Being a scenic island, there are many towns and villages to explore in Santorini. Each village or town is special with different things too see. Here is a list of villages you have to check out while in Santorini!
Fira
The capital of Santorini, Fira is one of the busiest spots on the island. An interesting activity to accomplish while you are at Fira would be walking down the donkey trail from Fira to Old Port. Look out for donkeys along the stairs as they would be transporting tourists up towards Fira. As you are walking down 587 steps, you would experience some breath-taking sights. Try getting to the stairs around the golden hour as you would be able to witness the sun setting along the horizon.
Walking around the alleys is the best way to explore the capital. Stop along the way at any of the restaurants and try some scrumptious Greek cuisine. Otherwise, the views of the restaurants and hotels against the sea are magnificent. To learn more about the history of Santorini, pay a visit to the Santorini Archaeological Museum. The museum is home to artefacts from Ancient Thira and around the island from various historical periods. It’s closed on Mondays and is open daily from 8.30 am to 3 pm!
Pyrgos
Being the highest village on the whole island, Pyrgos has some amazing views of the green valleys and the Mediterranean sea. Situated on the west coast, there are many things to do on this island. First, we’d suggest is simply taking a walk around the alleys of Pyrgos. Due to contrasting colours of the building, set against the sea, it would make a picture-perfect shot.
Walking around the Pyrgos is the best way to explore this scenic village. Lastly, Pyrgo has many souvenir and local art galleries you can check out. There are many beautiful paintings and ceramics for you to bring home as souvenirs.
Megalchori
This picturesque village, 9 kilometres away from Fira is known as an agricultural village. There are many things to see in Megalchori, the most prominent being the central square. It’s the heart of the village and locals gather there to unwind. The Chapel of Agios Nikolaos is a church you should explore while you are there. As it’s built on the caldera cliffs, the church is a popular site for watching the sunset.
Apart from the churches and cathedrals, visit some of the best wineries on the island. Visit Boutaris, Gavalas or Antoniou to find out more about the production of wine. This village is perfect for art lovers. There are many art galleries, photography ateliers and pottery workshops. You can even try out pottery and create your own unique souvenir from Santorini. Apart from those, you can also explore craft shops and exhibitions.
Emporio
Found in the centre of the Southern part of the island, Emporio is the largest village in Santorini. It’s located at the foot of the Profitis Ilias mountain. Locals believe that the village was named Emporio because it used to be at the centre of commercial affairs. Emporio in Greek also means trade. It’s a rather peaceful settlement with beautiful houses and yards. As you walk around the village, you will notice a strong medieval character, especially from its churches and cathedrals.
The Saint Nicholas Marmaritis Church was built in Cycladic style using grey marble. Marmaritis means made in marble in Greek, hence explaining the name of the church. Kasteli is another one of the 5 fortified citadels found in Santorini. It served as an observation point as there were many pirate attacks back in the day.
We’d also recommend trying out a classic Greek coffee at Cafe Desiderio, Zygos or To Kafenedaki Tu Emporiou, some famous cafes.
