Santorini Villages Greece

Greece Santorini Island Santorini Villages Fira Village, Imerovigli Village, Oia (Ia) Village, Kamari Village, Monolithos Village, Perissa Village, Pyrgos Village – Villages on Santorini Island, Greece

Santorini Villages - Fira, Oia (Ia), Imerovigli, Akrotiri, Kamari, Monolithos, Pyrgos, Perissa Village in Santorini

The villages of Santorini are considered some of the most picturesque in the Cyclades Islands Cluster. The island has a variety of villages and settlements: both seaside villages and mountain villages, some of which are much frequented and some of which offer peace and quiet. The most popular Santorini villages are Fira, Imerovigli, Oia (Ia), Kamari, Perissa, Emporio, Messaria and Pyrgos.

FIRA, SANTORINI
Fira is the capital and main port of Santorini (Thira) Island, built on a cliff, high above the Aegean Sea, on the western side of the island. To reach the town, you have to climb up the zig-zagged steps. If you wish to go up in the traditional fashion, then you can ride one of the donkeys that are waiting at the port. Otherwise there is a cable car that can transport you and your luggage quickly and easily.

Fira Town is one of the most charming villages on Santorini Island, a combination of modern features, traditional Cycladic whitewashed houses, Venetian buildings and narrow alleyways. In and around Fira, there are several places to visit such as the Orthodox and Catholic Cathedrals, the Gizi Manor, and the three splendid museums (Archaeological, Folklore and Prehistoric).

The town of Fira has an excellent tourism infrastructure, including volcano view hotels, studios, apartments, rooms for rent, suites and traditional houses, for all needs and budgets. If its nightlife you’re looking for, then Fira is the place to be. Throughout the town there are many tavernas, restaurants, cafés, bars and clubs to choose from. Craft shops, designer boutiques and small stalls line the streets.

From Fira, visitors have access to practically every village and beach on the island, by bus or by rental car or motorbike, which can be hired at one of the many car rental agencies in the area.

OIA (IA), SANTORINI
The village of Oia (Ia), located on the northern tip of Santorini, is a extremely picturesque place that offers one of the best Caldera and volcano views on the island. The whole village is built on the reddish rock, which along with the stark white cave houses create a stunning image.

As Oia is a favorite holiday destination and one of the most well- organized Santorini villages, as it offers a wide selection of hotels, studios, rooms for rent, suites and traditional homes, as well as many tavernas and restaurants and several bars and cafés. Just below Oia is the beautiful beach of Amoudi, which is definitely worth the 214-step climb.

While in Oia, we suggest you take a stroll through the quaint alleyways of the town to admire its unique architecture and to visit the Maritime Museum and the windmills. At sunset, you can find a spot in the town to marvel at the breathtaking view.

IMEROVIGLI, SANTORINI
The village of Imerovigli is situated 300 meters above the sea, opposite the small volcanic isles of Thirassia, Palea and Nea Kameni. It is renowned for its exquisite view of the sunset, the volcano and the Caldera area. Many people gather in Imerovigli at sunset just to take a picture of this marvelous sight.

Imerovigli is an officially designated “preserved” village that it offers peaceful and relaxing holidays in its many hotels, studios, rooms for rent, suites and traditional homes. Throughout Imerovigli there are traditional buildings, churches and cobblestone streets, resembling a fairytale land and making it one of the most picturesque village in Santorini. For your dining pleasure there are small tavernas, while you can have a drink of coffee at one of the cafés and quiet bars.

While in Imerovigli, we suggest visiting the Skaros Castle, which was an important defense point of the Venetians during their rule in the 13th century. Imerovigli is located just 3 km from Fira, offering easy access to the commercial and nightlife venues of the capital.


AKROTIRI, SANTORINI
Famous for the well-preserved Ancient Minoan City of Akrotiri, this village has much to boast about. Apart from the spectacular ancient site, the village is close to the “Red Beach”, with reddish sand and impressive volcanic cliffs and the “White Beach” with white rock above the sand.

EMPORIO, SANTORINI
The village of Emporio, located inland in southern Santorini, was a fortified area during the Medieval Era and many of these characteristics are apparent even today. Emporio is abundant in very narrow alleyways and possesses a unique charm. Its location offers a view of both sides of the island. Remains of the two castles that once stood in the region can be seen.

KAMARI, SANTORINI
Kamari village is a popular tourist resort situated on the southeastern side of Santorini. The area is renowned for its beautiful black beach that extends all the way to the village of Monolithos and for its green landscape, which is uncommon on this volcanic island. Kamari offers a wide range of hotels, studios, rooms for rent, suites and traditional homes, as well as seaside tavernas, restaurants, bars, clubs and cafés. From Kamari you can hike up to the Ancient City of Thira or visit the lovely 11th century Church of Panagia Episkopi in nearby Mesa Gonia.

KARTERADOS, SANTORINI
The traditional village of Karterados is located just 2 km inland from Fira, between two rivers and much vegetation, which made the area a significant hiding place and lookout throughout history. Its main attraction is its superb architecture and its splendid churches.

MEGALOCHORI, SANTORINI
One of the most traditional villages on Santorini Island is Megalochori. In Megalochori, visitors are charmed by the beautiful traditional cave houses, neoclassical manors, cobblestone streets and whitewashed churches. It is located approximately 9,5 km from Fira, on the western side of Santorini Island. It is definitely worth visiting the Church of Panagia Eisodion, with its precious religious artifacts and exquisite wood carved screen.

MESA GONIA, SANTORINI
The countryside settlement of Mesa Gonia was one of the villages in Santorini that was partly destroyed during the earthquake of 1956, although it still retains a great amount of its traditional architecture, which is its main attraction. The village is situated in the center of Santorini and possesses the 11th century Byzantine Church of Panagia Episkopi.

MESSARIA, SANTORINI
The settlement of Messaria, located 4 km from Fira, in the center of Santorini, is where much of the famous Santorinian wine is produced. The village is quite beautiful, with Cycladic-style houses and small winding streets, surrounded by vineyards. The area is ideal for a quiet meal accompanied, of course, by a delicious locally produced wine, at one of the traditional taverns or restaurants.

MONOLITHOS, SANTORINI
Monolithos is a much-frequented resort on the western side of Santorini, which possesses a sandy black beach, crystal clear waters and many tourist comforts. Monolithos is a quieter area than the villages of Fira and Kamari, and offers plenty of hotels, studios, apartments, rooms for rent, suites and traditional houses. The island’s airport is located near the village.

PERISSA, SANTORINI
Perissa, one of the more popular Santorini villages, is a seaside settlement on the southeastern side of the island, with a beach of dazzling black sands and small pebbles, clear waters, as well as a water park, diving schools and other water sport facilities. Perissa is at close proximity to Ancient Thira and provides many hotels, rooms for rent and apartments. The village also offers visitors a selection of dining and nightlife entertainment venues.

PYRGOS, SANTORINI
The village of Pyrgos, is located in the heart of Santorini Island, built at the foothills of Mt. Profitis Ilias. The village has retained many of its medieval characteristics such as Venetian Castle ruins, houses and Byzantine churches. Pyrgos provides visitors with comfortable hotels, rooms for rent, studios and apartments, while it is also located close to the villages and beaches of Kamari and Perissa.

VLIHADA, SANTORINI
Vlihada is a fishing village situated in the southern part of Santorini, where yachts, tour boats and fishing boats dock. Vlihada is one of the quieter villages in Santorini and has a beautiful, quiet beach, with several seaside fish taverns and cafés. In the settlement there are hotels, rooms for rent and apartments that offer comfortable accommodation. It is located near Akrotiri and its famous Minoan City.

VOUROULOS, SANTORINI
Vourvoulos is a traditional village in mainland Santorini, situated close to Imerovigli. The village’s sandy and pebbly beach is one of the best on the island, lined with seafood restaurants and quiet bars. In Vourvoulos, visitors can find an array of rooms for rent, hotels and apartments.