There are many picturesque Santorini villages to visit: Megalochori in the west plain that overlooks the caldera, Pyrgos, at the highest point of Santorini, that naturally offers magnificent views, Emporio, the largest village with a beautiful castle, Kamari, a sought after destination for travelers from all over the world, and Firostefani, quite close to the capital, at the edge of the caldera, an essential destination in Santorini.
Another famous village of Santorini is Imerovigli. Its highlight is the Castle of Skaros, that was built in the early thirteenth century and offers amazing views, as it is the topmost point of the caldera. Imerovigli has been declared a traditional settlement and it is indeed a marvel to walk through its cobblestone pathways and just take in the beauty of the Aegean islands. A visit to Imerovigli and Skaros is definitely a must.
Good climate, good soil and a centuries-old tradition are responsible for the excellent wines of Santorini, another source of pride for the people of the island. Dandelion Travel can take you on a wine tour of Santorini to taste Vinsanto and Assyrtiko, as well as some of the local delicacies. Santorini has a lot of traditional wineries to choose from, as well as some new, boutique wineries, that can show you a new twist on the wine experience.
Fira, the capital of Santorini, is the best way to explore Santorini’s volcanic origins. Built on top of the caldera, with the port at the bottom, it is a wonderful experience just to reach it, either by donkey or by cable car. The people of Santorini are very proud of their volcano and Fira will let you discover why. When you’re having a drink or a meal with unparalleled views, allowed by the caldera, you’ll know why they love it.
Oia, perhaps the most beautiful village in Santorini, is perched on a steep cliff. It should be part of any trip to the island. Ideally, you’ll visit it during the sunset, as it is famous all over the world. The picturesque village, the whitewashed houses are all bathed in the light of the setting sun, creating a spectacle to remember. There is a reason couples choose Oia to stay when at the island, as it is considered the most romantic location of Santorini.
The Ancient Greek Oia was one of the two harbours of ancient Thera and was located in the southeast of the island, where Kamari is now.Oia reached the peak of prosperity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its economic prosperity was based on its merchant fleet, which plied trade in the Eastern Mediterranean, especially from Alexandria to Russia. The two-story captains’ houses built on the highest part of the village are a reminder of the village’s former affluence. Part of the town was destroyed by the 1956 earthquake.
Oia typifies the white-painted houses of the Cyclades, in many cases built directly into niches which are cave houses used by crew of the ships, on the lip of the volcanic crater, between which are narrow alleys and blue-roofed churches with cupolas. The wealthy ship captains of the late 19th century built neo-classical mansions. These houses are seen built in succession one above the other