Akrotiri Lighthouse, Santorini
The Akrotiri Lighthouse, located on the southwestern tip of Santorini, is one of the island's most beautiful and historically significant landmarks. Built in 1892 by a French trading company, it is one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece. Initially powered by petrol fuel and manually operated, the lighthouse transitioned to electricity in 1893. Although it ceased operation during World War II, it was recommissioned by the Greek Navy in 1945 and remains operational today.
Perched atop a high cliff, the lighthouse stands 10 meters tall, above a whitewashed building that once housed the warden. The structure emits a bright white light every 10 seconds, continuing its vital role in ensuring the safety of maritime traffic. The surrounding village of Akrotiri is a tranquil spot, located 5 kilometers from the village center and a 26-minute drive from Fira Town, Santorini’s bustling hub.
The lighthouse is renowned for its stunning sunset views, where visitors can watch the sun dip into the Aegean Sea, creating a breathtaking romantic atmosphere. The site offers panoramic vistas of the sea, the impressive Santorini volcano, and the caldera cliffs dotted with picturesque villages.
A visit to the Akrotiri Lighthouse is often complemented by exploring the nearby Excavations of Akrotiri and the distinctive Red Beach, known for its unique color. The combination of historical significance, natural beauty, and captivating sunset views makes the Akrotiri Lighthouse a must-visit destination on the island of Santorini.
Perched atop a high cliff, the lighthouse stands 10 meters tall, above a whitewashed building that once housed the warden. The structure emits a bright white light every 10 seconds, continuing its vital role in ensuring the safety of maritime traffic. The surrounding village of Akrotiri is a tranquil spot, located 5 kilometers from the village center and a 26-minute drive from Fira Town, Santorini’s bustling hub.
The lighthouse is renowned for its stunning sunset views, where visitors can watch the sun dip into the Aegean Sea, creating a breathtaking romantic atmosphere. The site offers panoramic vistas of the sea, the impressive Santorini volcano, and the caldera cliffs dotted with picturesque villages.
A visit to the Akrotiri Lighthouse is often complemented by exploring the nearby Excavations of Akrotiri and the distinctive Red Beach, known for its unique color. The combination of historical significance, natural beauty, and captivating sunset views makes the Akrotiri Lighthouse a must-visit destination on the island of Santorini.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Santorini. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Akrotiri Lighthouse on Map
Sight Name: Akrotiri Lighthouse
Sight Location: Santorini, Greece (See walking tours in Santorini)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Santorini, Greece (See walking tours in Santorini)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Santorini, Greece
Create Your Own Walk in Santorini
Creating your own self-guided walk in Santorini is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Oia Walking Tour
The main attraction of Santorini island, Oia is a scenic coastal town hanging on the northwestern tip of the rugged clifftop overlooking the Aegean Sea. The idyllic setting of narrow alleyways and white-washed, blue-domed churches is complemented by charming, traditional Cycladic houses built on the lip of the caldera (volcanic crater filled with water) as well as cave homes in the niches carved... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Fira Walking Tour
Although widely known as Santorini, the famous Greek island in the Aegean Sea is officially called Thira or Thera. It is the alternative pronunciation of the latter that gives Santorini's modern capital Fira its name.
Founded at the end of the 18th century, the city is built on the "eyebrow" of the 400-meter high caldera on the western edge of the semi-circular island. From this... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Founded at the end of the 18th century, the city is built on the "eyebrow" of the 400-meter high caldera on the western edge of the semi-circular island. From this... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Firostefani and Imerovigli Walking Tour
Away from the crowded Fira yet close to the famous Santorini caldera, there are two small settlements: Firostefani and Imerovigli. Each of these gorgeous neighborhoods has something unique to offer, and thus represents an attraction in its own right.
The quaint village of Firostefani, whose name translates as "The Crown of Fira", is now considered a suburb of Santorini's capital,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
The quaint village of Firostefani, whose name translates as "The Crown of Fira", is now considered a suburb of Santorini's capital,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles