Santorini Villages & Towns Guide - Santorini Island, Cyclades, Greece

SANTORINI VILLAGES

Fira - Firostefani, Santorini
Fira, the capital of Santorini, is located above the old port, on the western side of the island. You can reach the town by cable-car, donkey or on foot (if you are very energetic). It is a very picturesque village, with white cubic houses, narrow alleyways and impressive Venetian manors. In Fira, you can visit the splendid Archaeological, Prehistoric and Folklore Museums, as well as wonderful churches and cathedrals. Firostefani is an area situated just above Fira, which offers a spectacular view of the capital town and the sea. Both Fira and Firostefani possess a wide range of hotels, apartments, studios, rooms for rent and villas, as well as an abundance of dining and nightlife venues.

Oia (Ia), Santorini
The charming settlement of Oia (Ia), located on the tip of northern Santorini, is renowned for its amazing Caldera and sunset view, and its traditional "cave" houses that are built into the side of the reddish cliff. Thousands of visitors spend their holiday in Oia (Ia), staying at the many hotels, suites, traditional houses, villas and rooms that overlook the Aegean Sea and the volcano. A walk through the village's narrow streets is a must, as it offers guests the opportunity to appreciate its unique architecture and to visit the windmills and the Maritime Museum. You can admire the sunset while having a meal or enjoying a refreshing drink at the many tavernas, restaurants and cafes. Beneath Oia (Ia) is Amoudi Beach, one of the finest Santorini beaches, which can be reached by climbing down 214 steps.

Imerovigli, Santorini
Imerovigli is one of the most beautiful towns in the Aegean Sea region, built opposite the volcanic isles of Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni and Thirassia. It is perched at an altitude of 300 meters above the Caldera and offers a spellbinding view of the volcano and the sunset. Staying in Imerovigli is a wonderful experience. The village has been designated a "preserved" area and retains its traditional characteristics. Many of the hotels, apartments, suites, studios, villas and rooms are traditional homes that have been renovated to provide modern facilities and amenities. In Imerovigli, you can visit the "Skaros" Castle, which was used as a defensive fortress by the Venetian forces in the 13 th century AD. There are several quiet restaurants, cafes and bars in Imerovigli.

Kamari, Santorini
The seaside settlement of Kamari, on the southeastern coast of Santorini, is one of the island's most popular resorts because of its superb black sandy beach and its well-developed tourist infrastructure. From Kamari, visitors can easily reach the ruins of Ancient Thira with its impressive monuments. The town offers an abundance of hotels, rooms and apartments for rent. Along the black beach are restaurants that serve tasty local delicacies, as well as clubs and bars that are open till the wee hours of the morning.

Perissa, Santorini
The village of Perissa lies on the southern part of Santorini, beside the stunning black beach and crystal-clear waters. Perissa possesses a wide variety of hotels, apartments and studios for rent that offer comfortable and relaxing accommodation. It also provides a selection of water sports facilities, diving schools and a water park, as well as cafes, bars and clubs by the sea. The village is situated just a few kilometers from Ancient Thira.

Pyrgos, Santorini
Pyrgos is a traditional village built on the slopes of Mt. Profitis Ilias, in the center of Santorini Island. It is one of the most impressive Santorini villages, with Byzantine churches, Medieval Manors and Venetian Castles. Pyrgos offers a good selection of hotels and apartments that provide a lovely view of the island and the Aegean Sea. The beaches of Kamari and Perissa are located just a few kilometers from Pyrgos village.

Vlyhada, Santorini
The charming fishing village of Vlyhada (Vlihada) is built on the southern coast of Santorini. It is the ideal destination for quiet and serene holidays, where visitors can relax at seaside tavernas and cafes, and stay at hospitable hotels. From Vlyhada, you can easily reach the renowned ancient site of Akrotiri.