My top 5 villages in Santorini
Lounging by the poolside, gazing at the Aegean and simply chilling is an excellent way to spend time in Santorini. But if you are anything like me, you’d want to go explore the island a bit!
So, I visited the various villages in the island and loved the different feel and vibe that each of those villages offered. Here’s a list of my top 5 villages in Santorini, in no particular order, and what I thought of them. You may consider this blogpost as a mini-guide 😀
Fira
Vibe: Commercial
The capital of Santorini, Fira is definitely the place if you are looking for any nightlife. It is also the main bus terminal. Any bus on the island arrives and departs from Fira. It has streets lined with shops and eateries, and is generally abuzz with activity and people. MANY people! If you plan to take the public transport in Santorini, you are bound to find yourself in Fira. Try Lucky’s Souvlaki on main street near bus terminal for lunch. That’s a good one!
(Unfortunately, I have no pictures of Fira 🙁 )
Pyrgos
Vibe: Traditional
Pyrgos is an exceptionally pretty yet quiet village. In fact, most of the tourists probably don’t reach Pyrgos. You could get a bus to Pyrgos from Fira, but the frequency is not that high. Maybe rent an ATV if you feel adventurous 🙂 To reach the castle on the top, one has to pass through narrow lanes and alleyways, past almost empty houses(at least they were empty in early May). Due to its not-so-pristine-whiteness, there is a sense of solitude and an authenticity. Climb to the castle for rewarding views and maybe sit down for a coffee on the rooftop restaurant. Or head to nearby Santo winery which also boasts of some amazing views.
Traditional and Cultural village – Pyrgos
Hidden alleys in Pyrgos
Pretty Souvenir shops in Pyrgos
Peek-a-boo in Pyrgos
Imerovigli
Vibe: Romantic
Imerovigli is where I was stayed in Santorini. It literally means a lookout point. Being the highest in the central part of the island, Imerovigli is known as the balcony of Santorini 😀 It has many boutique hotels, all at the edge of the caldera. And they all offer unbelievable sweeping views of the caldera as well as of the legendary sunsets. It is an extremely small village, with a very few restaurants and facilities. But it is definitely romantic, quiet and non-touristy which makes it a perfect honeymoon location.
One of the umpteen hotels in Imerovigli
Pretty in Pink
Common path lined with hotels, facing the caldera in Imerovigli
Firostefani
Vibe: Glamourous little sister of the uber-glamourous Oia
If travelling by road between Fira and Imerovigli, one wouldn’t think much of Firostefani. Walk from the caldera side, and you will be charmed. Perched on the edge of the cliff, it offers beautiful views of nearby Fira, as well as the volcano and the sunset. It has many hotels and restaurants, and a few shops. Both Fira and Imerovigli can be reached conveniently on foot.
Yet another blue-domed church in Firostefani
Walking around in Firostefani
The village of Firostefani
Oia
Vibe: Uber-Glamourous
Tumbling down on the edge of the caldera, this white-washed village is what dreams are made of. Throw in some pastels and and then those vivid Santorini blues, and you’ve the most popular and most visited village in the island of Santorini. Every year, in the peak season, hordes of tourists visit Oia. While you may just need a few hours in rest of the villlages, you can easily spend a day in Oia. Mostly because you will not be able to walk a few steps without stopping to take a picture 😀
Oia is known for the beautiful sunset views. For a prime spot to watch the sunset, you need to either walk down to the Ammoudi bay, or book a table at a restaurant with a view, or head to the castle ruins. For the latter, you need to reach bit earlier to find yourself a spot.
My favourite thing to do in Oia was to walk up and down the maze of back-alleys trying to get closest to the blue dome churches 🙂 I was literally yelled at by a very old lady wielding a stick because I stepped on a private roof terrace to get a closer picture of the domes. “2000 for the roof! 2000 for the roof!” That was quite something LOL
But that’s the thing in Oia. You see these steps leading seemingly nowhere, the aegean blue peeping from here and there and they all beckon you to explore, wander, get lost and marvel at the beauty that is Oia.
The village of Oia
Infinity steps in Oia
Love the rustic bell towers in Oia
Steps leading to Ammoudi Bay in Oia
Two of my favourite sights in Santorini – Blue-domed church and bougainvillea
I hope you enjoyed this little guide of my top 5 villages in Santorini and found it helpful! I would love to hear your thought on it. 🙂
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Cheers,
Ameeta xx
Wonderful Santorini especially village of Oia??
Author
Thank you, it’s a must-visit holiday destination!
Oh WOW Santorini looks so amazing you’ve got me wanderlusting after all these locations! Lovely images too 🙂
Anoushka Probyn – A London Fashion Blog
Author
Thanks Anoushka, I had a wonderful time in Santorini! You have a lovely website, by the way 🙂
I LOVED Santorini when I went in September! I was only there for 2 days so I didn’t get to all of the villages you mentioned but I definitely agree with what you said about Oia- that sunset was to die for! There was also an old woman yelling at someone to get off of her roof when I was there.. any chance that was you? Lol
Author
Lol, it wasn’t me. I was in Santorini earlier this month 😀 Good to know that I wasn’t the only one haha
Having said, it’s so easy to get lost in the lanes of Oia, just following the steps wherever they take you. I loved every bit of it and would definitely go back.