Explore Santorini

Explore Akrotiri Village in Santorini

Akrotiri Village

Akrotiri was one of the fortified settlements of the island during the Medieval era, the best preserved part of which is the "Goulas" in the center of the village-now used by a famous musician as a museum of musical instruments and an area of music demonstrations. The area attracts thousands visitors every day as it is near the excavation of prehistoric Akrotiri, the Lighthouse, the red beach, it offers stunning views to the caldera and houses many tavernas offering fresh fish and seafood.

Explore Ancient Akrotiri in Santorini

Ancient Akrotiri

The excavation that started in 1967 has revealed a brilliant civilization developped on the island during the Bronze Age. Multi-storey houses, decorated with amazing frescoes and an impressive sewage network with bathrooms up to the upper floors are some of the incredible discoveries. The volcanic debris that covered the island during the vast eruption of the 17th century BC preserved everything in a very good condition giving us precious information about the achievements of the time.

Explore Emporio Village

Emporio

The biggest of the vilages of Santorini, up to nowadays is the area where the residents of the neighboring villages get there provisions from, thus justifying its name (emporio=commerce). Indeed since the middle of the 17th century it is mentioned to be one of the main commercial centers of the island. Its castle is the epitome of the medieval cycladic architecture, a labyrinth of whitewashed and ochre houses with the curved flowing forms dominating in every single wall.

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Finikia

The hidden sister village of Oia, overlooking the east part of the island, was once housing the farmers of the area. Wisely built on the terraced slope, it survived the earthquake of 1956 that devastated Oia. In its heyday it is said to have had 150-200 canavas, producing the famous wine of Santorini, that was carried by the ships of Oia to the Black Sea and around the Mediterranean up to the beginning of the 20th century.

The Capital of Santorini Island

Fira

The economic and social center of the island is one of the biggest villages of Santorini. Gathering both locals and visitors day and night, it becomes the busiest part of it. The main cobbled alley starting from the orthodox cathedral is surrounded by numerous bars, restaurants and shops, the majority of which sell jewellery, so that it lately became famous as the ?gold street?. Nearby the Prehistoric museum houses some of the treasures that were brought to light in the excavation of Akrotiri.

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Firostefani

Crowning the town of Fira, Firostefani is in the middle of one of the most beautiful walking trails of the island, connecting Imerovigli to Fira with staggering views to both settlements and the caldera. Numerous hotels, cafes and restaurants surround the cobbled street and offer a great environment for a shorter or longer rest. Its most photographed blue domed church, Panagia of St Theodori, makes it a favorite photo stop for numerous visitors of the island.

The Capital of Santorini Island

Imerovigli

On the highest peak of the caldera, just in front of Skaros rock, Imerovigli can claim the best views to the whole island. Whitewashed houses and hotels offer a quiet and peaceful environment to their residents within a few minutes walking to the busy center of Fira. A great starting point for the 3-hour hike to Oia or the half- hour hike to Skaros, where the few ruins of the medieval castle on the sheer volcanic rock remind us of the creative and destructive character of the volcano.

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Kamari

On the east of the island,just south of the airport, Kamari is one of the most popular coastal resorts of Santorini. A well organized black beach, awarded the blue flag, in the shade of Mesa Vouno mountain, a cobbled promenade just above it surrounded by numerous shops, restaurants, cafes and bars, one of the best open air cinemas of the world and a starting point to visit Ancient Thira are some of the many reasons to be chosen as a holiday resort by thousands of visitors.

The Capital of Santorini Island

Karterados

Karteri is the ambush point, so the area has been apparently one of the points where the local population used to set ambushes to catch the pirates that were often attacking the island. It has relatively many permanent inhabitants, thus is well organized with many bakery shops, supermarkets and tavernas. The oldest part of the settlement comprises of cave houses excavated deep in the rocks of a ravine. Its landmark is the old windmill in the central square.

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Konotchori

Kontochori is a suburb of Fira, 15 minutes walking distance to the center and a 5 minute drive to the Exo Gialos beach. In its area someone can find the Lignos Folklore museum, housed in an edifice of the 19th century, which is a traditional winery with workshops for carpenters, barrel makers, shoe makers and tinsmiths. It includes a library and an art gallery. Numerous small houses in the village are rented during the summer to visitors of the island.

The Capital of Santorini Island

Megalochori

Old mansions, cave houses, canavas, numerous churches, all built in what is known as "potamos", meaning the river (torrent that was being created as the rain water was following the way through the volcanic debris layer to the sea). One of the smaller villages, whose inhabitants are still attached to the tradition and revive rituals and religious feasts from the past centuries. The little plateia (square) with its church and little restaurants is the center of the social life.

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Mesa Gonia

Mesa Gonia is a small village in the feet of Profitis Elias mountain. During the earthquake of 1956 it suffered great damages and most of its inhabitants moved to Kamari. It is a wine area and there are several wineries in and near the village. Nearby the oldest church of the island, Panagia Episcopi, founded during the 11th century by the emperor Alexios Komninos, served once as the seat of both the orthodox and the catholic bishop. Many of the village`s houses were lately renovated.

The Capital of Santorini Island

Messaria

Messaria is a residential area in the center of the island. The traditional settlement is characterized by a variety of small arched cubic and cave houses and the two emblematic mansions of Argyros and Saliveros. The Markezinis knitting factory is a reminder of the industrial past of the area. There are several shops and supermarkets, clinics and pharmacies operating throughout the year for the service of the large population of the village and the neighbouring ones.

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Monolithos

Named after the limestone monolith on the east side of the island, this coastal settlement has moderate touristic development which makes it a perfect choice for some relaxing days on the beach. The shallow waters and the fine black beach makes it ideal for children and families. The church of Agios Ioannis on the top of the monolith is a landmark of the area that is one of the first things to see when landing at the airport.

The Capital of Santorini Island

Oia

One of the most picturesque villages of the Aegean on the northernmost part of Santorini. Apart from the stunning panoramic views, its unique architectural wealth, including the captains? mansions, the cubic minimalistic houses as well as the cave houses perched on the top of the caldera cliffs, is a pleasure for the eyes and the soul. Along its marble paved street a variety of art galleries and sophisticated shops and cafes are a pleasant resting nest for your visit.

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Perissa

In the shade of Mesa Vouno rock, Perissa was one of the ports of Ancient Thira, known as Elefsis. During the last decades it has been one of the main summer resorts for the local population where they have been always swimming and enjoying a glass of ouzo with their summer fish mezedes. After the earthquake of 1956 the urban development started with many summer houses, restaurants, cafes for the needs of the local population and the visitors.

The Capital of Santorini Island

Perivolos

Perivolos is a favorite meeting place during the summer months. Its black sand houses beach volley courts, water sports centers, umbrellas and sunbeds where you can relax under the sun, enjoy a drink, have lunch in one of the many tavernas or sophisticated beach restaurants. More quiet during Spring and Automn, but it can become a dancing hall in the summer with parties and famous djs hosted in its beach bars making it a must-go for the younger or those that feel young.

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Pyrgos

One of the oldest villages, a reminder of the era when the islands were looted by pirates. Pyrgos is a charming castle-like village on the top of a hill on the feet of Profitis Elias mountain. The uphill walk is an absolute pleasure with its narrow cobbled alleys, whitewashed houses, numerous churches, neoclassical mansions and, closer to the top, the entrance to the fortified settlement with stunning views to the whole island.

The Capital of Santorini Island

Vlychada

Vlychada has one of the most stunning landscapes of the island! A thick layer of volcanic debris above the beach is constantly curved by the waves, the wind and the rain giving a moonscape appearance. Nearby the marina for fishing and recreation boats,serving as a starting point for numerous catamaran tours. The old tomato factory just above the beach houses a tomato museum as well as a very active arts center. You can find in the area several tavernas and a beach bar.

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Vothonas

One of the smallest villages of Santorini, in the center of the island, it expands in a gorge that becomes a river after a strong rainfall. Wisely excavated in the rock houses, small alleys and charming chapels make this village a must see for the travellers that adore following an off-the-beaten track route. The traditional feast in the church of Panagia Tripa, which is excavated in the volcanic rock, is one of the events that should not be missed if visiting Santorini in February.

The Capital of Santorini Island

Vourvoulos

Vourvoulos is a small village 3,5 kilometers north east of Fira. It houses approx. 300 inhabitants and most of the houses offer beautiful views to the east plain area and the Aegean sea. Very close to the village are the Vourvoulos beach with its small marina for fishing boats and the Exo Gialos beach which is more organized with sunbeds, umbrellas and restaurants. The village of Vourvoulos has a few traditional tavernas and cafes.