One of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean, Akrotiri was one of the five fortified settlements on the island, built very close to the sea and at the foot of Goulas, the highest tower of Akrotiri’s citadel. It is a village of great interest on the southern part of the island and only 15 km away from Fira. The Archaeological Site of Akrotiri is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. The prehistoric city was buried under the lava after the eruption of the volcano 3500 years ago, while finds from the excavations at Akrotiri are exhibited in the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. The village of Akrotiri is a quiet picturesque village with views to the caldera that are staggering and may reach as far as the town of Oia.