The 15 most beautiful villages in Santorini

Are you planning to visit the Cyclades bead? We have selected for you the most beautiful cities and villages to see in Santorini.

Santorin is probably the most spectacular of the Greek islands. The form of the island was born from a violent volcanic eruption. Legend says it would be the expression of the anger of the gods...

In any event, Santorin is now one of the most impressive volcanic calderas in the world. This growing moonland is full of charming villages.

Everyone has in mind the famous whitewashed walls, enhanced with blue touches. But in Santorini, the villages are as beautiful as diverse. Between unmissable and hidden treasures, discover our favourites.

1. Oia

In the opinion of all, Oia is one of the most beautiful villages to see in Santorini. Located on the northern tip of the island, it offers a superb view of the caldera. Through its narrow streets, we discover picturesque traditional houses.

The bells, domes and mills nicely punctuate the landscape. At the sunset, Oia dyes with magic...

We would not know too much to recommend hiking along the caldera that connects Oia to Fira. It crosses several less known but equally charming villages, presented in this article.

2. Fira

Epicentre of the island, Fira is also one of the most beautiful villages to see in Santorini. Its white or colourful houses cling to the cliffside and its many churches are worth a visit.

Most importantly, since Fira, we have a great view of the caldera and especially on the volcano. The city also offers an interesting museum of archaeology, beautiful monasteries, as well as a multitude of shops, bars and restaurants.

You will especially enjoy its charms out of season, because it is generally crowded in the summer.

3. Finikia

Close to Oia, don’t miss Finikia, one of the most preserved villages in Santorini. It is surrounded by vineyards and terraces of culture that testify to its agricultural past.

In addition, there are some troglodyte houses in Finikia unveiled by archaeological research.

Finally, the small chapels around the village are also worth a look.

4. Ammoudi

Located at the foot of Oia, Ammoudi is a small fishing port nestled in a pretty bay. We access it by a long staircase from Oia.

Its fishing boats and rocky walls make up a charming painting.

You can enjoy it by having lunch on the terrace in one of the traditional taverns of the port.

5. Imerovigli

Imerovigli has the reputation of offering the most beautiful view of the caldera. Moreover, the village was traditionally the observation point where the premises were monitoring the arrival of the boats.

Imerovigli is both peaceful and alive and there is the essence of the charms of Santorini. It is a perfect observation point to enjoy the sunsets of Santorini.

You can also discover, on the impressive rock of Skaros, the ruins of a medieval castle.

6. Firostefani

Firostefani is one of the most beautiful villages to see in Santorini. Accessible on foot from Fira, it’s kind of his little brother.

You can enjoy the same view of the volcano, in addition to a beautiful view of the roofs of Fira. But the atmosphere is quite different than in the capital.

Indeed, Firostefani is a quiet village, away from the crowds of tourists.

7. Emporio

Going inside the land, for a very different experience! Emporio is a medieval city loved in a hilly landscape. Outside the beaten tourist trails, it is one of the oldest villages on the island.

It is also, at present, the largest village in Santorini. Its interlaced alleys and beautiful mills were carefully restored.

8. Pyrgos

Just for the view, Pyrgos has its place in the list of the most beautiful villages in Santorini. Indeed, situated in height, it offers a breathtaking view of the surroundings, between sea, plain and hills.

In addition, the heritage of Pyrgos is rich, with no less than forty churches. The oldest of them dates from the 11th century.

Neoclassical houses, Kasteli Venetian and the monastery of the prophet Elias will finish seduce you.

9. Megalochori

Megalochori is a real peril, miraculously spared by tourism. Perched on a hill, it offers a charming maze of steep alleys.

The village is also an obligatory passage for lovers of good wines. Indeed, it is surrounded by vineyards and accommodates several cellars.

In Megalochori, time runs slowly, and it is also this particular atmosphere that makes it one of the most beautiful villages to see in Santorini.

10. Akrotiri

Akrotiri is a village in the south of the island that does not lack assets. First of all, it hosts a large site of internationally renowned archaeological excavations.

Then it is surmounted by a medieval fortress. It is surrounded by turbulent and peaceful streets in which you stroll with happiness.

Finally, Akrotiri is close to the stunning red beach of Santorini.

11. Vothonas

What characterizes above all Vothonas is its incredible troglodyte houses carved in the rock. They blend perfectly with traditional homes and surrounding greenery to compose an amazing landscape.

Several churches are worth the detour: Agia Anna, Agios Roussos and Panagia Sergena. A short walk will also lead you to the pretty Panagia Trypa chapel, on the cliffside.

12. Manolas

Although it is not at its own location on the island, Manolas has its place in this selection of the most beautiful villages in Santorini.

This is the main hamlet of Thirassia , the small populous island facing Santorini. You will access it, on foot or on the back of a donkey, by a long staircase. Located in height, it offers stunning views of the caldera.

And this, far from the tourist affluence of Santorini. In Manolas, you will go back to the past of the archipelago before Santorin becomes a flagship destination. Indeed, its traditional alleys, shaded by the bougainvilliers, are very weak by holidaymakers.

13. Perissa

Perissa is a pleasant small seaside resort located on the east coast of Santorini. It is above all the beautiful natural landscape that surrounds it that makes its charm.

First of all, the city opens on a black sandy beach bordered by the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea. In addition, it is located at the foot of the Mesa Vouno mountain, with rounded reflections on the dwellings.

14. Karterados

Just two kilometers from Fira, Karterados is a central point to visit the island. It is a peaceful and relaxing village.

Located in the back of the coast, it is surrounded by a green landscape that contrasts with the aridity of volcanic cliffs.

In the middle of traditional houses with pastel tones, there are some elegant houses of the nineteenth century. In Karterados you will find pleasant cafes and restaurants.

15. Mesa Gonia

Mesa Gonia is a rural village in the center of the island, known for its vineyards. If you dream of spending time in the countryside and discovering local wines, a detour by Mesa Gonia is necessary! The village spreads between sea and mountains and the greenery surrounds each house.

With its stone walls, terraced constructions and vegetation, it offers a landscape that you will not see anywhere else on the island.

In conclusion, in Santorini, getting out of the beaten paths is really worth it. Of course, it would be a shame to visit the most famous villages, Oia in mind.

But as you go on adventure on the small roads of the island, you will discover many pearls. Indeed, the most beautiful villages to see in Santorini are both along the caldera and inside the land.