Ancient Thera, Kamari
Ancient Thera
Ancient Thera
4.5
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
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
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
Contribute
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
PuiLih
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hi, where did you get on the mini bus to and fro Ancient Thera and what is the name of the company? TQ
Martin George
London, UK71 contributions
The local buses are pretty good ! Depends where you are staying :))
Sabrina M
Naples, Campania, Italy213 contributions
Quanto tempo ci vuole per visitare il sito?
Maurizio P
Cadelbosco di Sopra, Italy11 contributions
Confermo. In 1 max. 2 ore si visita attentamente tutta.
Samantha B
Stafford, UK54 contributions
Trip adviser entry states closed on mondays - this is wrong it is closed on Tuesdays this year 2019. When will you update the trip adviser error????
Ling
Singapore, Singapore2 contributions
Had the same issue too. Went on Tuesday only to find that it was closed
Wyvernian
Manchester, UK98 contributions
Where is the actual starting point for the walk up i.e. from the base, not from Kamari or Perissa?
Nick N
Madison, WI5 contributions
We took the trail head at the end of the main road out of Perissa. You can start by walking along the main road on the beach towards the mountain. The road will curve left and you will walk up the hill a ways. There will be signs on your right directing you to the trail head
dengen72
Coventry, UK191 contributions
What is the walk like from Kamari? Is there a way to walk up not using the road?
sttimmj1
Warrington, UK369 contributions
It’s about half hour walk on a long winding gradual climb up
We got the bus which we really didn’t enjoy as the driver swung it round the bends- but hair raising so we walked back down and then went to the little chapel which over looks kalmari ( not always good underfoot) and then walked back down to Kalmari
catsandjammer
Charleston, SC6 contributions
When this site closes at 3:00pm, so they kick people out immediately? Or, do they stop letting people in at 3:00pm with the idea that everyone will be gone by a reasonable time?
Thijs B
Amersfoort, The Netherlands140 contributions
It was completely fine late morning/early afternoon, although sun was burning, it was refreshing by the wind
RachelTerrebonne
Terrebonne, Canada13 contributions
Bonjour, en partant de Kamari, le sentier est il facile à trouver pour monter en randonnée? Pouvez vous nous donner l'information par où passer? Merci
José Luis Berar... b
Buenos Aires28 contributions
It is a long long way up. If you like walking "up" for about 45 minutes it is fine. Otherwise, I would suggest that you try to hitch-hike a car to the top parking lot (if you don't rent a car).
Nevertheless, once on the top, the view is beautiful.
Enjoy your trip
Barb M
Petersburg6 contributions
Hi Doug,
I am googling Blue Star to find details and don't come up with anything except Ferries. Is that the same office? Do you think I will need to reserve the Thera bus ahead of time, or just walk right up.
thanks,
Barbara
ianiow1980
Isle of Wight, UK1 contribution
are there public toilets anywhere? I have chrons and really want to visit...
Is it far from perissa?
ianiow80
Isle of Wight, UK1 contribution
Another place I won't visit then
Pauline J
Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States51 contributions
What time is Ancient Thera open? Is it open by 7 AM?
Richard B
Sheffield, UK21 contributions
I'm not sure of the opening time. However I recommend that you ascend in the morning as it is fairly strenuous climb, and doing it in the heat is not good. Obviously, have suitable footwear and take water. It is worth the effort.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ancient Thera
- Ancient Thera is open:
- Tue - Sun 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- 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
- Hotels near Ancient Thera:
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- Restaurants near Ancient Thera:
- (0.48 mi) Corner food and drinks
- (0.56 mi) Captain's Corner Taverna
- (0.62 mi) JuiceMe
- (0.63 mi) Koutouki The Rakomelo
- (0.50 mi) Fratzeskos Fish Tavern
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