Top 10 must-visit Santorini villages

Are you bored of chilling at the beach all day? Quaint and idyllic, these heart-melting  Santorini villages might be just what your holiday is missing. From cute cliff-top locations to seaside hamlets, here is some inspiration to visit some of Santorini’s hidden gems. 

Oia 

The enchanting village of Oia sits on the clifftop above the tiny fishing harbor of Ammoudi. Overlooking the vast Aegean Sea and the stunning volcanic caldera, Oia offers countless amazing vantage points to watch the famous Santorini sunsets, one of which is the Byzantine Agios Nikolaos Castle.

Fira 

Famed for its blue-domed churches, Fira is the capital city of Santorini. While strolling around a maze of bougainvillea-strewn alleyways, explore the countless hidden chapels, arching doorways, and tucked-away viewpoints. The three bells of Fira, also known as The Catholic Church of the Dormition is also a lovely spot to check out during your visit.

Firostefani 

Although it is considered a separate settlement, Firostefani is actually the highest point of Fira, offering jaw-dropping vistas of the cobalt sea underneath the village. When visiting Firostefani, you can admire the typical island architecture and also pass by the female monastery of Agios Nikolaos on the way to Imerovigli, which holds a folklore ecclesiastical museum with rare Byzantine icons.

 

Imerovigli 

Also called the balcony of Santorini, Imerovigli is well-known for its panoramic terraces with sleek bars, fine-dining restaurants, upscale boutique hotels, and popular sunset viewing spots. If you are in for a bit of hiking, you can also explore the nearby Skaros Rock which was once considered the most important of Santorini’s five castle fortresses.

 

Megalochori 

Megalochori is an unexplored paradise for visitors who are drawn to sleepy, traditional villages. Home to historical mansions, old traditional houses, pirate hideaways, and wine cellars, Megalochori has a rich history to explore. It is also known for the delicious, volcanic Vinsanto wine which you should not miss when visiting the village.

Kamari 

The coastal village of Kamari is a cosmopolitan beach resort that offers a long stretch of black-sand beach. There is a plethora of seaside restaurants and shops along the stone-paved promenade. The well-organized beach and crystal clear waters invite all watersport lovers. Summer evenings at Kamari are characterized by a fresh and soothing breeze, a vibrant atmosphere, and great smells.

 

Akrotiri

The prehistoric town of Akrotiri is home to two historical treasures that are the main attractions of the village. The archeological site of Akrotiri, also called the Greek Pompeii, uncovered one of the most important ancient settlements in the Aegean region. While the 13th-century Akrotiri Castle boasts an exquisite view of the caldera.

Perissa

Perissa is a popular seaside location in Santorini that offers a vivid nightlife and numerous bars and restaurants, ranging from traditional Greek taverns to international gastro spots. The black, volcanic beach will amaze all visitors. It is also situated next to an enormous rock formation called Mesa Vouno which is a spectacular sight when it starts to turn golden as the sun sets over the horizon.

Emporio

Situated at the foot of Santorini’s Prophitis Elias Mountain, Emporio has some of the most enticing architectural designs you can find as a testament to the island’s medieval castle history. The heart of Emporio, Kasteli is an actual medieval castle town with steep staircases and buildings featuring very narrow doors and windows.

Pyrgos 

Gorgeous and full of old-world charm, Pyrgos is the best-preserved village on the island and Santorini’s former capital. Once in Pyrgos, it is worth exploring the Pyrgos Kasteli, one of the most spectacular one of Santorini’s five castles, as well as the traditional wine cellars that offer amazing wine-tasting tours and vineyard visits.