Pyrgos Kallistis, Santorini Greece
Discover everything you need to know about holidays or a visit to Pyrgos Village in our Pyrgos travel guide. Find out about the best things to do in Pyrgos, your wining and dining options and insider local tips that you won’t necessarily read in the guide books.
Santorini’s most Beautiful & Authentic Village away from the crowds
Located just minutes from the caldera, 15 minutes from beaches and the capital Fira
A relaxed and super friendly village with great places to Eat & Drink
Why is Pyrgos Village the 'Hidden Gem' of Santorini ?
Pyrgos has gained the reputation of being Santorini’s Hidden Gem for good reason. Sitting proudly on the slopes of Mount Profitis Ilias and built amphitheatrically, Pyrgos boasts the most amazing 360 views of the entire island of Santorini. Away from the busy and sometimes crowded towns of Fira and Oia, Pyrgos showcases the very best of Santorini.
It is the most beautiful, preserved village on Santorini with the best example of the island’s 5 medieval castles, blue domed churches and whitewashed cave houses.
Despite its central location in the island, Pyrgos has been spared the development that has gone on elsewhere in Santorini. The result: a laid back, tranquil and traditional village with bags of style and class. Wander through the medieval streets and around every corner there’s a perfect photo opportunity, not to mention amazing places to eat and drink. You won’t find tourist traps here either; the restaurants and bars are likely to be filled with as many Greeks as tourists! The sunsets here too are spectacular and best of all you won’t be jostling for position with the crowds. You’ll most likely want to explore Santorini and Pyrgos’ central location means you’re well positioned to do this. One thing we guarantee, you’ll love coming back to Pyrgos and probably won’t want to leave!
Location on the Map
Pyrgos – Airport 6 km
Pyrgos – Port (Athinios) 6 km
Pyrgos – Fira (the capital) 4 km
Pyrgos – Perissa Beach 7 km
Pyrgos – Kamari Beach 5 km
Pyrgos – Oia 19 km
Thanks to Pyrgos’ central location on the island of Santorini, most places are within 15 to 20 minutes drive away. Both the port and airport are 20 minutes drive way, even in high season. Oia is approximately 30 minutes away (depending on traffic). What’s more, travelling around Santorini from Pyrgos is relatively easy. A car hire is useful if you want total flexibility and independence but there’s also a decent bus service with buses running to Fira (the capital) and Perissa beach.
Eating Out in Pyrgos
With no less than 4 of the top 10 Santorini restaurants being in Pyrgos as voted by Conde Nast, eating out in Pyrgos is a foodie’s dream. Sample the very best Greek and Santorinian food in cosy tavernas or dine in excellent restaurants which service Mediterranean and Greek inspired dishes. There’s something here for every taste and occasion. Share Greek meze and wine under the shade of the pine trees in the square and head up to Franco’s bar for romantic sunset drinks. For more information on the best places to eat in Pyrgos, click here.
Amazing Wineries
Surrounded by wine growing country, it’ll come as no surprise that there are plenty of fantastic wineries in and around Pyrgos. Santo Wines is literally 15 minutes away on foot. The wines and the view overlooking the caldera promise an unforgettable experience and endless photo opportunities. Venetsanos Winery is close by too (5 minutes by car) and one of the oldest wineries on the island. We can’t decide whether the views or the wine are better. You can decide! More information on Santorini wineries.
Things to Do when you stay in Pyrgos
One of the greatest pleasures about staying in Pyrgos is that you’ll feel like you’re staying in one of the most beautiful places on Santorini. Just wander around the village, enjoy leisurely lunches and soak up the authentic and friendly Greek feel. If you get itchy feet, then head off on a caldera sunset cruise, visit the amazing site of Akrotiri or go for cocktails and shopping in Fira, the capital. If you like the feeling of sand between your toes, beaches are close by too (15 minutes by car or bus). As night falls, dine in the best restaurants on the island and then retire to Demeter Cave House, your home from home.
History of Pyrgos, Santorini
Pyrgos started life as a monastery. With the arrival of the Venetians at the beginning of the 13th Century it was turned into a fortress hamlet, one of five on Santorini. The tower at the centre of the settlement was surrounded by thick walls. Within the thick walls were houses stretching two or three floors. And with just one entrance to the settlement, this provided safety from the pirates that roamed the seas.
With time, and as the threat of pirate invasions diminished, the villagers created window openings and sheltered balconies. And the village started to expand beyond the castle walls.
In the 1956 earthquake, the castle of Pyrgos did not suffer too much from damage but many houses were condemned shortly afterwards and upper floors were demolished filling the ground floors with rubble. Many of the inhabitants of the kastelli were forced to move out and built new homes on the lower slopes of the village.
Key Attractions
Pyrgos Castle (Kasteli)
Put on some comfortable walking shoes and make your way slowly through the cobble-stoned pathways that lead up from the main square. It’s the only way you can visit Pyrgos Castle, which is the best preserved of the five Venetian castles that once stood on the island. Don’t worry about getting lost; all paths will lead you to the top where the views are fantastic.
Blue Domed Churches
With over 40 churches dotted around the village, you’ll have your pick of blue domes to photograph. Many of the churches are not open to the public but find a friendly local or speak to us and chances are we’ll find the person with the key.
Panagia Eisodia is the largest church in town and was built in the early 16th century. Other notable churches that you should view are Agia Theodosia and Theotokaki of Koimisis, which is one of the oldest churches on the island. And of course, Agios Dimitrios is right next door to Demeter Cave House (and we have the key for this one!)
Santorini Museum of the Past, the Cultural Village
Also called the Cultural Village, the Santorini Museum of the Past allows you to step back in time to a period when Santorini was not on anyone’s bucket list. It’s not your classic museum but more a cultural living museum showing folk costumes, photographs and typical house interiors. Its purpose is to give you a glimpse into the life on Santorini before tourism.
Other Pyrgos Stories in our Blog
