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Santorini villages - tourism and tradition
There are about 20 Santorini villages, ranging from busy tourist resorts, such as Fira and Oia, to traditional settlements, such as Vothonas or Exo Gonia, that only see the occasional tourist passing through.
It always amazes us that for being such a small island there really are a lot of sights to take in on Santorini.
We love discovering new villages and to find ourselves saying: 'why haven't we come here before?'
The Santorini villages are distributed quite evenly across the island and are connected with the capital of Fira by local buses.
Here is our summary of Santorini's villages. Hopefully, it can inspire you to visit a few of them during your visit.
Akrotiri
Akrotiri is a developing Santorini village that lies surrounding an old Venetian castle. In our opinion a real gem of the island well worth visiting for the views alone.
Major attractions: Archaeological museum (temporarily closed), 14th century Venetian castle, the red and white beaches, amazing views.
Emporio
One of the largest and historically most important of the Santorini villages as it used to serve as the center for buying and selling of Santorinian products. Emporio has the largest population of permanent inhabitants on the island and is still one of the best places to shop for authentic Santorini products.
Major attractions: Goulas and Kastelli castle ruins, windmills, church of Palia Panagia, local products.
Exo Gonia
A small and charming village, almost completely untouched by tourism. Nice place for a walk with great eastern sea views.
Major attractions: Church of St Charalambos, nice eastern sea views.
Finikia
Finikia is the quiet neighbor of Oia. Actually, it is more of a twin village and shares the picturesque streets and great sunset views with its more famous neighbor, but with much less of a crowd.
Major attractions: Chapels of St Constantine and St Kyriake, charming streets and alleys, Panagia Matrona village festival.
Fira
Fira is the island's capital and bustling tourist center. Narrow, cobbled streets make up a vast grid filled with little shops and restaurants that will satisfy even the most demanding tourist.
Major attractions: Catholic cathedral ('Domo'), Gialos (old harbour), caldera views, museums, shopping, dining, nightlife, etc.
Firostefani
Just north of Fira is this quiet suburbian settlement. Preferred by visitors who appreciate being close to the activities of Fira, but who also want to enjoy some quiet moments.
Major attractions: Church of St Gerasimos, great volcano views.
Imerovigli
Sometimes referred to as 'the balcony' of Santorini, this village has a privileged position with possibly the best views anywhere on the island. This is where you will find some of the most exquisite, and expensive, Santorini hotels.
Major attractions: Church of Virgin Malteza, Monastery of St Nicholas, path to Skaros rock, volcano views.
Kamari
A seaside resort pretty much sprung from the Santorini tourist boom of the 70's and 80's. This is the main village on the eastern side of the island and here you will find plenty of shops, restaurants and bars, as well as the island's only indoor cinema.
Major attractions: Beach, water sports, indoor cinema, jazz festival.
Karterados
Two kilometres inland from Fira lies this small Santorini village with quite a number of hotels for those seeking a cheaper option to the capital. Karterados has no less than three impressive churches.
Major attractions: Church of the Ascension.
Megalochori
Megalochori is best known for its large stretches of vineyards. The majority of visitors come here for some Santorini wine, but also to take in the beautiful views of the island and the caldera.
Major attractions: Wineries, magnificent views.
Mesa Gonia
Officially named Episkopi Gonia, this village has remained something of a ghost town after the Santorini earthquake in 1956 when most inhabitants moved east to Kamari.
Only recently has reconstruction begun giving a striking contrast between old ruins and new buildings. Mesa Gonia was once the most important winemaking region. Today, two old wineries remain in operation and are worth a visit.
Major attractions: Church of Panagia Episkopi, old wineries, eastern views.
Messaria
Conveniently located at the crossroads of the central island roads, this small village has become fairly popular with visitors who want to stay at the center of the island with quick access to, for example, Kamari, Perissa or Akrotiri.
Major attractions: Churches of the Holy Trinity and St Anna, Argyros mansion, traditional domed houses.
Monolithos
Monolithos is the home of the island's only operating tomato factory, a reminder of a golden age with more than 10 Santorini tomato factories serving Greece and the world. Here you will also find a shallow, family-friendly beach.
Major attractions: Tomato factory, shallow beach.
Oia
Although it has no more than 700 permanent inhabitants, Oia - sometimes called Pano Meria by locals - is the architectural gem of the island. This is the place to walk through that Greek postcard image of white-washed houses and blue church domes. The village is also world-famous for its beautiful sunsets.
Major attractions: Architecture, sunset views,
Perissa
Perissa is probably best known for attracting great numbers of fun-seeking visitors to its fine sand beach and beach-bars. It also has the largest church on the island.
Major attractions: Beach, all night beach parties, church of Perissa.
Perivolos
Perivolos is another village best known as a seaside resort, one of the most popular on Santorini. Still, it is quieter and more cosmopolitan than Perissa or Kamari. Some excellent hotels can be found here, as well as a few of the island's most famous tavernas.
Major attractions: Beach, beach bar 'day-clubbing', restaurants.
Pirgos
Built on a hill, Pirgos is the highest located Santorini village with splendid views of the entire island and the surrounding sea. It's a wonderful place for a relaxing day of sightseeing with its labyrinthian streets, many small churches and picturesque little cafés.
Major attractions: Venetian castle, churches, great island views.
Thirassia
Thirassia is not a single village but a small island that was once connected with the main island of Thira before the great Minoan eruption. It has only 245 residents, and being cut off from the main island it is virtually untouched by tourism. If you want to know what Santorini was like before tourism, then visit Thirassia!
Major attractions: Old architecture, lava ridges, great views of Santorini main island.
Vothonas
Vothonas is a typical agricultural Santorini village with virtually no tourist development. Worth visiting for the village dugout homes with their interesting domed style.
Major attractions: Church of the Virgin of the Hole, architecture.
What's Your Favorite Santorini Village?
There you have it, our account of the many Santorini villages. Now tell us, which village do you like the best? You can also vote on other Santorini favorites.
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