Santorini · Museums
Where the island keeps its treasures, from ancient sculpture to the objects of everyday village life.
Essential
Fira
The finds from Akrotiri, from painted jars to frescoes, and the gold ibex figurine found on the site. Closed on Tuesdays; one combined ticket covers it, the Akrotiri site and Ancient Thera.
Must see: The fresco of the blue monkeys and the jars painted with swallows
Fira
Finds from ancient Thera on Mesa Vouno and its cemeteries, from the Geometric age to Roman times. Closed on Mondays.
Must see: The Kore of Thera, a marble maiden 2.48 m tall from the 7th century BC
More to explore
Akrotiri
The Bronze Age town itself, under its bioclimatic roof, with walkways above the streets and squares. Go early, before the heat and the tour buses.
Must see: The West House and the Triangle Square, with their walls still standing
Mesa Vouno, above Kamari
The ruins of the ancient city on its mountain ridge, with views down to both black-sand beaches. Opening days are reduced from November to March, so check before you go.
Must see: The theatre and the terrace of the festivals, with the sea on both sides
Vothonas
A family winery's museum in an underground cave tunnel 300 m long, telling the story of Santorini wine, with a tasting at the end.
Must see: The tasting of Vinsanto at the end of the tunnel
Fira
A 17th-century mansion in the Catholic quarter of Fira, run as a cultural centre with old engravings, maps and photographs of the island before and after the 1956 earthquake. Traditionally open from May to October, but hours vary, so ask locally.
Must see: The photographs of the villages after the 1956 earthquake
Opening hours change seasonally. Check with each museum before visiting.