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South Aegean
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Santorini
Kamari
Things to Do in Kamari
Ancient Thera

Ancient Thera, Kamari

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Ancient Thera

See all things to do
See all things to do
Ancient Thera
4.5
2,359
#1 of 8 things to do in Kamari
Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins
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8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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About
This 11th century BC Dorian settlement includes remains from Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
294 within 3 miles
Corner food and drinks
662
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Greek • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Captain's Corner Taverna
1,593
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Mediterranean • European
Fratzeskos Fish Tavern
1,157
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Mediterranean • Greek
Gyros Place
477
0.5 mi$ • Fast Food • Mediterranean • Greek
Irinis Taverna
444
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Mediterranean • Greek
JuiceMe
265
0.6 mi$ • Cafe • Mediterranean • Vegetarian Friendly
Sirocco
694
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Mediterranean
Aquarius
642
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Mediterranean • Greek
Taverna Danas
304
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Mediterranean • Greek
Koutouki The Rakomelo
745
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Greek • Vegetarian Friendly
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Attractions
85 within 6 miles
Panagia Katefiani
5
0.2 miLookouts • Churches & Cathedrals
Eduart Gjopalaj Workshop
84
0.6 miArt Galleries
Perissa Black Sand Beach
5,824
0.7 miBeaches
Monastery of Profitis Ilias
423
0.9 miSpeciality Museums
Church of TImios Stavros
67
0.5 miChurches & Cathedrals
Estate Argyros
281
1.5 miWineries & Vineyards
Sanctuaire Saint-nicolas Camariou
2
0.4 miReligious Sites
Kamari Beach
6,892
1 miBeaches
Artemis Karamolegos Winery
232
1.9 miWineries & Vineyards
Art Space
233
1.8 miArt Galleries
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,359 reviews
Excellent
1,183
Very good
832
Average
280
Poor
42
Terrible
22
Rebecca S
Portland, OR214 contributions
Ancient city, amazing views and great workout
Solo
If you are on Naxos and don’t do the hike up to Thera you will be missing out! Highly recommend for the history and the incredible views. If you aren’t physically able for the trek (beginning in Perissa it was about 1 hour up, another hour in the ruins and then about 45 mins down) you can drive up and park to enter. There is a small fee to enter and you can pay cash or card. Check before you go that it’s open! If you can get started in the early morning, no later than 8:30a, you will have shade the entire way up, otherwise it’s full sun. Pack plenty of water and a snack if needed. There’s a little snack stand at the top, but it’s not consistently open. It’s a moderate hike and you don’t have to be an expert hiker to do this, in fact if your kids aren’t lazy they would do just fine too, but don’t try it in flip-flops.
Written September 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
coxyRC
Timperley, UK103 contributions
On top of the hill
Couples
We got the transfer bus up the hill for €15 and as we walk others walk up, or a couple of people ran, this seemed good value. Others took cars or ATVs. There is a small drinks kiosk at the entry. You pay to go in and it is still a small hike up to the main but. Stunning views and some interesting history. We enjoyed it.
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ldgp14
Walsall, UK2,588 contributions
A walk through time
Couples
We walked from Perissa up to Ancient Thera, going from sea level to the top of Messavouno (360m above) is an intense walk in the summer heat. At just €6 to enter it is well worth the admission the ancient city is of a large scale and the views are stunning over the island. A must see on your Santorini trip.
Written July 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Georgios_Kar
Kassiopi, Greece825 contributions
Waste ot time and money
Save time and money and visit. After a long driving to the top of the mountain and after that having to walk from very dangerous paths without any protection to arrive to one of the most boring archaelogical sites i have ever visited. I dont want to be negative about a archaelogical site but there is absolutely no reason to take all this hassle to go there. Even if you get the full ticket of 15 euro for all 3 archaeological sites of the island, just skip it.
Written May 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Fergs85
Thornton-Le-Dale, UK945 contributions
Extensive ancient remains with dramatic views of the island of Santorini
This is one of two important archaeological sites on the island (the other is Akrotiri). The town, which was rebuilt and resettled sometime after the volcanic eruption, dates from the 8th and 9th centuries BC. It sits on a high ridge above the town of Kamari – it is possible to walk up, if you’re fit enough; if you drive you need a good head for heights because it’s probably one of the best, or scariest, hairpin rides you’re ever likely to take. But, don’t let this put you off, because it is a fascinating site, well laid out and presented, and offering an essential perspective on the geography and history of the island. Looking down you also get some great views of aircraft coming in to land at the airport.
Check opening times before you go – at the moment it is closed on Wednesday’s. Another tip – you can buy a combined ticket which will also get you into the site at Akrotiri, and the Museum of Prehistoric Thira. The ticket has a three-day limit, but you might not find that this is strictly enforced.
Written October 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SSilva
Kingston, NH40 contributions
Great Ancient Greek Site on Santorini
Family
We took the path from Perissa to get to the site, it is about 3km and runs along the side of the mountain. The mountain is about 360m above sea level where you start. The hike is not the easiest and has steep sides. Once you get to the top the view is amazing. After paying to get into the site, you will continue up to the peak on a larger path and you will reach the site. This is where the Ancient Spartans made a home on Santorini because it was a strategic place in the Aegean Sea. We took the road back down to Kamari on foot. Much easier. From Kamari and Fira there are trips that will take you up the mountain if you choose not to walk.
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
APC
6 contributions
If you like ancient history and are in Kamari, a visit to Ancient Thera is recommended
My wife and I hiked up the sometimes steep road to Ancient Thera from Kamari. It took about 45 minutes, but there are minibuses available to book from the town for an easier journey. Once into the site you have to walk up a further wind blown trackway, which at one point is quite narrow with a sheer drop down one side. However, it’s definitely worth it as once you reach the brow of the hill in the footpath you find the fascinating remains of the ruined Bronze Age town laid out in front of you to explore at leisure.
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
pinktravelgirl
85 contributions
Go here!
Couples
We found out about this because we were looking for where to exercise in Strava, so glad it highlighted the spot! The walk up the road from Kamari is quite doable, the trail is steeper and requires less fear of heights... once you pay 6 euros (get the 3-site pass for 15 euros if you're going to Akrotiri on your trip) you head up some stairs then the trail to the ruins. It's not fun if you're afraid of heights but can be done! The ruins are fantastic, there are interpretive signs. Better than Akrotiri to me. Amazing views, can be very windy. Cars and quads can drive up but limited parking, road is quite wide by Greek standards 😂!
Written May 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
em_godfairy
Mebane, NC91 contributions
Amazingly well preserved archaeological site
As long as you are not averse to heights, I highly recommend a visit to ancient Thera on Santorini. As someone who loves to visit archaeological sites around the world, but particularly in the Mediterranean, I felt that Thera was particularly impressive. The number and variety of structures at the site were impressive, as were the incredibly clear relief carvings on the columns and monuments.
Written August 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Linda
4 contributions
Disappointed
Couples
Having checked online the opening hours, we made a conscious decision not to undertake the long climb from Kamari, on Tuesday 14 September as it was said that the site was closed on a Tuesday . Instead we walked up on Wednesday 15 September - a much hotter and very windy day… only to find the site was closed for the day. They need to put out more accurate information.
Written September 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ancient Thera
Ancient Thera is open:
  • Tue - Sun 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Ancient Thera tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 7 Ancient Thera tours on Tripadvisor