In Medieval times, Akrotiri was one of the 'kastelia' on the island. It was named 'La Ponta'. In the middle of the settlement stood the 'Goulas' of Akrotiri, which severely damaged during the 1956 earthquake, although prior to that it was in very good condition.
In 1336 Akrotiri was given to the Gozzadini family by the Duke of Naxos Nikolas Sanudo. The Gozzadini family originated from Bologna. The fact that they came from this town in Italy and not from Venice, which was at war with the Ottoman Empire, combined with the powerful defense position of the castle, permitted the Gozzadinis to keep the castle in their possession for a long period of time, even during the occupation of Santorini by the Turks.
Eventually the castle fell to the Turks at the turn of 1617.