Santorini / Towns and Villages

Mature Late Cycladic I period, 17th century B.C. 12 km from Fira to the southwest, the excavations led to the discovery of an 'Acropolis'.

In the museum of prehistoric Thera, housing the Akrotiri finds, one can observe the development of the monumental art of wall-painting, the rich and diverse pottery repertoire, the elegant jewellery, the reciprocal influences between vase-painting and wall-painting, and the city's and the island's complex network of contacts with the outside word - More

There are two old churches in the village, Aghia Triada and Ypapandi tou Sotiros, close by the red sand of the beach of Akrotiri.

This fairly large village is located inland on the plains and was once a stronghold for villagers hiding from pirates that constantly attacked Santorini. North of the village there is a strong, square building named "Goulas" in which people hid themselves.
Emporio has a maze of small picturesque streets, so many, that the pirates were confused - the same streets that together with a medieval castle give today to this village an enchanting atmosphere.

The capital of Santorini, Fira, sits on the edge of the crater, 900 feet above the old port. Access to the original port was by 800 winding steps down from the capital. You can still get down there either by the traditional method of donkey or the cable car, the teleferique.
Fira, a comparatively new town, was built mainly during the 19th century when the old capital at Skaros became unsafe due to constant earthquakes. The architecture is a mixture of Cycladic and Venetian styles.

Fira is the largest town on the island. There are numerous shops, restaurants and bars, as well as the start of an amazing coastal walk leading up to Firastefani & Imerovigli. Fira is also the centre of all buses and taxis.

Firostefani is a quieter part of the town, 1km from Fira, joined by the picturesque walkway along the edge of the caldera. It has its own centre with restaurants, cafes and a few shops, and is a perfect place for someone who wants the convenience of Fira without crowds, ideal for relaxation, a beautiful sunset and view of the volcano.

Imerovigli, connected to Fira by the scenic footpath or donkey track through Firostefani, offers one of the greatest Santorini views. Looking right into the caldera, Imerovigli, at the highest point of the caldera (300m above), combines also the benefit of having a head viewing Oia and its spectacular sunset.

The name Imerovigli actually comes from the Greek word for 'Day watch', as it used to be the best spot to look out for pirates or unwanted visitors to the island. Today this village offers a much quieter option, than staying in Fira, and has attracted many upmarket hotels because of this.

Plenty of taverns, restaurants, bars, hotels and rooms to rent. There is also a selection of shops. With Fira being just a 20-minutes walk away, Imerovigli attracts visitors easily

The castle of Scaros is worth a visit. When Venetian leader Marko Sanouthos conquered the island in 1207, he raised the flag on the castle. It was at this point that Thira became known as Santorini (Santa Irene). The castle guarded the western entrance to the island from attacks. The castle had two portions, one called Rocka and the other where Roman nobles and Catholic bishops had their residence. The castle was never defeated during the 600 years of existence. Because of its proximity with Fira, it is connected with a public road or by the old path, offering a tremendous views as you walk along the rim.

The village of Kamari has grown from a small beach retreat into a seaside resort with numerous hotels, restaurants, shops and bars. Two kilometres of black sand are now an organised beach, lined with umbrellas, sun beds and backed by beachside cafe, taverns and restaurants.

Water sports and diving facilities are available, car hire, opportunities to start from Kamari and explore the rest of the island. There is also a good bus connection that goes regularly to Fira and the port.

Kamari is very close to the archaeological site of Ancient Thira and is home to Panagia Episkopi, the most famous Church on the island and centre of the August 15th celebrations for the Mother of God, with a large festival open to everyone. The event is repeated on the 24th of September, when the local Church Panagia Myrtidiotissa celebrates its name day.

Two kilometres outside of Fira, the village's buildings offer a characteristic aspect of the architecture of Santorini. Visit also the church of Analipsis.

This inland village, about nine kilometres from Fira, has several interesting churches, all on the road to Emborio; Agioi Anargyroi, Eisodia tis Theotokou and Agios Nikolaos Marmaritis.

Agios Nikolaos Marmaritis was named after the marble (in Greek Marmaro) that was used in its construction. The church has kept its 4th Century Doric style, though it was later converted to a Christian church. You can also visit the Vedemma Luxury Resort Hotel to taste the wine of their local vineyard. (Cf. Santorini Wineries)

The village suffered greatly during the 1956 earthquake and many of its residents abandoned it to settle in Kamari. However Messa Gonia has made a comeback and is worth visiting for its traditional architecture.

Near by in the neighbouring village of Exo Gonia, there is a beautiful Byzantine church, Panagia Episkopi. The church  is considered the best example of traditional ecclesiastical architecture on the island.

Messaria with its fertile soil is a main producer of the Santorinian wine, and is surrounded by vineyards and greenery. Being only four kilometres away from Fira, the village has also attracted many good hotels, restaurants and shops.

There are several churches dating back to medieval times. Visit also Argyros Mansion (cf. Museums), once home of one of the first winemakers on the island, George E Argyros. Built in 1888, Argyros mansion was seriously damaged in the 1956 earthquake but has now been restored to it’s original state by the grandson of Argyros.

Messaria has a pretty centre with many small windy streets to wander around, as well as many good tavernas.

This traditional village is located on the northern tip of the island, perched on the cliff top.

Directly below are the beaches of Ammoudi and Armeni.

Oia was originally a great seafaring town with close to 9,000 inhabitants at the start of the 20th Century, the majority of them mariners who owned 164 vessels and seven shipyards.

Oia had 79 churches, many of which still remain. All changed in 1956 when a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the village. Oia now has fewer than 500 residents, the majority still mariners.

Much of the architecture did survive and the typical Santorini buildings with their whitewashed walls and blue domes are still the most striking feature of the village.

In 1951 Captain Antonis Dakoronia established a Maritime Museum. It was destroyed by the earthquake, but it was rebuilt and is open today. Most of the shops in Oia revolve around the handicrafts. There is a cultural centre, several art galleries and many shops for a variety of handicrafts, jewellery and ceramics.

Every day throughout the summer hundreds of tourists flock to the edge of the village to watch the sun dive into the ocean amongst the pretty white buildings.

Don't miss Perissa, particularly during Church festivities (29th of August and 14th of September) when the whole village celebrates.

Perissa is overlooked by the archaeological site of Thira, 264 metres above sea, on the top of Mount Mesa Vouno, one kilometre away from the village of Emporio.

This pretty village has some beautiful houses, one recently converted into a luxury hotel (Zannos Meltathron). Overlooked by the remains of a castle on the hilltop, is adorned with several Byzantine churches, the most interesting being Theotokaki with its frescoes.

The Monastery of Profitis Elias is just three kilometres from the village, on the peak of Mount Profitis (550 meters above the sea). Monks Joachim and Gabriel started the construction of the monastery in 1771, with the help of the bishop of Fira Zacharias and the approval of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Cyril.

At about the 19th century the monastery was enlarged, when the King of Greece Othon, charmed by the landscape, ordered its expansion. The monastery's museum is full of ecclesiastical treasures, including icons from the 15th and 18th centuries, a 20th century iron cross, silver bound scriptures, and the diamond-adorned mitre of Patriarch Gregory 5th.