Fira town
Fira is the beautiful capital of the island and the biggest and most cosmopolitan settlement of Santorini. We travelled by Ferry from Athens and from there travelled by quad bike through the whole of Santorini.
Fira is a combination of beauty, social life, night life, and shopping and where all the action takes place. What makes it so ravishing is the Caldera view that left us speechless everyday. We did amazing shopping during the day, while at night we found ourselves part of a big party! There is an abundance of restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs.
Among the landmarks, we visited the Megaro Gyzi Cultural Center that organizes several cultural events, like concerts and theatrical performances. We also visited the Archaeological Museum of Thera and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, which offer a multitude of relics and historic items from the whole island.
Imerovigli village
Also known as “The balcony to the Aegean.” Built on the highest point of the caldera cliffs, about 300 meters above sea level. The attraction of the village is the famous, immense rock called Skaros. Here we did a hike with the most amazing views.
We visited the prominent church of Panagia Malteza and the chapel of Panagia Theoskepasti, built on the cliff edge in front of Skaros offering a unique panaromic view of the caldera.
Imerovigli has equally beautiful landscapes, streets and amazing restaurants but is away from the hustle and bustle. Here we had a chance to enjoy peace and tranquility. We enjoyed traditional taverns, restaurants and cafes with lovely terraces.
Firostefani village
Although Firostefani village is considered a separate settlement, it is actually an extension of Fira, the capital of Santorini. The name “Firostefani” (Fira + Stefani, meaning crown in Greek) derives from its position on the highest part of Fira. From the crown of Fira, the view is magnificent, the wild beauty of the caldera itself along with the volcano view is out of this world! We took many walks around the narrow, quaint paths and the quad bike took us to higher slopes where we enjoyed yet some more amazing views. Between Firostefani and Imerovigli, we visited the female monastery of Agios Nikolaos that holds a folklore museum.
Pyrgos village
Pyrgos is the highest village of the whole island, providing great panoramic views of both sides of the island. Pyrgos architecture remains traditional. It is slightly undeveloped with narrow, winding paths and stone houses. It is truly a breathtaking site.
Pyrgos is surrounded by blue domed churches and vineyards. Here and there we met small galleries and shops tucked into hidden corners, with traditional taverns and restaurants.
We visited the Venetian Kasteli, one of the five castles of Santorini, where the view is unexampled. It is built amphitheatrically with three churches in and around it. On the west side lays the church Theotoki or Koimisis of Theotokou that is one of the oldest churches of the island. The church of Eisodion of Theotokou is found on the highest level of Kasteli and the church of Agia Theodosia is very close to its entrance.
In Pyrgos we came across some remarkable wineries where we were able to visit the vineyards, learn about the history and production of the famed Santorini wine and, mainly, tasted the surprisingly savory wine.
Kamari village
Kamari is a seaside village, situated on the southeastern coast of Santorini. The village has modern infrastructure with many amenities and holds the airport of Santorini. There is a long promenade for a pleasant stroll overflowing with shops, restaurants, taverns and cafe-bars where we relaxed and enjoyed the sea breeze together with traditional Greek live music. We also went to a movie screening at a charming open-air cinema surrounded by trees.
The main attraction is the Kamari black pebble beach, It is clean and well-organized with deck chairs, umbrellas and lifeguards. It is miles long, lying under the captivating mountain, owning crystal clear water and black pebble “sand”. Take note that you will not be able to walk on the beach without the correct shoes as the black “sand” gets extremely hot in the sun. We took lessons at the scuba diving school and also snorkeled.
On the top of Mesa Vouno lies an important part of the history. The archaeological site of Ancient Thera is a momentous landmark of Santorini where the temples, ancient cemeteries, buildings and the theater had us in awe, along with the fascinating view.
In Vothonas village, we visited the Wine Museum that exhibits wine machinery and tools and unfolds the history and the process of wine making.
Akrotiri village
Akrotiri is a quiet village, not as popular and developed, but it offers exquisite views of the island. Akrotiri means cape and it is an actual headland due to its geographical position. It is famous for its lighthouse, the best in Greece.
In Akrotiri we visited two amazing beaches. The scenery in Red Beach is almost indescribable. It is surrounded by reddish, steep cliffs that lead to dark blue crystal clear water. A wild spectacle with red big rocks lying in the sea and red stones all along the beach. Every now and again the tide comes in and sweeps over the beach so the sunbathers know to ly close to the cliff wall. The second is a small, charming beach, called White Beach, encircled with high, white rocks and covered in white pebbles. Neither of them is easily accessible, but that just adds to their allure.
Akrotiri village is home to the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a very important prehistoric town of the Aegean that is totally worth a visit.
The Castle of Akrotiri, called La Ponta, which was one of the five fortified settlements of Santorini. A 13th century tower (Goulas) is situated in the middle of the Venetian castle and boasts a magical view. We admired the remnants and visited the exhibition and workshop of traditional musical instruments. We loved the music concerts that were organised some evenings of our stay.
In short Santorini is the most magical, beautiful place I have ever visited and cannot wait for Covid19 to be over with so that I can be reunited with my happy place again!
