05.10.2023
You might think from Instagram that Santorini is exclusively villages with white and blue houses and picture-perfect sunsets. However, if you go south from Oia and Fira, the most touristed towns in Santorini, you will find the ruined city of Akrotiri. In this article's cover photo, the Minoan fresco depicts a fleet of ships visiting the ancient Akrotiri. The name Akrotiri actually refers to a small town in the south of Santorini with the same name. The original name of the town of Akrotiri is a mystery.
Akrotiri used to be a simple fishing village that shows what Santorini was like in the past, before mass tourism on the Greek island. Much like the pictures from photographer Robert McCabe that show traditional Mykonos and Santorini, Akrotiri used to be a land of simple fishing, farming, and growing olives and grains. It grew into a wealthy city because it was on a major trade route. The Minoans who lived in Akrotiri painted frescoes, made their own wine, and made pots and furniture. This was even during the Bronze Age, when in other areas of Europe, people were still living in huts. Some say that Akrotiri inspired Plato’s city of Atlantis.
Around 1600 BC, the huge volcano called Thera on Santorini erupted. This was one of the biggest eruptions ever recorded, sending ash up for 30 kilometers and a tsunami to Crete and Egypt. Fortunately, many locals had the chance to leave the island at the time. This is known because there were no human skeletons found at the site. It seems like the locals left in an organized way. Piles of stones were collected in areas to open the streets. Big vessels were found under the doorways in order to be protected. Locals left with the hope that they could return home.
Even when everybody left Santorini, the island was recolonised. Phoenicians, Dorians, and Romans all came to live at one point on the island. But the buried city remained buried until the 1860s. Some workers digging for materials for the Suez Canal accidentally found ruins from Akrotiri. Even then, it was 100 years until excavations started officially on the site. In 1967, finally, archaeologists found the first of the historic buildings of the ancient city of Akrotiri. During the excavations, many different kinds of tools, figurines, and furniture were discovered. By analyzing food and bones of animals at the site, we get an idea of the daily life of the people who used to live in Akrotiri. Since 1967, 40 buildings have been found, but that’s just a fraction of the city of Akrotiri. Some say that it could take up to 100 years to find the rest of the buried buildings.
There is a regular bus schedule from Fira to the car park of Akrotiri’s Red Beach. From there, you only need to walk 250 meters to get to the site. This trip takes about 20 minutes. You can also take a bus to the village of Akrotiri and walk from there to the archaeological site.
29.07.2026
One of Greece's unparalleled advantages is the bounty of islands it offers, with countless places to explore, all set against the backdrop of the endless blue sea. However, figuring out where each of these islands is located can be tricky. The purpose of this guide, therefore, is to provide a simple and easy-to-understand overview of Greece's island groups.
04.06.2026
It's a sensible thing to check before you start house-hunting, and the answer is a qualified yes. There is a train, but it only reaches the northern edge of the Peloponnese. Athens connects by rail to Kiato, and on towards Aigio, with a bus completing the run to Patras while the line is being finished. Beyond that, the peninsula has very little passenger rail, so the popular spots like Nafplio, Kalamata, and the Mani are reached by road. For most buyers, that makes the bus or the car the practical choice. Here's the full picture, and what it means if you're thinking of a home here.
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Crete is referred to with the nickname “island of the gods.” The famous Greek island is known for its history, its welcoming people, its picturesque landscapes, and its high quality of life. It seems like everyone is always in a good mood, even when there is a disagreement. What's not to like? In this article, we break down why Crete is the ideal place to buy a second home.
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If you're weighing up where to buy in Crete, Rethymno makes a strong case, and for many international buyers the answer is a clear yes. Sitting between Chania and Heraklion, it offers easy access to two major cities while keeping its own relaxed rhythm, historic charm, and a close connection to the sea. From restored village homes to modern villas near the coast, it draws buyers who want more than a summer base: a balanced life with beaches, mountain villages, restaurants, shops, and year-round services all within reach. It's often seen as Crete's smart middle ground, less busy than Chania, more intimate than Heraklion, and still well connected. Here's why it appeals, what makes it stand out, and who it suits best.
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Yes, and a growing number of international professionals are proving it: they are choosing Thessaloniki as their European base, drawn by its rare combination of cultural richness, affordability, and Mediterranean lifestyle. As Greece's second-largest city, Thessaloniki offers significantly lower living costs compared to many major European cities, while still providing a high quality of life, strong urban character, and easy access to the sea.
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Lefkada is connected to mainland Greece by a floating bridge near Lefkada Town, at the narrow Lefkada Canal. This road connection is one of the island’s most practical advantages, as visitors and property owners can reach Lefkada by car without taking a ferry. The bridge opens at scheduled times to allow boats to pass through the canal. For drivers, this can occasionally mean a short wait, especially during the summer season, so it is wise to allow a little extra time when arriving on or leaving the island. This connection makes Lefkada different from many other Greek island destinations. While islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, and Crete require either a ferry or a flight, Lefkada can be reached directly by road from mainland Greece.
07.05.2026
Chania is one of Crete's most beautiful corners, and many buyers find that the villages around it, rather than the city itself, offer the best of it: authentic Cretan life, sea or mountain views, and easy access to everything Chania provides. There's no single best village, but a handful stand out, and we have the most to offer in a few clear areas: the green Apokoronas region to the east, the lively coast to the west around Platanias and Maleme, and a scattering of characterful spots in between. Here's a guide to the villages worth knowing, and how to think about choosing one.
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The Greek islands are a classic destination of romance, offering intimate caldera dinners and sunset sails to charming village squares, where every moment feels timeless. If you're searching for "Greece Travel Ideas", these islands provide endless options for couples, whether it's your first visit or the start of a future life embraced by the Aegean breeze.
