Thera, island, southernmost island of the Cyclades group, southeastern Greece, in the Aegean Sea, sometimes included in the Southern Sporades group. There are seats in the shade to rest while you gaze at the sea and nearby islands. A local tour shop in Kamari said that Ancient Thera was closed on Mondays, so we hiked up there on a Tuesday then found it was closed! Just keep straight on the road. But after several days of signmaking, it’s time to explore a little. You can actually get there either from Kamari (by foot or car) or from Perissa (by foot). You’ll pass Hotel Mariana. By the third millennium BCE the presence of rock-cut burial chambers, pottery and stone vases and figurines suggest a period of significant growth. The excavation site is situated on the Mesavouno ridge. The wind blows at gale force and takes my bitter thoughts out to sea in a rush. The former city was inhabited from ninth century BC to 726 AD. The residential area and some part of Thera cemeteries were all excavated by 1902. There is a path (signposted) that appears to disappear, but persist as it will take you over the hill to just below Ancient Thera (decent path, but the shortfinal section is up an ash slope with little to hold on to, so take care). The second most important historic period in the history of Santorini is connected with Ancient Thera, which represents a great ancient civilization. In 1895, the German archaeologist Friedrich Hiller decided that it was time to begin to study closely the ancient city and discover more about it. Remains from the 7th and 6th century have been discovered, but most of the ruins are from the Ptolemaic era. Took a quad to Ancient Thera , very windy roads was too hot to walk to the top , once to the top there's a small building to pay for entrance fee of €15 . Santorini (Greek: Σαντορίνη, pronounced [sandoˈrini]), officially Thira (Greek: Θήρα ) and classic Greek Thera (English pronunciation / ˈ θ ɪər ə /), is an island in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km (120 mi) southeast from Greece.Its the largest island of a small, circular archipelago, which bears the same name and is the remnant of a volcanic caldera. The K-Tel public buses depart Fira to Kamari itself. “Must be nice” I mutter to myself. Ancient Thera (Greek: Αρχαία Θήρα) is an ancient city on a ridge of the steep, 360 m high Messavouno mountain on the Greek island of Santorini.It was named after the mythical ruler of the island, Theras, and was inhabited from the 9th century BC until 726 AD. The hike was tough and hot but worthwhile. There are seats in the shade to rest while you gaze at the sea and nearby islands. There wasn't really any parking area so it was just a case of abandon the car on a bit of relatively flat wasteland and hope for the best. If you see the cost too complicated, you can get … Ancient City Santorini Island. Learn how your comment data is processed. How to get there The Museum of Prehistoric Thera is located in the center of Fira , just 85 meters from the bus station and a few meters from the Fira parking lot. How to get to Antigua Thera If you decide to walk, there is a path on foot from Perissa, and the walk is about thirty minutes. Copyright © 2018-2020 All rights reserved. We shall schedule in detail the day together, to get the maximum out of every part of the way. Arriving at the top, I am amazed to discover a parking lot. It’s been excavated since 1895 by various archaeologists and some of the artefacts found can be seen at the archaeological museum in Fira. This is debatable, however, as some have speculated that the crisis was caused by natural disasters occurring prior to the eruption of Thera. I’d definitely suggest it. A quick stop at the bakery has me fortified with cheesy bread. Dedicate at least one hour for visiting. You can also drive or hike to the ruins from Perissa; the hike—up a rocky path— takes about 45 minutes. Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.8 for a two-person trip. Ancient Thera is at the top of a mountain and well worth a visit for anyone enjoying archeology . Official Website. The hike was tough and hot but worthwhile. The name of the Ancient Thera or Ancient Thira comes from the leaders of the island in the past: Theras. Ancient Thera From 10€ Daily tours for small groups to the old capital of the island dating 3,500 years ago. Re: Best wat to get to Ancient Thera. From Kamari, the distance is 1.6 km and you should reach Ancient Thera in approximately 50 minutes. In the 3rd Century, the city started to decline. You can also drive or hike to the ruins from Perissa; the hike—up a rocky path— takes about 45 minutes. Starting in 1895, Friedrich Hiller von Gaertringen systematically investigated the city until 1904. Ancient City Santorini Island. It’s been excavated since 1895 by various archaeologists and some of the artefacts found can be seen at the archaeological museum in Fira. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. At least in April. The nearby Minoan civilization, for instance, faced a crisis due to the volcanic eruption. Keep in mind there were perhaps six people aboard and the ruins were about to close for the day. The ruins of Ancient Thera can be seen for an entrance fee of 2 euros. Hiking is another way to get to the ruins via designated paths starting from Perissa or Kamari. Ancient Thera is at the top of a mountain and well worth a visit for anyone enjoying archeology . See all 8 Ancient Thera tours on Tripadvisor Guided Tours of Akrotiri. When approaching, you will see many carved rocks. Stay to the right. Within walking distance one can reach the beach (3 minutes walk) and the area with restaurants, bars … Early Settlement. The former city was inhabited from ninth century BC to 726 AD. With a full bottle of water, I’m ready. The former city was inhabited from ninth century BC to 726 AD. Hike up the 360 m (1,180 ft) hill, Mesa Vouna, to reach the ruins, or rent a scooter or car to get to the top. Visiting Ancient Thera. Eruption of Thera, devastating Bronze Age eruption of a long-dormant volcano on the Aegean island of Thera, about 70 miles (110 km) north of Crete.Earthquakes, perhaps contemporaneous with the eruption, shattered Knossos and damaged other settlements in northern Crete. The best way to get here is to take the bus from Kamari, which leaves every hour. The view alone is worth the cost. Thera is the ancient name for both the island of Santorini in the Greek Cyclades and the name of the volcano which famously erupted on the island in the middle Bronze Age and covered Akrotiri, the most important settlement, in pumice and volcanic ash, thereby perfectly preserving the Bronze Age town.. Check on YouTube to see what the switchback road is like. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Around the 2nd century BC, it served as a naval base for the Ptolemies from Egypt. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. As far as I’m aware, there’s no public bus up to the parking area of Ancient Thera. There is a church half way up the Kamari side on the 'old' path not the road. The archaeological site of Ancient Thira is open daily except Tuesdays from 08:30 am until 14:30 pm. The excavations here began quite early (1896) and they were done by Baron Hiller von Gaertringen in Mesa Vouno. High above Kamari, you can explore the ruins of Ancient Thera. You can drive almost up to the Ticket Office via Kamari. Hi, Does not really matter, make it a round trip, but possibly starting from the Perissa side as that is only a footpath up to the Col whereas the road zig-zags up from Kamari beach, however there is another path on the Kamari beach side so you can avoid most of the road.. The Ancient Thera of Santorini is an antique city on the top of a hill called Messavouno (360mt.) No, says she - its €10 round trip from Kamari and you can't buy a ticket at Ancient Thera to go down. You can actually get there either from Kamari (by foot or car) or from Perissa (by foot). There is a departure per hour from 09:00 to 13:00 to the top of Mesa Vouno mountain where the old capital lies. The Site of Ancient Thera is worth the trip if you are into the ancient Greek history and there … If you decide to walk, there is a path on foot from Perissa, and the walk is about thirty minutes. There is a path (signposted) that appears to disappear, but persist as it will take you over the hill to just below Ancient Thera (decent path, but the shortfinal section is up an ash slope with little to hold on to, so take care). So we were lucky I suppose. Your email address will not be published. The next day we hired a car and went back. in Kamari. Romans occupied the city in 1st and 2nd centuries. The ruins from the Hellenistic era …, Coupon for Well worth a wander around the ruins and re... Read all 2,288 reviews. About Ancient Thera. Ancient Thera - Santorini, Greece David's Been Here brings you to all the amazing historical sites on one of Greece's most popular islands: Santorini. Just keep straight on the road. The ruins from the Hellenistic era … There is a path (signposted) that appears to disappear, but persist as it will take you over the hill to just below Ancient Thera (decent path, but the shortfinal section is up an ash slope with little to hold on to, so take care). A ten-... High above Kamari, you can explore the ruins of Ancient Thera. It is a pity that a part of ancient Thera was closed for the public because of a shortage of staff. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. There, visitors have free time to walk and enjoy the ancient site. It didn’t take me long at all to get there from where I was staying, and to be honest I’m glad I took the ATV. Try to avoid walking at high noon because the sun is really hot. The wind blows at gale force and takes my bitter thoughts out to sea in a rush. Hike up the 360 m (1,180 ft) hill, Mesa Vouna, to reach the ruins, or rent a scooter or car to get to the top. Location. You can alternatively follow the many hairpins of the road. Prepare to be blown away at the top. We already warn you that the slope is quite steep, so if it is hot, bring water. ... it takes about an hour to get up and there is minimal shade along the way. From there I see the whole of the village and the coastline extending for miles. Hiking is another way to get to the ruins via designated paths starting from Perissa or Kamari. It didn’t take me long at all to get there from where I was staying, and to be honest I’m glad I took the ATV. How To Work From Home Effectively Amid Covid-19, How to fix a leaky shut off valve under sink. My first ATV drive alone would be visiting Ancient Thera. Ancient Thera is at the top of a mountain and well worth a visit for anyone enjoying archeology . Ancient Thera. You’ll end up in front of the sign for Ancient Thera (see pictures). The stairs from Kamari up to Ancient Thera. More details After getting up there, you can walk around and witness the historical site where ancient Greek people settled the island. The territory is inhabited since the 9 th century BC. The eruption of Thera also had an impact on other civilizations. When approaching, you will see many carved rocks. Literally. We already warn you that the slope is quite steep, so if it is hot, bring water. One of the important chapters of Santorini’s history is connected to the story of Ancient Thera. Visiting Ancient Thera. My Camino Story: Day by Day on the Camino de Santiago, The Beatitudes of the Pilgrim: Camino de Santiago, European Peace Walk 2015: Day by Day Posts, Fira, Santorini, Greece: Built on the Caldera’s Edge, Good Friday in Perissa, Santorini, Greece, Photo of the Week: Santorini, Greece on Good Friday. The name of the Ancient Thera or Ancient Thira comes from the leaders of the island in the past: Theras. As I am not well trained right now, I decided to go by car. The hike was tough and hot but worthwhile. Alternatively, there is the Fun Train from Kamari up to Ancient Thera: http://santolife.com/advert/fun-train. Ancient Thira is ranked #4 out of 8 things to do in Santorini. Ancient Thera Studios is 8.7 miles from Fira and 14.9 miles from the village of Oia. It could be done more quickly. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g658914-d243145-Reviews-Ancient_Thera-Kamari_Santorini_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html, https://www.roamfarandwide.com/hike-to-ancient-thera/, https://www.greeka.com/cyclades/santorini/sightseeing/santorini-ancient-thera/, https://www.tripoto.com/places-to-visit/in-kamari/ancient-thera, https://www.santorini.com/archaeology/ancient_thira.htm, https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Fira/Ancient-Thera, https://www.myeuropedays.com/ancient-thera/, https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g189433-i245-k12239361-Public_bus_to_Ancient_Thera_site-Santorini_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html, https://santoriniplus.net/blog/ancient-thira, https://www.santorini-view.com/museums/ancient-thera/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minoan_eruption, https://travel.usnews.com/Santorini_Greece/Things_To_Do/Ancient_Thera_61204/, https://archaeology-travel.com/greece/south-aegean/santorini/akrotiri/, https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/ShowTopic-g189433-i245-k8170234-Best_wat_to_get_to_Ancient_Thera-Santorini_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_jeADP0C7I, https://www.inspirock.com/greece/kamari/ancient-thera-a49240879, Read Small groups to the parking area of Ancient Thera How to get here is to take the bus or taxi... 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