Greece › Santorini › Museums & Historical Sites
By Santorini Dave
See Also
The Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira.
The Best Santorini History & Culture Tours
- Best of Santorini Private Tour: Awesome private tour that covers all the highlights of Santorini. 6 hours.
- Private Guided Tour of Akrotiri: Excellent guided tour of a well-preserved ancient Minoan settlement, one of the most important excavations in Greece. 90 minutes.
- Mesa Gonia, Pyrgos, & Oia Tour: Explore the traditional architecture, churches, and fortresses (and amazing views) of three historic Santorini towns. 7 hours.
- Archaeological Bus Tour: First explore an ancient monastery, a traditional Santorinian village, and the excavations at Ancient Akrotiri; then relax at the beach and visit a local winery. 7 hours.
- Santorini Volcano and Thirassia Islands Tour – Visit the volcanic island of Nea Kameni, swim in the Palea Kameni, and explore the traditional village of Manolas on the island of Thirassia. 8 hours.
The 16 Best Museums, Galleries, Archaeological, & Cultural Sites in Santorini
1. Archaeological Site of Akrotiri – Akrotiri
Well-preserved ruins of the ancient city of Akrotiri which was destroyed by a massive earthquake and buried under ash from the subsequent volcano in 17th-century BC. The site is enclosed, with elevated and accessible walkways throughout. Open year-round from 8am onward. Shorter hours and closed Mondays November-March.
2. Museum of Prehistoric Thera – Fira
Great museum in the heart of Fira with displays featuring art, artifacts, and jewelry from the ancient villages of Akrotiri in Santorini and Potamos in Crete. Open April to October, 8:30am to 3:30pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
3. Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum – Vothonas
Koutsoyannopoulos is a nice winery producing several types of wines and also features an underground museum highlighting the island’s wine-making tradition. Tours and tastings are offered. Open year-round, with shorter hours in the winter.
4. Ancient Thera – Kamari
Located on Mesa Vouno, this archaeological site of the ancient city of Thera is the second-most important site in Santorini after Akrotiri. The site is well-organized and the views are magnificent. Open year-round 8:30am to 3:30pm, closed on Tuesdays.
5. Symposion Santorini – Megalochori
Symposion is a superb cultural center focused on Greek mythology, music, and ancient instruments. There are regular live performances, presentations, and workshops. Open March to October. Hours vary, closed Mondays.
6. Naval Maritime Museum – Oia
Museum displaying the fascinating and extensive personal collection of maritime objects of Captain Antonis Dakoronias in a restored captain’s mansion in Oia. Open April to October, 10am-2pm and 5pm-8pm. Closed Tuesdays.
7. Art Space Winery – Exo Gonia
Art Space features 150-year-old caves with an old winery turned into a museum, a modern winery producing mostly whites, a tasting room, and an art gallery. Open April-October, 11am to 7pm. November-March by appointment only.
8. Earth & Water Pottery Studio – Megalochori
Clay and ceramics studio selling beautiful handmade items by award-winning ceramicist couple in Megalochori. Pottery lessons and workshops as well. Open through the year, until 6pm daily.
9. Mati Art Gallery – Fira
Showcases and sells the magnificent art work of world-renowned visual artist Yorgos Kypris, especially his fish and ship series. Located in the heart of Fira. Open April to October 10am to 11pm.
10. Profitis Ilias Monastery – Pyrgos
One of Santorini’s oldest Greek Orthodox monasteries located on top of Mount Profitis Ilias with a 300-year-old church, gift shop selling traditional items made by the monks, and the best views of the island. Open year-round, 9am to sunset. Closed Sundays.
11. Canava Santorini Distillery and Museum – Mesaria
Distillery specializing in ouzo, tsikoudia, and flavored liqueurs. The adjoining museum offers guided tours of the traditional distillation process as well as tastings. Open year-round, 10am to 6pm. Shorter hours in the winter.
12. Archaeological Museum of Thera – Fira
Small but interesting museum featuring artifacts that date from the Archaic, Roman, Geometric, and Hellenistic Periods – as well as some Minoan and Byzantine art; most from excavations of a Hellenic settlement on Mesa Vouno Mountain and from a cemetery of Ancient Thera. Open year-round, 8:30am to 3:30pm. Closed Tuesdays.
13. Tomato Industrial Museum – Vlychada
Interesting museum showcasing the history and cultivation of Santorini’s famed cherry tomatoes. Also, an art gallery in the warehouses and a small souvenir shop. Open through the year, 10am-6pm. Appointments necessary November-April.
14. Panagia Episkopi – Mesa Gonia
This 11th-century Greek Orthodox church dedicated to Virgin Mary is located at the foot of Profitis Ilias Mountain. Several ancient frescoes and holy icons are still on display today. Open year-round, 10am-12pm and 2pm-5pm.
15. Lost Atlantis Museum – Megalochori
Modern museum using interactive digital installations, holograms, and a 9D movie theater to explore the mythological island of Atlantis. Small souvenir shop. Open April to October, 10am to 7pm.
16. Santorini Museum of Contemporary Art – Megalochori
There are two compact floors featuring contemporary Greek artists. The first floor houses the temporary collection. The second floor (the permanent collection) is filled with tactile art, from layered paintings to sculptures to multimedia expressions. The best part is conversation is welcome and the owner openly chats about the art and intention of the work. Open May 1 to November 15, 9am-3pm and 5pm-8pm daily. €10 per person and free for children under the age of 10.
About Santorini Dave