Emporio & Kasteli
Εμπορειό
The largest village on the island, with well-preserved labyrinthine lanes in the medieval Kasteli castle and a row of old windmills on the hillside. It is much quieter than Oia.
Emporio lies in the south of the island near Perissa. It is the most populous village on Santorini and was once an important trading centre. The core of the village is the medieval Kasteli. Houses on the outer ring are joined wall to wall to form a defensive barrier. Inside, there are maze-like lanes, arches, and hidden small chapels just wide enough for one person to pass. It is much quieter than Oia. On the Gavrilos hillside outside the village, a row of old windmills catches the light beautifully in the evening. The village also has the medieval Goulas defensive tower. You can combine a visit with the Perissa black sand beach and the Ancient Thera site. Buses from Fira heading toward Perissa stop here.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Monastery of Profitis Ilias
- Megalochori
- Vlychada Beach
- Pyrgos
- Perissa Black Beach
- Santo Wines Winery
- Ancient Thera
- Kamari Beach