TOP 5 Santorini Villages You Can’t Miss
The bustling Santorini towns with their white-washed houses and blue-crowned chapels make fantastic places to visit, but small lesser-known villages often make even better ones. That being said, below is our list of the most charming Santorini villages you must visit during your Greek island vacation.
Firostefani – the crown of Fira
Nestled right at the border of Fira, some tourists may not realize that Firostefani is a separate village. This quaint settlement features beautiful Orthodox churches, such as the blue-domed Saint Theodore, the female monastery of Saint Nicholaos that houses both a folklore and an ecclesiastical museum with rare Byzantine icons, old cobblestone alleys ideal for long walks as well as sweeping views of the Santorini caldera.
If you can’t get enough of the iconic Santorini blue-domed chapels, here is a guide where to find the most famous ones.
Pyrgos – home to many wine cellars
Wine lovers shouldn’t miss one of the most famous Santorini villages that is known for its fantastic wine cellars and old-world charm. Surrounded by endless vineyards, Pyrgos stands proudly at the highest point of the Santorini, offering visitors a dazzling view of the entire island. As its other name suggests, Pyrgos Kastelli also boasts one of the five Venetian Castles of Santorini. Arched walkways, vine-covered garden walls, and the typical blue and white structures assure you will have a plethora of photo ops when visiting Pyrgos.
Imerovigli – the balcony of Santorini
The stunning village of Imerovigli is one stop you should absolutely make during your exploration of the gorgeous Santorini. The tiny settlement offers timeless appeal with its romantic charm, characteristic Cycladic architecture, and perfect viewpoints to watch the Santorini sunset. This village is a brilliant choice for those who don’t like the crowd as it has only 500 permanent residents. If you don’t mind a bit of hiking, it’s also worth visiting Skaros Rock which was once considered the most important of Santorini’s five castle
Skaros Rock which was once considered the most important of Santorini’s five castle fortresses. Although it was completely destroyed by the volcano eruption back then, the views will still speak for themselves.
Emporio – – the hidden gem
Devoting at least a few hours to wander around Emporio will be an absolute treat! Emporio is the largest village in Santorini, with two impressive churches (Saint Nicholas Marmaritis and Church of Our Lady Messani) and an even more impressive castle complex waiting for you to explore.
While strolling in Emporio, you won’t be able to take your eyes off its many beauties. The narrow pedestrian-only lanes and walkways snaked their way up the hill with plenty of flower-draped walls and gardens on the way.
Megalochori – one of the best Santorini villages
If you are drawn to sleepy, traditional villages, you shouldn’t miss this unexplored treasure. Home to grand mansions with towering walls and solid wooden doors that once provided protection against marauding pirates, the village has a rich history, dating back to the 17th century. The surrounding plains are scattered with vineyards and wineries, producing the famed local sweet red Vinsanto wine. There are also two serene beaches nearby, Plaka and Thermi, which are only accessible on foot. For other great beaches, check out our earlier blog post.
One thing is for certain: You won’t be disappointed if you take a day or two off from the beach to explore the picturesque Santorini villages.