Exploring Santorini’s Villages: Beyond Oia & Fira

While we mentioned going beyond Oia and Fira, that doesn’t mean you should skip them. Both are must-see Santorini villages that should be experienced. Avid hikers might take one of the top treks, a route that travels 6.5 miles between Fira and Oia, passing Firostefani and Imerovigli villages while showcasing breathtaking views of the endless blue of the Aegean throughout. It’s even better when timed to catch the famous sunrise from Oia. Either way, you’ll want to wander the village’s picturesque streets with whitewashed structures splashed with blue. Fira offers some outstanding museums, shops, and art galleries.

Pyrgos

Pyrgos was built into the Mount Profitis foothills, ideal for glimpsing authentic local daily life. It’s also the highest village in Santorini which means you’ll enjoy some of the best panoramic views of the island from here. Many say it’s one of the best-kept secrets, with few crowds and little modern development. A well-preserved medieval village, the maze of cobblestone streets features marble arches, whitewashed churches, and pastel-painted homes. It also hosts one of the island’s five Venetian castles, Kasteli, built in the 16th century. It’s fun to wander around the vast castle that will take you back hundreds of years into the past. While you can explore Pyrgos in less time, a half-day here is ideal for soaking up the atmosphere.

Megalochori

Dating to the 17th century, Megalochori is one of the island’s most photogenic villages, with the locals putting in an extensive effort to restore and maintain its traditional buildings. There are majestic mansions, traditional Greek villages, rumored pirate dens, and wine caverns. Don’t miss it if you want to get to know Santorini residents while escaping the hustle and bustle. The square in the heart of the village is the focus of life here. Locals gather to socialize and dine beneath shady trees at traditional cafes. You can see most of the town in 40 minutes at a slow pace but if you want to hike the 4.2-mile trail between Megalochori to Emporio Thiras you’ll need a couple more hours.

Emporio

Set at the foot of Mount Prophet at Santorini’s southern end, about six miles from Fira, Emporio is the largest village on the island, overlooked by the Tower of Nimborio ruins and a magnificently restored Venetian castle constructed in the 15th century. You’ll want at least an hour or two to explore the medieval streets and alleyways in the Old Town, lined with blue-domed churches and bell towers. Be sure to stop to see the Agios Nikolaos Marmaritis church, constructed out of marble. There are also enticing shops, bars, cafes, and traditional tavernas for an authentic meal that can be complemented with high-quality Greek wines. If you have more time, you might visit the famous black sand beaches of Perissa or Perivolos nearby.

Akrotiri

Prehistoric Akrotiri is one of the most fascinating places to explore near Akrotiri village. Now an archaeological site, it was buried under volcanic ash during the massive eruption nearly 3,700 years ago. You’ll need at least an hour or two to visit, but ideally more. Like Pompeii in Italy, the ash preserved much of life at the time, complete with two-story buildings and homes, furniture, advanced drainage systems, frescoes, pottery, and more. The frescoes are especially notable for the study of Minoan art, preserved much better than those that can be seen at Knossos Palace in Crete. To get the most out of it, take a guided tour. In Akrotiri village, there’s a Venetian castle and the famous Red Beach is nearby.

Karterados

To explore charming Karterados and its picturesque Cycladic architecture, you’ll want a couple hours which will allow for taking advantage of the many photo ops which include the Cycladic-style Church of St. Anastasia with its blue domes. You can wander the narrow, winding streets which have a much more laid-back atmosphere as compared to Oia and Fira. Enjoy the views of whitewashed homes draped in bright bougainvillea and shopping independent venues selling local handicrafts and souvenirs. You’ll need more time if you’re interested in hiking with a number of scenic trails from here, including the Caldera path connecting Oia and Fira and paths leading to other villages. Kamtouki and Monolithos beaches are close by for sunbathing and marveling at sea views.

Most visitors to Santorini stick to the main villages of Fira and Oia, but if you want to escape the tourist crowds, enjoy unique experiences and a more authentic, traditional side of the island, it’s important to go beyond that well-beaten path. Thick crowds fill the popular spots but you can easily find a more tranquil setting by heading to any one of the villages we’ve mentioned here. Without as many visitors around, it’s also easier to get to know the locals. Perhaps spend time in a village square where they tend to gather, smile, and start a conversation to learn more about a local’s family and history on the island – it’s likely to be a highlight of your time here.

Exploring Santorini’s less-visited villages is probably easier than you think. You might rent a car or a scooter if you want lots of freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace and spend as much or as little time as you’d like in each. Or, opt for a private tour of the island for a customized experience tailored to your interests. A local guide can bring you to some of the best hidden gems like Pyrogos and Emporio as well as make even more lesser-known recommendations while providing local insight that’s difficult to get any other way. There are also bus services for accessing even out-of-the-way villages in addition to connecting the major towns, and exploring on foot is possible too.

For the most tranquil and enjoyable experience, the best time of day to visit the lesser-known villages in Santorini is during the early morning hours or late afternoon, especially during the peak of the tourist season which sees the thickest crowds and the most sizzling heat, particularly in July and August. Visiting not long after dawn is ideal for photography with the morning light enhancing the beauty of Cycladic architecture. The local shops and cafes will just be opening, providing the chance to enjoy fresh-brewed Greek coffee and breakfast in peace. Just as the sun starts to go down, Oia will be jam-packed but the other villages will be serene while splashed with an enchanting glow during the golden hour.