Pyrgos

Πύργος Καλλίστης

A medieval hilltop village and former capital in the centre of the island. Its white lanes around the Venetian castle quarter are quiet, with 360° views over the whole island. It shows the 'real side' of Santorini.

Pyrgos ('tower') sits on a hilltop in the centre of the island at about 370 meters above sea level. It is the best-preserved medieval village on Santorini and served as the island's capital until 1800. The castle (Kasteli), one of the five Venetian-era castles, is at the highest point of the village. Unlike Oia and Fira, it has almost no cliffside hotels and few crowds. White stone lanes wind around the hilltop, with arches, small chapels (the village has more than 30 churches), and laundry hanging out to dry, creating the everyday charm of the Cycladic islands. Climb the steps to the terrace of the Church of the Dormition at the top of the castle quarter for a 360° view of the whole island. To the north you see Fira and Oia's white cliffs, to the east the coastline of Kamari, and to the south Akrotiri. It is the only place on the island where you can see both coasts at once, and the sunset is also spectacular. Inside the village, you can visit the Museum of Icons and Sacred Vessels (located in the Church of the Dormition, small entrance fee) and the Church of Agios Nikolaos, built in 1660. On Good Friday evening before Orthodox Easter, villagers light thousands of oil lamps in tin cans along the walls and rooftops across the village, one of Santorini's most famous religious night scenes. From the square at the village entrance, it is a 3-minute walk to the Santo Wines and Venetsanos wineries. Driving uphill for about 10 minutes takes you to the monastery and viewpoint of Profitis Ilias, the highest point on the island at 567 meters. The village has several well-reviewed restaurants, such as Selene and Metaxy Mas in nearby Exo Gonia, and traditional cafés. Prices are lower than in the clifftop towns. Getting there: take a bus from Fira toward Perissa or Akrotiri, about 10 to 15 minutes, and get off at the Pyrgos stop, or drive (there is a car park at the village entrance).

Pyrgos

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Places to eat nearby