorini Bus Timetable
🔗 Santorini Public Buses
During the off-season, bus intervals are long — be sure to check in advance!
💡 AI’s Recommendation
🗿 After visiting Akrotiri, stop by Venetsanos Winery nearby — enjoy wine tasting while overlooking the sea.
🌅 Sunset at Red Beach is one of the quieter, lesser-known spots on the island. Bring a light windbreaker, as it gets breezy.
🚶♀️ Winter Tip: In low season, buses run less frequently and shops may close early. Keep snacks and water handy.
📸 Photo Spot: The red cliff path between Akrotiri and Red Beach — soft natural light, few people, and perfect for that once-in-a-lifetime shot.
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