The ancient city at Akrotiri is the most important archaeological site on the island and provides a rare glimpse into urban life in the Minoan period. It is considered by many to be the site of the mythical island nation of Atlantis. The impressive buildings are extensively decorated with frescoes, which were very well preserved in the ash. Ancient Thira is located on a mountain called Mesa Vouno, from which there are spectacular views down to the sea. Most of the ruins of the city date from the Hellenistic era, but there are also extensive Roman and Byzantine remains.
Santorini has several museums that worth a visit: The museum of prehistoric Thera with masterpieces of art in the prehistoric Aegean, the archaeological museum in Fira, the Megaron Gyzi museum, the naval museum in Oia, The folklore museum in Kontochori, the wine museum and the museum of minerals & fossils that exhibits minerals and fossils from Thera and other places in Greece and abroad.
