Ancient Thera, the Classical city of the island is located on Mesa vouno, 396 m. above sea level. It was founded in the 9th century B.C. by Dorian colonists whose leader was Theras, and continued to be inhabited until the early Byzantine period. The preserved ruins belong to the Hellenistic and Roman phases of the city. The residential area and the larger part of the cemeteries were excavated by German archaeologists between 1895 and 1902. The cemeteries on the NE and NW slopes of Sellada were excavated by N. Zapheiropoulos in the years 1961-1982. The most important monuments of the site are: The Sanctuary of Artemidoros, The Agora, The Royal Stoa, Temple of Dionysos, The Sanctuary of Apollo Karneios and the The Theatre lies to the SE of the Agora.Ancient Thira Tours transfers tourists by mini-bus to the archeological site. You can rent a moto, rent a car, rent a quad or rent a bike to go there. We organize tours to Fira, Akrotiri, Perissa, Oia for the sunset.
Santorini Sightseeing: The Santorini Ancient Thera
Getting to Ancient Thera is not that easy. The best route is to travel to Kamari and then take the road from the southern end of town. Minibuses are available from the bottom. The thin road snakes up the steep hill. It’s quite rocky and not very well suited for scooters. Only in the final stages does the road become flat as you reach a small roundabout. You can park up here but when it’s busy you may have to leave your vehicle slightly down the hill. From here there’s a walk up a rocky path before you reach the basilica.
There’s a further walk, with a wonderful view down to Kamari beach and its black beach before the ancient city begins.
The town dates from the Archaic to the Roman era and has not yet been fully excavated. It’s not clear what the foundations once were without the aid of the signs. In fact the whole area would benefit from some in depth explanations of the site and its history. You can walk pretty freely, though some areas are roped off, as you look at the houses, a theatre and the temple of Apollo.
Our Impressions:
This is one of the islands ‘must see’ sights. The journey there may be a bit of a hassle but once you walk amid the ruins it’s all worthwhile. It is a historic site well maintained for tourists.
We recommend to rent a moto, rent a bike, rent a car, rent an atv a quad to go there.
Or you catch the Ancient Thira Tours mini-bus from Kamari to the archaeological site. You can do a tour around the island, Fira, Akrotiri excavations, Oia for the sunset, or a private transfer to airport and port organized by our travel agency.
Ancient Thera is located in the southern part of Santorini. It is between Kamari and Perissa in altimeter of 396 meters. Ancient Thera was named by the leader of the Dorian colony called Theras in the 9th century B.C. The ancient city was full of life until the early Byzantine period. However, the main area of the graveyard was excavated by German archaeologists between 1895 and 1902.
Among the tombs the most significant are:  
The Agora.It almost covers the center of the city. In the north side, which was created in the Roman period, there are memorials and temple-like buildings in honour of eminent persons.
Temple of Dionysus. It is laid north of the Agora. Even if it is a small temple it is constructed in an artificial terrace. Both marble and local rocks were used to build this temple.  
The Sanctuary of Artemidoros. It is a very remarkable sanctuary because it is utterly hewn in the rock. In the rocks epigrams and inscriptions are carved along with the symbols of the gods worshipped such as a dolphin for Poseidon.
Cemeteries of Ancient Thera. They are located on the slopes of Sellada, a place between Kamari and Perissa. The uncovered graves span the long period between the Geometric and Roman times. 
The Royal Arcade. Along the axis of the building there is a Doric colonnade. In honour of Caesar statuses of his family are placed.
Gymnasium of the youths. The remaining of the original monument it is hewn cave. It is dedicated in Mercury and Hercules.        
Sanctuaries at the SE edge of the city. In the square the inhabitants used to celebrate for Apollo of Karneios. A number of inscriptions are carved in the rocks which refer to deities and youths.
The Sanctuary of Apollo Karneios. What is remarkable about this monument is that it is both built in the rock and on an artificial terrace.    
The Theatre. It was constructed in the Ptolemaic period (3rd century B.C.) and in its original form had a circular orchestra. During alterations in the 1st century A.D., the stage was extended and took over part of the original orchestra.
Our tourist agency Ancient Thira Tours do private transfers and tours from Kamari to Mesa Vouno by mini-bus, like taxi and you can see the archeological site by yourselves and enjoy the view to Perissa. You can also rent a moto or rent a car or rent a quad atv or rent a mountain bike. We organize tour to Fira, Oia, Kamari, Akrotiri, to airport, or port if you need a taxi.

Our tourist agency Ancient Thira Tours do transfers and tours from Kamari to Mesa Vouno by mini-bus, like taxi and you can see the archeological site by yourselves and enjoy the view to Perissa. You can also rent a moto or rent a car or rent a quad atv or rent a mountain bike. We organize tour to Fira, Oia, Kamari, Akrotiri excavations, to airport, or port if you need a taxi. You can have a private transfer from our travel agency.
Thira is the main island of Santorini. Here, on a high rocky headland called Mesa Vouna, between the two popular beaches of Kamari and Perissa are the ruins of Ancient Thira. The dramatic site offers not only ancient ruins but spectacular views off the cliffs that drop precipitously to the sea on three sides.
History
The hilltop was first inhabited by the Dorians, whose leader was Theras, in the 9th century BC. Thira was later occupied in the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine eras.
The ancient houses and larger part of the cemeteries were excavated by German archaeologists between 1895 and 1902, and the cemeteries on the northeast and northwest slopes of Sellada were excavated by N. Zapheiropoulos in 1961-1982.
What to See
Most of the ruins of Ancient Thira date from the Hellenistic era, but there are also extensive Roman and Byzantine remains.
One main street (intersected by many side-streets) runs the length of the site, passing first through two agoras, which include ruins of several Greek temples. The arc of the theater embraces the town of Kamari, Fira beyond, and the open Aegean. The extensive ruins also include Hellenistic shops, Roman baths, Byzantine walls, and the stone church of Agios Stefanos.
The Temple of Dionysos (3rd-century BC) is a small Doric temple with small cella and pronaos, built on an artificial terrace to the north of the Agora. The facade and roof were made of marble while the rest of the building was of local stone.
Founded by Artemidoros of Perge in the late 4th or early 3rd century BC, the Sanctuary of Artemidoros was entirely hewn from living rock. It includes various inscriptions and engravings of the wreathed Artemidoros as well as the symbols of gods: an eagle for Zeus, a lion for Apollo, a dolphin for Poseidon.
The Sanctuary of Apollo Karneios (6th century BC) is partially hewn from rock and partially constructed on an artificial terrace. It includes a temple with pronaos and cella, a square courtyard with an underground cistern (the roof of which was supported by six large monolithic pillars) and a small building, probably a repository.
There is a fine view from the large Terrace of the Festivals, where naked lads danced naked to honor Apollo. This may be related to the phallic graffiti visible nearby.
The cemeteries of Ancient Thira are on the slopes of the Sellada, either side of the roads that lead to the villages of Kamari and Perissa. The graves uncovered span the long period between the Geometric and Roman times.
Getting There
You can reach the site by taxi, but if fitness allows, it is better on foot. The walking route passes a cave that holds the only spring on the island. Allow several hours for Ancient Thira - at least four if you walk up and down. Your can also rent a moto , rent a car, rent a mountain bike or rent a quad atv. You can go by a private transfer organized by our travel agency.
We also do transfers up to 21 persons and
we are specialists in organising private guided tours all around island for 2 to 14 persons.
The tours are thoroughly designed for you and with you
to meet your expectations and your unique preferences.
We’ll guide you to traditional villages, original wineries, volcanic beaches, real local food and all the things you should not miss if you want to really have a good taste of Santorini. Even if you have a limited time to spend here, we know the best spots, we live here and we love this island.
ANCIENT THIRA TOURS is a familial enterprise that began her activity in Santorini in 1985. From then up to today with continuous effort, with love in our unique island and respect in our visitors, we accomplished to specialise itself in the benefit of services that covers the all spectrum of your stay in Santorini: stay – moto rental- excursions - transport - tickets - athletic activities Our office functions in Fira- the capital of island and in Kamari - the cosmopolitan beach. We are ready and with very good disposal you to transmit the knowledge and our love for beautiful Santorini, with the conviction that you will return and that you will be added in the big list of our friends per the world. ANCIENT THIRA TOURS Office of General Tourism.
Our travel agency was established in 1988 with the aim to provide a higher level of service and safety in car and motorcycle rentals. Today after 19 years of continuous effort we can offer the widest choice of top quality rental vehicles backed by the most complete service and we are recommended by the most exclusive hotels and the biggest tour operators on the island of Santorini.

When you hire a car ,motorcycle, quad bike or dune buggy from our agency, you can be certain that a new, safe and fresh cleaned vehicle will be delivered on time by personnel that is professional, helpful and friendly . Anciet Thira Tours offers various services like ATV (Quad Bike ) and mountain bike tours, wedding car rentals ,mini bus and limousine services

At our rental company we are committed to offer the best, because we believe that safety is the result of overall quality.

• All inclusive prices with all taxes, free kilometres, third party, fire and theft insurance.
• Free Airport , Port or Hotel delivery
• Free road service all around the island in less than an hour (from 08:00 to 24:00).
• Pre-delivery inspection before every rental by qualified mechanics.
• Free map of Santorini and insiders information about the island
• TOP SAFETY : our cars are the latest models and equipped with airbags and ABS (antilock brake system), serviced by qualified mechanics and supervisor (Diploma in automobile engineering)
• TOP SERVICE: 20 years experience in the rental business ,local knowledge , multilingual staff , a rental fleet of over 150 vehicles and 2 service cars
• TOP COMFORT: All cars fitted with Air Condition (except open top 4X4),radio CD player, power assisted steering, and powerful motors
• LOW PRICES :all inclusive rates with unlimited kilometres, insurance and no hidden charges

Driving a car in Santorini info

Santorini is a small island but a car is very convenient way to go around if you don't want to waist your time waiting for buses and taxis. When you rent a car in Santorini you have the freedom to move and see places that public transportation will not take you to. The streets of Santorini are not highways but are in good shape and if you drive sensibly they are quite safe.

PARKING. Many people are concerned about the parking but the last years the municipality of the island has opened many free parking places in all the places that tourists want to visit. There are 5 open parking places around the main square in Fira town,3 in Oia village center, 3 in Kamari beach, 1 outside the excavation site in Akrotiri and at the airport. You will notice that a lot of drivers still choose to park their cars in restricted areas but don't be tempted to do the same; the police will give you a fine that you have to pay and is quite expensive at 64.00 euros. If you park on a yellow line the police might remove the registration plates of the car and you have to go the police station to pick them up and pay an even heavier fine. The municipality of Santorini island has opened lately many free parking lots within short walking distance around all the frequented places like Fira centre , Kamari beach , Oia and the excavations in Akrotiri. The only place that still remains difficult to find a place to park your car is the port of Athinios where you might have to park a long walk from the embarkation point. For those that don't obey the no parking signs the fine is quite expensive at 64.00 euro.

SAFETY TIPS.

• Drive slowly, Santorini Island is small and there is absolutely no reason to speed.
• Drive defensively and look out for scooter and ATV drivers
• If you drive at home an automatic, rent an automatic car in Santorini too, this way you will not have the additional distraction of the gear change and concentrate more on the street.
• Don't leave valuables in the car. Criminality is quite low in Santorini but there are incidents of cars being broken into for stealing cameras, I pods etc.
• Don't drive on non paved roads even if you have rented a 4x4. There might be big holes or other hazards that are invisible and since the soil of Santorini is sandy you might very easily get stuck. Ancient Thira Tours does not permit off- road driving for any vehicle and our insurance will not cover damages while, or resulting from off-road driving.

Scooter driving safety tips

Motor scooters are a style of motorcycle that have a step through frame and have become a very popular method of travelling small distances like an island or city centres. They are legal vehicles to drive on public roads and the rider must follow road regulations like any other vehicle. Scooter driver must assume him self as invisible to other drivers and act accordingly. If you don't have any experience on a scooter or motorcycle you should not rent a scooter in a place like Santorini.
Here is a list of some safe riding tips

• PROTECTIVE CLOTHING. Wearing a helmet is a must as well as closed shoes (no sandals) bright clothes that cover the legs and arms and sunglasses or visor.
• SPEED .Scooters and mopeds are designed for lower speeds than cars and motorcycles and although they handle very well and are quite forgiving at low speed they become hazardous if you exceed the speed they are designed for. As a general rule small size scooters must not exceed 50 km/h and larger scooters 70km/h.
• KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE. Most common reason for accidents is following up to close to the vehicle ahead, so leave a safe distance and keep to the right side of the road. If another driver is following up on you to close move to the side and let them overtake you.
• BRAKING. Use both front and rear brakes. When braking the weight is transferred to the front wheel so the rear will lock up and slide very easily. One of the main advantages of the scooter's fat wheels is that they are easier and more forgiving to brake with the front wheel (the disadvantage is that they are not so stable and precise at high speeds). When going down a steep hill, do not stay on the brakes on all the time, this can cause the brakes to overheat. It is better to brake harder then release the brakes and apply again. The scooter's automatic transmission will automatically disengage when the speed drops below approx. 5 km/h and you will then have no engine braking. This happens when you go around a tight corner on a winding road so after you exit the curve give a little bit of gas, just enough to engage the transmission again and restore engine breaking.
• DRINKING AND DRIVING. Don't even think about it! It's deadly wrong. If you had a couple of drinks ,lock the scooter wherever it is, note where you are (so we can find it)and take a taxi, find a lift, walk or give our agency a call. We'd rather pick you up for free before you have had an accident

Quad bike driving safety tips

Quad bikes are not toys. They are road legal vehicles and must be driven with care and respect to the road regulations. Quad drivers must assume themselves as invisible to other road users and drive defensively. Operating a quad is easy and when accidents happen it is either a result of neglecting basic regulations or incorrect tyre pressure.

• TYRE PRESSURE. Quad tyres are big and soft and should be inflated at low pressures that standard petrol station gauges cannot measure accurately. Motor inn checks tyre pressure before every rental but if you are in doubt ask us to check them again for you. This is the most important thing on quad safety since over inflated tyres will cause the Quad bike to bounce out of control when you hit a stone or go over a hole.
• HELMETS . Must be worn when driving a quad bike. It is quite rare to fall of a Quad but if an accident happens the riders are not strapped to their seat and will fly of the vehicle .Sunglasses or a visor and closed shoes are necessary too.
• KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE. You don't want to crash on the vehicle in front of you if the driver slams on the brakes. Because quad bikes are quite slow (especially 50cc ones) other drivers are anxious to overtake .Check your rear view mirror and move to the side to let others overtake you.
• NO OFF-ROAD DRIVING. Some people call the quad bikes All Terrain Vehicles (ATV's) but driving off-road requires special skills and good knowledge of the terrain. There might be big holes or other hazards that are invisible. Anciet Thira Tours does not permit off road driving for any vehicle and our insurance will not cover damages while off-road.

Our travel agency organizes private guided tours around Santorini, to all beautiful beaches Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos to Fira, Oia for the sunset to archeological sites of Akrotiri and Old Thira, we do transfers, we rent cars, bikes, motorbikes, quads and mountain bikes.

Description:

The excursion starts from Kamari it takes about 10 min. by the bus and then 10-20 min. by foot to arrive at the site. Ancient Thira is situated in a unique location on the top of Messa Vouno mountain at a height of 356 m. This strategic point was chosen by the Dorian settlers to built their capital town in 8th century BC. The excavations uncover the ruins of ancient buildings, sanctuaries and temples, inscriptions and carved stones of archaic period and also the ancient theatre situated in an excellent location with panoramic view to Aegean Sea. The bus will be waiting for you to take you back to Kamari.

Description:

arriving at athinios port we board the traditional boat king thiras. Our first stop in the volcanic island of nea kameni where we walk an ascending soil path to approach the crater of still active volcano. We continue to the island of palea kameni where we can swim in the green sulphur waters or bath in the warm therapeutic mud. After half an hour, the boat will sail to the nice traditional island thirassia, where you can have lunch at one of the picturesque seafront tavernas or swim at the beach next to the port. The boat tour ends up at the village of oia where we will stay and admire the spectacular colourful sunset.