Villages of Santorini

The capital and the heart of the island. Here are all the shops, public services, restaurants and cafes built on the edge of the Caldera, offering an amazing view of the volcanic and surrounding islands. Here also you will find night clubs and bars for the entertainment of local people and visitors. Walking underneath the church of Ipapanti, below the hotels, you will be in Kato Fira, where you will see the traditional houses carved in the rock. The old port of Fira, the first port of Santorini is located in the bottom of the cliff. Now it serves cruise ships and tour boats, but worth a visit, as it is accessible only by cable car, by foot or donkeys. We suggest to take the path behind the cable car station which will lead you to the next villages, Firostefani and Imerovigli.

The continuation of Fira located only two kilometres away. Here except the traditional houses of local people you will find also many hotels with view to the Caldera.

Also one of the nicest villages with view to the Caldera and many hotels. Here you will find the path to Skaros, the striking rock with ruins of its castle, or as it called in Santorini ''kastelli''. Behind the rock you will find the beautiful church of Theoskepasti. Both places are higly recommended for hiking lovers. From here starts also the hiking trail for Oia, along the caldera.

It is considered the most beautiful village of the island. It used to be a city of captains, because there used to be a small shipyard, and there are still beautiful houses and mansions preserved. Breathtaking view of the caldera, marbled narrow streets, shops, traditional local houses and hotels, all built on the edge of the cliff. The atmosphere here is magical at the time of the sunset, which Oia is famous of. You should also visit the Naval Museum which is housed in a traditional captain's mansion. Oia haw two picturesque ports, Armeni and Ammoudi. Both are right below the village, you can either walk down (about 250 steps) or by donkeys. Ammoudi is also reachable by bike or car and the view here is also magical. A small jetty with taverns next to each other with local delicacies and fresh fish continues all the way behind the cliff, where it takes you across the small church of Agios Nikolaos, built on a rock. Ammoudi is also suitable for swimming for the daring, as it is not a beach, but the deep blue mysterious waters dare you for a dive.

Famous village mostly because of the archeological site which was discovered here, but also known of its ''kasteli'', its view and quietness. Ideal for visitors that want to stay somewhere calm and relaxing and enjoy the view.

These villages are known for their traditional castles, their charming narrow streets around the village and the fact that they are almost intact from tourism. Here you will see the every day life of local people of the south side of the island, some small taverns, mostly family businesses and local products. Other villages intact from tourism are Karterados, Vothonas, Mesa and Exo Gonia and Vourvoulos.