Rare Access: Akrotiri Lighthouse Opens to the Public for World Lighthouse Day

On Sunday, August 16, 2026, visitors and residents on Santorini will have a rare opportunity to step inside one of the island’s most iconic maritime monuments. In celebration of International Lighthouse Day, established in 2003 by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), twenty historic lighthouses across Greece will throw open their doors to the public, including the Faros of Akrotiri.

For most of the year, travelers admire the white square tower and stone keeper’s quarters strictly from the exterior perimeter. On this special occasion, the Hellenic Navy’s Lighthouse Service permits guided public access during two time slots: 10:00 to 14:00 in the morning and 17:00 to 20:00 in the evening.

What Visitors Will Experience

During these open hours, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the contribution of lighthouses to navigation safety, the utilization of the lighthouse network as a cultural heritage, as well as the contribution of lighthouse keepers to the operation of this network.

Key Historical Milestones

• 1892: Begins operation powered by fossil fuel oil, giving a prolonged white flash every 30 seconds with a range of 23 nautical miles.

• 1940–1945: Extinguished during World War II, returning to service shortly after the war under post war infrastructure restoration.

• 1983: Connected to the electrical grid, operating as a manned electric station.

• 1988: Fully automated with modern optical machinery, reducing the requirement for permanent live in keepers while maintaining operational status.

Practical Information for Your Visit

If you plan to visit on Sunday, August 16:

1. Timing: Aim for the morning slot (10:00–14:00) to avoid mid afternoon heat and heavy sunset vehicle traffic, or visit during the evening window (17:00–20:00) to combine the historical tour with the dramatic sunset views over the southern caldera edge.

2. Footwear: Wear sturdy walking shoes, as the paths surrounding the rocky headland can be uneven.

3. Location: Follow the main road through Akrotiri village heading southwest until the road terminates near the lighthouse car park.