Best Towns And Villages In Santorini

 

Among the famous of towns and villages, you will have no doubt heard about Oia and possible Fira too. There is more to Santorini that these too, particularly if you want to explore the many beautiful beaches in Santorini, stunning hotels and even more amazing bars with cool views in Santorini.

So if you are planning a visit to one of the most famous Greek islands then this will be the best guide to introduce you to towns in Santorini that you will definitely want to visit. Most of or help you in deciding on the best area to stay in Santorini.

 

Best Villages In Santorini You Need To Visit.

 

Fira Village

Fira is of course the capital of the Island and with that being the main centre for entertainment, nightlife and much of the hustle and bustle of Santorini taking place here. Many of the buildings in Fira have been converted to cater to the island’s tourism. Many of the mansions you would have found as well as cave dwellings have mostly been converted to hotels, bars, shops and restaurants in Santorini’s capital. Fira is also where you will find many of the island’s important religious buildings, like the Church of Aghios Minas and the Catholic Monastery. Before Fira was the capital, much of this town was dedicated to vineyards, canvas and a few houses. Now it’s a bustling towns drawing so many people annually. With Santorini vineyards and wineries now dotted around the island.

 

 

Oia Village

The most popular village on the island and possibly the most famous village in the world. Oia is located on the northernmost part of Santorini. I am sure you have heard or are visiting Santorini to experience the Oia sunset or Santorini sunset as its sometimes referred to. Also famous for its capital houses, cave dwellings, infinity pool villas and hotels overlooking the volcano. You would never know that this little village was decimated in the 1956 earthquake. Located 121 meters above seas level, the vibrant village on the island has over 70 churches to its 6 neighbourhoods of Sideras, Monastiri, Lotza, Gulas, Vounaras and Perivolas. While Fira takes the crown for as nightlife host in Santorini, don’t forget to check out Oia’s Hasapiko nightclub, the all day cafe at Passaggio and Catch whose dis place host to frequent parties. Also while visiting Oia, don’t miss out on exploring the famous Ammoudi Bay where you can find restaurants and Agios Nikolaos beach.

 

 

Akrotiri  Village

This is one of my favourite part of Santorini; stunning views with little to now crowds like that of Oia or Fira. A small fishing village, Akrotiri is also where you will find the most important archaeological site of the island and the island’s only Lighthouse is located here. The village of Akrotiri is located on the bottom part of the crescent shaped island, in the south of Santorini. Another part that makes this part of Santorini popular is because, Akrotiri is where you will find the unique Red Beach in Santorini. Many of the cruise tours in Santorini will stop by here, allowing you to go for a swim. In addition to Red Beach, you will also find Kabia, White and Mesa Pigadia Beach.

 

 

Exo Gonia Village

A village overlooking the mountain and the sea. Exo Gonna allows you to enjoy some quiet and tranquil moments compared to many parts of the island. This is partly because many of its inhabitants moved to Kamari after the big earthquake of 1956. You can chill out and enjoy the views at the two small cafes you will find in Eco Gonia.

 

Pyrgos Village

Pyrgos is another famous town to visit in Santorini. Beautiful castles, churches, mansions, restaurants and plenty of amazing views. Another place with at least 56 churches with Theotokaki Church being the oldest, built in the 11th Century. With the island’s history with pirates, the church of St Georgios, it served as a refuge for inhabitants when pirates would raid the island. If you like to combine you beach bumming with hiking this is also where you will find some of the island’s most interesting trails where you can even finish off to wine tasting in a few of the island’s wineries that are located in Pyros like SantoWines Winery. Or finish at one of the many restaurants located in Pyros, considering this is also one of the main gastronomic areas of Santorini.

 

Imerovigli Village

With the history of Santorini and Pirates comes the name Imerovigli which translates to “Day Watch”. Located in the centre of the island and greatly positioned to keep a lookout for the Pirates that used to raid the island like they were taking a trip to the mall.  Due to its location, you will find truly breathtaking views overlooking Thirasia. Imerovigli is the place to be when looking for the best vantage point for feasting your eyes on Santorini’s famous sunset.

 

 

Finikia Village

Another one of Santorini’s picturesque villages, Finikia comes complete with white houses built into the banks of the torrent. The village offers authentic Santorini tavernas, churches and chapels decorated with offerings left by sailors. Finikia also has plenty of restaurants where you can chill out after a day at the beach and enjoy local cruise and sample wines from the nearby vineyards located in Finikia.

 

Firostefani Village

Conveniently located near the capital is Firostefani, taking its name, because it’s located on the highest point of the caldera in Fira and looks like a ’crown’. ’Stefani’ in Greek means ‘crown’. Santorini is filled with lots of small little churches so Firostefani village is no exception. Stop by the Church of the Virgin Mary of Aghioi Theordoroi and Aghios Gerasimos. The rest of the neighbourhoods are much like the style of the island, of closely built homes and commercial properties in close proximity.

 

Perissa Village

Perissa is where you will find the most famous beaches in Santorini, the black sand beach. Like Kamari, Perissa has plenty of options when it comes to places to eat, cool water sports to experience, beach facilities, you can also find some on Santorini’s largest churches here like the Church of the Holy Cross, in addition to the Museum of Minerals and Fossils. Kamari and Perissa are divided by the Kolada, an impressive rock located on the end of the black sand beach. Both cities can be explored in a day if the beaches don’t take up much of your sunbathing time. Another aspect as to why Perissa is important is its remnants of the Byzantine Period, the Church of Agia Irini (Santa Irini) from which the name of the island is derived, Santorini.

 

 

 

Emporeio Village

The otherwise know as Emporio village is the very largest of Santorini’s villages and overlooks Perissa and Perivolos. Once upon a time the economic heart of the island, you will find churches and the famous windmills on the Gavrilos Hill, Agios Nikolaos Marmartis with Greek marbles and the best-preserved castle on the island. Be sure you visit before heading out to the beaches of Perissa, Perivolos or Vlyhada.

 

Kamari Village

If you are visiting Santorini for a beach holiday you will mostly like love spending your time in Perissa of Kamari. Kamari plays host to the island’s popular seaside promenade with plenty of cafes,  restaurants, bars and shops. There is everything you could possibly need to spend a full day here. Lively blue flag beaches, and if you are up for experiencing Santorini like a local, also check out the open-air cinema ash is Cine Kamari which is open all year round.

 

 

Vothonas Village

This is another cool village in Santorini worth visiting. Built on a dried-up river bed, its unique building are all built underground. While far from the main thoroughfare of the island, if you manage to trek it to this side of the island you will be rewarded with the beautiful Monolithos Beach, fresh fish tavernas and overall cutes and tranquil atmosphere.

 

Megalohori  Village

A paradise for Santorini wines, with three of Santorini’s most popular and important wine brands located here; Boutaris, Gavalas and Venetsanos. If you want to experience a slow pace of Santorini, then head to Megalohori, built after the pirate raids had been eliminated. Here you will find many of Santorini’s wineries, domed churches and restaurants. If you are looking for Santorini’s hidden gems, you will find it in Megalohori.

 

Heading To Santorini? Also Read:

• Stunning Santorini Villas With Infinity Pools
• Santorini Travel Guide
• How To See Santorini In 3 Days
• Best Guide To 10 Days In Greece
• Where To Stay In Mykonos
• How To Get From Athens To Santorini
• Things To Do In Santorini At Night

 

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