Ancient Thera, Santorini (must see)

Ancient Thera was once a great civilization. Today, visitors can explore Ancient Thera's ruins. Ancient Thera was built on Mesa Vouno Mountain. This 365 meter (1197 feet) tall site provided the Lacedaemonian colonists with a strategic position for their town. The colonists originally arrived in the eighth century BC with King Theras and named the island after their king.

Later, the Ptolemaic dynasty inhabited the island, and Thera was Egpyt's military base in the fourth century BC.

The site was excavated from 1896 to 1961. Archeologists discovered a settlement that included extensive buildings and streets. The settlement dates to as early as the 9th century BC. Most of the settlement dates to the Hellenistic period. Archeologists unearthed cemeteries, temples, churches, markets, and a theatre.

The site features the Terrace of the Festivals, where men would dance to honor Apollo. Visitors can also see a spring inside a cave. This spring was vital to the settlement as it provided vital drinking water.

Visitors can tour the archeological site and enjoy the fabulous mountain-top views.

Why You Should Visit:
The views from Thera are just amazing and almost worth the time and price to get in to see. From Kamari and its beach to the Aegean Sea and Perissa to the south with its beaches and domed churches, there's much to see and appreciate.

Tip:
Depending on your fitness level, the walk up could easily take 30 mins to an hour. It's very windy at the top and throughout Thera, so be prepared – the wind gusts can be strong at times.