Where to Stay in Santorini - A Local Guide to the Island’s Best Towns
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Even for the Cyclades, Santorini is a relatively small island. With a population of only 15,000 year-round residents and a total land area of 29 square miles (which is smaller than most towns in Greece), it’s fair to say that Santorini’s huge popularity is inversely proportional to its tiny size.
Nonetheless, with an unparalleled wealth of beautiful landscapes, it has justifiably become famous all over the world. If you’re in doubt about the island’s appeal, consider this: Kallístē, one of Santorini’s names in ancient times, can be translated as “the most beautiful one”. That should tell you something…
Santorini is small, so you can visit its main sights in as little as 3 days, without rushing crazily to fit everything in. There are decent bus connections throughout the island and plenty of available taxis/drivers, so regardless of where you ultimately wind up, you should be able to get just about everywhere you want to go fairly quickly and inexpensively.
That said, there are a bunch of towns on the island and each has different appeals. Choosing where to stay is integral to enjoying a pleasant visit!
Table of contents
Map of Santorini
My 7 recommended towns
1. Fira
2. Oia
3. Kamari
4. Imerovigli
5. Firostefani
6. Perissa
7. Pyrgos
Map of Santorini
To give you a better sense of where each of these towns are in Santorini, below is a map showing our 7 recommended places to stay. As you can see, they’re spread throughout the island.
My 7 recommended towns
Realistically, there are no bad choices for where to stay in Santorini, but there is also no obvious undisputed “best town” on the island. So, which area is right for you will ultimately depend on your interests, your travel style, and what you want out of your time in Santorini.
With that being said, we do have a couple of favorites:
Fira, the capital and busiest town in Santorini
Oia, the most famous village
Kamari, with its perfect location on a beautiful, sandy volcanic beach.
While those are our 3 top choices, there are a couple of other good options, like Imerovigli, Firostefani, Perissa, and Pyrgos.
No matter where you decide to make your home base, it’s important to also consider the type of accommodation you’re looking for (hotel, apartment, bed and breakfast), as Santorini doesn’t really have many big, corporate-style international hotels. There are very few hotels with more than 100 rooms, and there’s quite a few with fewer than 10.
Much of what’s available are fairly small, boutique-style hotels that are independently owned. I think this is fantastic, as it means there’s lots of variety and all sorts of unique and interesting places to stay. The options are truly endless.
To help you decide which area is right for you, below is a detailed guide to each of my 7 recommended Santorini towns.
1. Fira
As Santorini’s capital, just about everything that you’re looking for is found in Fira: great nightlife, tons of restaurants and street food, travel and transfer agencies, tour operators, supermarkets, etc.
There’s also a wide range of accommodations, with something to suit every budget. If you’re looking to be in the middle of the action, Fira is your best bet.
An aerial view of Fira. Photo: Edal Anton Lefterov, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Fira, the capital of Santorini, is located on the western side of the island and offers stunning views of the caldera. It's a vibrant town with narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, and lots of shops and restaurants. If you're looking for a lively atmosphere with plenty of choices for dining, shopping, and nightlife, Fira is the place for you.
It is also the main hub for transportation and due to its central position, is a great base from which to explore the whole island. Cruise ships dock just below Fira, in the port of Gialos, so on days when the ships are in town, be prepared for especially intense crowds.
Most people tend to congregate around the town’s Orthodox cathedral, the cable car station, and the main shopping areas, so if you head into the backstreets you can usually still find some (relative) peace and quiet. As with all caldera towns in Santorini, Fira is built into the steep slope of the cliffs, so the town is a maze of winding little alleyways, arches, porticoes, stairs, and hidden alcoves.
One of the real pleasures here is just walking around the village with no real destination, and getting lost among the crisscrossing streets. Often, just when you feel like you’re completely turned around, you’ll suddenly find yourself staring out at the sparkling blue Aegean Sea and the caldera.
If you want to spend some time shopping, Fira is filled with galleries, little boutiques, crafts shops, and tacky souvenir vendors. As the heart of the island, there’s shopping, dining, and accommodation to suit all budgets. Very little of the goods that you’ll see are unique to Santorini (or even Greece for that matter), but if you need something or are just looking for a memento from your time here, there are plenty of options.
A couple of other nice activities are walking the 600 or so steps down to the old port (and taking the cable car back up), visiting the small but precious Prehistorical Museum followed by the incredible Akrotiri Archeological Site (they go together), and most importantly, exploring the caldera on the famous Fira to Oia hike.
Start at the Atlantis Hotel and spend a few hours hiking and marveling at one of the best views anywhere in the world!
If you’re looking for nightlife, Fira is the place to be. Since many of the other towns on the island are quite small and don’t have much going on in the evenings, visitors flock here to have a night out. It’s not a crazy party destination like some other Greek islands (think Mykonos), but there are still plenty of clubs and bars where you can while the night away.
Photo: Yoo Chung, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped from original
Hotels in Fira
In general, Fira offers lodging of all types (hotels, bed and breakfasts, hostels, apartments) and at all budget levels. This is the biggest town on the island and it has by far the most lodging options.
Astro Palace Hotel & Suites is the obvious choice if you’re looking for an elegant or romantic stay and things like your own private pool and a great in-house spa are on your checklist.
Figure you’ll spend around $500 per night.
Hotel Anatoli is away from the hustle and bustle but near enough to visit Fira on foot, an always a great choice. The hotel is family-run, with dedicated, friendly staff who offer great service. They also have nice family rooms, a great pool that’s big enough to actually have a swim, and a small spa.
Rooms in summer cost around $200 per night.
Costa Marina Villas is also just far enough outside the immediate center to be calm and peaceful while still an easy walk to everything.
You can find nice rooms for as low as $150 per night even in summer.
Dining in Fira
Fira has a huge number of restaurants ranging from cheap street eats, nice traditional greek food at mid-range prices, overpriced tourist traps, international cuisine, and fine dining, so there’s something here for everyone.
Kapari Tavern is a nice small taverna (with no caldera view), that has a very pleasant ambiance and most importantly, delicious food.
2. Oia
This is the postcard image of Santorini, so Oia is the place to be if you’ve been dreaming of coming here for years. As mentioned above, this is probably the most expensive town on the island, so if you’re looking for luxury, high-end services, and unique accommodation with stunning caldera views, this is where you want to be.
The town is built on a steep slope though, so just be prepared for some strenuous walking.
Oia and its harbor, seen from the water. Photo: Sidvics, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Oia, located on the northern tip of Santorini about 12 kilometers from Fira, is renowned for its stunning sunsets and picturesque alleys. With its blue domes and whitewashed houses, it's the iconic image of Santorini. If you're looking for a more romantic, high-end stay, with stunning views of the caldera, Oia is the perfect choice.
Oia is the second biggest town in Santorini after Fira, but it’s the most visited due to its famous sunsets, so it has quite a lot to see and do for such a small place. There’s an astonishing number of high-end hotels (many with charming, cave-style rooms) that blend in rather delightfully inconspicuously among the mass of other whitewashed houses.
If you’re a foodie, there’s no shortage of fantastic restaurants here, and if you’re looking for some shopping, you’ll be shocked by the array of luxury stores and boutiques stretching along N. Nomikos Street, Oia’s main thoroughfare.
Apart from eating and shopping, you can easily while away the hours relaxing on the many terraces and balconies, swimming in your hotel’s pool, or taking a stroll through the town's labyrinthine alleys. And of course, come evening, the best thing to do really is to forget about everything else and enjoy the breathtaking sunsets that have made Oia famous.
If your hotel doesn’t have a great view, you’ll probably want to head up to the castle, which is the most famous viewpoint in town. Just be prepared for huge crowds. Oia’s sunsets are far from a secret, so it often feels like everyone on the island is packing in here trying to catch those perfect photos.
For something a little quirkier, Oia is home to Atlantis, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, which is an absolute must-visit when in town. The shop, housed in a typical Santorini room, has a first-rate selection of books (including antiques) and incredible views of the caldera. It’s certainly not your typical book buying experience! If possible, try to visit in the morning, and not around sunset, when it will be overrun with people.
If you’re looking for beach access, obviously Oia, sitting atop the cliffs of the caldera, doesn’t offer that. However, there are some swimming spots in the small settlement of Ammoudi, which sits almost directly beneath Oia and can be reached by descending 300 steep steps.
Ammoudi has a few seaside tavernas and the boats to Thirassia island depart from there, so you there’s plenty to do once you’ve made it down.
And in case you’re feeling less ambitious about climbing the stairs back to Oia, there’s also a road running between the two villages, so you can hop in a taxi and skip the workout.
Hotels in Oia
Oia is the jewel of Santorini and the prices of lodging are in line with that. If you plan on staying here, expect to spend a decent chunk of change.
Perivolas Hotel is the sort of once-in-a-lifetime stay that dreams are made of. Cave-esque rooms’ doors fling open up to stunning sea views, the infinity pool is fantastic, some rooms have jacuzzis, and it’s all beautiful white-washed and smooth Cycladic walls with furnishings that ooze “I’m so chic I’m not even trying” vibes.
You’ll pay for it - up to $1,000 per night in summer - but if you’ve got the budget, you won’t be disappointed.
Andronis Arcadia, right at the edge of Oia, is another luxury option, but one that’s good for families as well and offers a sort of resort experience. All the accommodation are either suites or private villas, and they all come with private infinity pools. They offer lots of activities like cooking classes and yoga and have a couple of in-house restaurants.
Price is similar to Perivolas above.
Oia Mare Villas is one of my perennial recommendations to visitors who are looking for something high-end, but still authentic.
Summer rates are usually in the vicinity of $400 per night, which is a pretty good deal compared to other luxury accommodation in Oia.
Elias Cave House is very cool little house with 2 bedrooms about 10 minutes’ walk from the busyness of Oia. It’s great for longer stays and breakfast is delivered to you each morning, you have lovely sunsets, and there are good restaurants and tavernas right nearby.
Rates start at around $350 per night.
Dining in Oia
There are tons of great restaurants in Oia, but be aware that their prices are in line with the spectacular setting. You might say that they apply a “sunset view” surcharge. There’s lots of excellent fine dining though, so as long as you’re ok with the high prices, you’ll eat very well.
For a lovely restaurant that doesn’t break the bank, consider trying Roka Oia. The dishes here are delicious and are clearly prepared with real love by the chefs, and the service is generally very friendly. You have sea views from the terrace (not of the caldera though!), but the dining area in the inner courtyard is even more pleasant. As usual in Santorini, it’s best to make a reservation well in advance.
3. Kamari
Kamari is a great choice for beach lovers, families who don’t want to navigate the steep winding streets of the caldera towns, and travelers looking for a more laid-back atmosphere. If you’re on a budget, there are also some cheaper accommodations available.
Looking out over Kamari. Photo: Hartmut Inerle, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kamari beach. Photo: Stan Zurek, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kamari, located on the eastern side of the island, is best known for its long, black-sand beach, which is lined with cafes, bars, and restaurants. The village is down at sea level, so you don’t have caldera views, but that’s the tradeoff for being right on the beach. If you’re looking for a beach vacation with plenty of opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports, Kamari is the perfect spot.
The vibe here is also more laid-back and easy going than in the towns on the western side of the island, and the prices for just about everything are significantly lower.
The beach, with it’s tiny volcanic pebbles and calm, clear water is without a doubt the main draw, but there are also some other interesting things to do nearby. Right in town is Santorini’s only open-air movie theater, many of the bar cafes on the beach have live music, and Mount Mesa Vouno and the archaeological site of ancient Thera are just a short hike away.
The extensively excavated ruins are exceptional, and walking through these traces of an ancient civilization while looking out over the Aegean Sea is spectacular.
In town, there’s an abundance of places to eat, drink and shop, most of which are on the main promenade that runs right along the beach. Almost everything here is open-air, so whether you’re just grabbing a drink or are sitting down for a full meal, you’ll be able to enjoy the ocean breeze while looking out on the beach and sea.
In the evenings, the scene is fairly relaxed, but you’ll definitely be able to enjoy some bar hopping, likely while listening to live music.
For getting around, Fira is only 15 minutes away by bus, and in the summer months the buses run all throughout the day, up until well after midnight.
Hotels in Kamari
Hotels in Kamari mostly range from mid-range to upscale. Many of the nicer ones are just steps from the beach, but there are options all throughout town. Since Kamari is flat, it’s a bit more spread out than the caldera towns, and hotels also extend inland a bit away from the beach. Prices drop the further you get from the water.
I think Kamari is a very interesting option, especially for families, and the cost-benefit ratio is quite significant. Luxury options similar to those that cost $1,000 a night in Oia, for example, could cost almost 50% less in Kamari…
Here are some hotels I recommend:
Santorini Kastelli Resort luxury at a semi-reasonable (for Santorini) price point ($400/night)
Sigalas Beach Hotel comfortable and pleasant mid-range option ($200/night)
Anassa Deluxe Suites has been around for years and is always a solid choice ($200/night)
Hotel Santa Elena is a nice hotel at a slightly lower class level than Anassa, but also quite a bit cheaper (From $125 a night)
Argiris Studios is a similar class to Santa Elena and a similar price ($125/night)
Oscar Hotel is clean, comfortable, and has a pool at a budget price (rooms from as low as $75 a night)
Dining in Kamari
One of the nicest things about Kamari are all of the traditional tavernas that line the beach. Many of them have their own umbrellas and sunbeds, which are free to use (for the day!) so long as you eat at the restaurant, so be sure to pick somewhere that offers this perk. Saliveros Taverna is always a good choice, but there are many others as well.
4. Imerovigli
Imerovigli is perfect if you’re looking for those iconic Santorini views, enjoy a bit of luxury, and don’t want to be crushed shoulder to shoulder with thousands of other tourists any time you leave your hotel room.
This is also a popular spot for couples and honeymooners. Very centrally located, Imerovigli is a good base for exploring other parts of the island as well.
About 3 kilometers north of Fira (on the way toward Oia) is the caldera-topping village of Imerovigli. Situated 300 meters above the sea, at the very top of Santorini’s caldera, Imerovigli is the highest point on the island. Often called “the balcony to the Aegean” due to its clifftop location and sweeping views over Santorini’s volcano and surrounding sea, it’s harder to find a more romantic and atmospheric spot than this.
While Oia is more famous for its sunset views, there are many who claim that Imerovigli actually offers the better vantage point. Whether that’s true is up for debate, but there’s no question that you can enjoy stunning views here with smaller crowds than you’ll find in Oia.
Beyond the views, Imerovigli is also a lovely little town that’s quite representative of Cycladic architecture, with its whitewashed buildings and winding, narrow streets. It’s certainly quieter than Oia (and of course much moreso than Fira), and is a bit more relaxed.
While there’s a nice selection of restaurants and cafes, and even a few bars, the town is quite sleepy in the evening, so don’t expect to walk out from your hotel and be in the middle of the action. Being so close to Fira, this really isn’t an issue though as you can easily head there for nightlife.
One of the nicest things to do in Imerovigli is to walk the short caldera-top trail from town out to Skaros rock. A rocky promontory that juts out over the ocean, Skaros is totally exposed and offers magnificient views over all of Santorini.
On the way there, you’ll pass by the famous Agios Ioannis Chapel, which has 360 degree views of the island, and at Skaros itself is the Theoskepasti Chapel and the ruins of a 13th century castle (destroyed by an earthquake in the 1700’s and now barely visible). And back in town is Anastaseos Church, which has one of those blue domes that Santorini is famous for.
Hotels in Imerovigli
Imerovigli has some of the best accommodation options in Santorini, especially if you’re interested in staying in traditional “cave hotels”. These are structures that are literally carved into the face of the caldera’s cliffs, and nice ones can be extremely atmospheric. If you’re looking for a unique hotel stay, these fit the bill perfectly.
Grace Hotel is a great option if you’re celebrating a special occasion and want a romantic stay with the best views in Santorini. This is an adults only hotel with exclusive suites, many of them with their own plunge pools. The on-site restaurant and bar are excellent and the hotel pool has jaw-dropping views. Your wallet will not thank you - rooms from $1,500 per night over the summer.
Astra Suites provides pretty similar amenities (and pretty similar views), but at half the price tag ($700 per night in summer).
Langas Villas has lovely apartments with Caldera views for around $250 a night.
Ilioperato Hotel has charming rooms, many with their own private sea-facing terraces ($250/night).
Dining in Imerovigli
There are no shortage of fine-dining establishments with outstanding views in Imerovigli, but there’s also plenty of tavernas and mid-range options as well. Avocado, our favorite restaurant in town doesn’t offer views, but the food is routinely excellent and the prices are reasonable. You don’t need to call ahead for lunch, but it’s a good idea for dinner.
5. Firostefani
Due to its central location, great views, access to hiking, and proximity to busy Fira, this is a great choice for most travelers. Couples looking for a romantic getaway will likely be especially pleased.
Firostefani is a beautiful town on Santorini’s caldera, sitting about a kilometer away from and in the middle of both Fira and Imerovigli. All three towns are connected by the beautiful paved path that runs along the Caldera, so getting between the three of them is very quick and easy.
Firostefani has the advantage of being extremely close to busy Fira, but with a fraction of the crowds and a much quieter atmosphere.
You’ll find plenty of restaurants and even some other stores/services (convenience stores, pharmacies, atms, bakeries, etc.), and a host of accommodation options. Many of the luxurious hotels are along the caldera and offer fabulous views, but there are also lots of lovely little boutique hotels in the center of town. They don’t have the amazing views, but the prices are much lower and the ambiance is still cozy and romantic.
For sightseeing, between Fira and Firostefani is the Catholic quarter, where the architecture still bears witness to Santorini’s centuries of Venetian influence. The buildings here are quite distinct from the typical Cycladic structures that you’ll find throughout most of the island. It’s well worth visiting the cathedral dedicated to St. John the Baptist and the monastery of the Dominican Sisters in this quarter.
Of course, the breathtaking path from Fira to Oia runs through here, so by staying in Firostefani you’ll have very easy access to begin this truly stunning hike.
Hotels in Firostefani
There’s a wide selection of accommodation in Firostefani, but many of the hotels, especially those along the caldera, are quite expensive.
Ira Hotel & Spa is one of my favorites for luxury at a price that doesn’t hurt so much! t’s elegant and classy, offers great views, and the rooms are big and comfortable. Prices are relatively reasonable throughout the summer, at around $320 per night.
Villa Ilias is probably your best best if you want caldera views, but don’t want to empty your bank account in the process. It’s in a great location, the rooms are perfectly pleasant, and the price is very good for the area at less than $200 a night.
Hotel Mylos is another good option in the same price range. The rooms at Mylos are a bit tight and not ideal for very light sleepers though, so keep that in mind.
Argonaftes isn’t going to offer any stunning views, but the rooms (priced under $100 a night) are spacious, clean, and it’s just 5 minutes to the center of town.
Dining in Firostefani
For one of the nicest restaurants on the caldera, try the Aktaion Restaurant. The food is fantastic, the views are excellent, and the restaurant is always popular, so
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6. Perissa
If you’re looking for some time on the beach during your trip, Perissa is a great choice. More budget-minded travelers will also like the range of options here and the comparative affordability.
And for families with kids (especially if they’re in strollers), Perissa can be much easier to navigate than the caldera towns with their steep, narrow streets.
Looking out over Perissa. Photo: Κλέαρχος Π. Καπούτσης, Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons
Sunset at Perissa's beach. Photo: PCN02WPS, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In the southeast of Santorini, the village of Perissa stretches out along the volcanic black sand of Perissa beach. Extending for 7 kilometers, the beach offers some of the best swimming in all of Santorini.
While Perissa is nowhere near as visually impressive as Oia or Imerovigli and there are no caldera views (the town is at sea level), staying here can be a nice change of pace.
A bit less popular than other towns, visitors who choose to base themselves in Perissa largely do so for its great beach access and more low-key atmosphere. This gives the town a pleasantly relaxed vibe and staying here is a chance to escape from the selfie-stick wielding hordes looking for that perfect Instagram photo.
There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars in town, many of which are lined up along the beach, meaning that you can almost always enjoy the breeze and ocean views while dining. In high-season (summer), there’s also a fairly robust nightlife scene, so you won’t have to head in to Fira for an evening out.
If you’re looking to explore Santorini, there are frequent bus connections to Fira, from where you can transfer to buses heading to other parts of the island. There are also a few nice things to do right nearby though: the beach is the star attraction, and you have umbrellas, beach loungers, showers, restaurants, and all the other amenities readily available.
There’s also regular boat service ferrying passengers to Kamari beach, which is a nice way to spend a half day or so.
For something a bit more active, you can hike up Mesa Vouno mountain to the 9th century B.C. ruins of ancient Thera. Just be sure to go early or later in the day to avoid the intense heat of the midday sun!
And right in the town’s central square is the blue-domed Church of the Holy Cross, which is one of the biggest and prettiest churches in Santorini.
Hotels in Perissa
Hotels in Perissa can be a fair deal cheaper than other parts of Santorini, so this is a good place to stay if you’re traveling on a budget.
Anastasia Princess Luxury Beach Residence is probably the nicest hotel in town and is adults only. It’s directly on the beach and has a somewhat eclectic, but stylish, nautical theme. Suites have their own private pools and the hotel, of course, has a beach club for guests. At $300 a night, you could easily pay double for the same quality elsewhere on the island.
Margarenia Studios has nice rooms and a great pool area for around $100 a night, though it’s a bit away from the beach.
Anezina Villas on the far northern end of Perissa beach is priced similarly and also pleasant.
Dining in Perissa
Like Kamari, Perissa’s beach is lined with tavernas, many of which have a great selection of seafood. The food is simple, so don’t expect gourmet dining, but many of the restaurants are quite good. There’s not a huge difference between most of them, so don’t go crazy trying to pick the “best” places to eat. Just find somewhere along the beach that looks nice and sit down for a meal.
As in Kamari, many of the beachfront tavernas will also have umbrellas and sunbeds that are free to use for their clients, so you should take advantage of this if you’re planning to hit the beach before or after you eat.
7. Pyrgos
Pyrgos, one of Santorini’s few inland towns, is a lovely place that offers a refreshingly relaxed and local atmosphere compared with the intensely touristed towns found along the Caldera’s rim.
The town is quiet and authentic, there are some great wineries nearby, good hikes, and a maze of narrow little winding streets that are very fun to get lost in.
Hilltop Pyrgos. Photo: Tango7174, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pyrgos' central square. Photo: Edal Anton Lefterov, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Whether the inland mountain village of Pyrgos makes sense for a base during your trip to Santorini will depend entirely on why you’re visiting the island. Most people come to Santorini primarily for the caldera views, and those really are best seen from the western cliffside towns like Fira, Oia, and Imerovigli.
However, for travelers looking for something unique, or for a place to escape from the crowds (as much as you can do that anywhere in Santorini), Pyrgos can be a nice alternative to the more popular caldera towns.
Although Pyrgos is only 5 kilometers and about a 10 minute drive from Fira, very few cruise ship day-trippers make it here, so even in high-season you’re unlikely to find yourself suddenly surrounded by crowds of tourists.
Also, there are still great views to be had here: sitting at the base of Mount Profitis, Pyrgos is at one of the highest points on the island, and has excellent views over the entire island. It’s removed from the coast and isn’t sitting right on the cliffs, so it’s not nearly as dramatic as Oia or Imerovigli, but the panoramas are still lovely.
Halfway between the beaches and the caldera, this is the ideal destination for those who want to breathe in the typical atmosphere of a Cycladic village. Pyrgos has an entirely different feel from the busier parts of Santorini, and wandering the town’s streets feels a bit like going back in time.
This is a historic settlement built in the typical Cycladic fortress style, so you’ll find many narrow alleyways intricately weaving their way up the slopes of Mount Profitis.
Wandering aimlessly through the maze of streets is a really lovely way to pass some time. The town is also home to one of the island’s few remaining castles, which was built by the Venetians in the 1500’s. The ruins are reasonably well-preserved and it’s well-worth checking out, but don’t expect to be amazed.
Pyrgos is quiet but atmospheric in the evenings, and there’s a fairly good selection of restaurants, so you won’t need to head elsewhere to eat. Prices are also better here than in other parts of the island.
For wine drinkers, this is the heart of Santorini wine country, so you’ll have plenty of nearby wineries to visit. Santo Wines is probably the most famous one on the island and their grounds offer incredible caldera views, but there are plenty of others to choose from all just a short drive away.
Another highlight is the fairly strenuous, but fantastic trekking path that begins in Pyrgos before passing by the Monastery of Profitis Ilias (on the highest point in all of Santorini) and finally arriving at the archaeological site of Ancient Thera. Sitting atop the impressive promontory between the towns of Kamari and Perissa, the site is in a remarkable position and the views are to die for.
Hotels in Pyrgos
There are not tons of hotels in Pyrgos, but they are significantly cheaper than those in the Caldera towns. My recommendation is usually to stay in airbnb, as there are a number in Pyrgos that are very typical of the traditional Cycladic style. Staying in one of the apartments is a nice and unique experience.
Dining in Pyrgos
Kallisti Taverna is a no thrills, traditional restaurant that offers great food. It’s not fancy and isn’t pretending to be, which is exactly what you should be looking for out of a Greek island taverna.
More Santorini & Greece travel info
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