Charming Pyrgos Village On Santorini

The “hidden gem of Santorini, Pyrgos Village, is a place to explore. Most tourists will head to the caldera and the strange landscapes, though dedicating some time to stroll around Pyrgos will be a delight!

Also known as Pyrgos Kallistis, this townlet is at the island’s highest point, offering sensational sights of the island and its most prominent villages. But beyond the stunning views, what makes Pyrgos truly the “hidden gem” of an island?

Let’s find out.

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How to get there and when to get there?

Pyrgos Village is only 8 km from Fira, Santorini’s Chora. So, you can go by car, bus, or taxi. A car ride is roughly 10 minutes long, while a bus ride with the local KTEL bus will take about 15 minutes, and the fare is 1.80 euros. If you go by taxi, you will pay much more, especially during the peak season.

If you do take the bus, be careful! Not all buses stop at Pyrgos. Make sure you ask the driver if you need clarification.

The best season to visit Pyrgos is from late April to late September. April, May, and September are considered the best months to see it because the temperatures are not too high, there are fewer tourists and lower prices.

Remember that Santorini is overcrowded in July and August, so prepare for that. However, Pyrgos is a little less crowded in comparison.

A brief intro into its past

Pyrgos means “tower” in Greek. Pyrgos dates back to the 16th century, during the Venetian rule of Santorini. So it is a proper name for this fortified village full of history.

They picked the island’s highest point to build a castle as part of a give-castle project to protect the island from invaders and pirates. Pyrgos eventually became Santorini’s capital.

After Santorini fell to the Ottomans, Pyrgos’ functionality shifted from a fortress of protection to a place of exile for political refugees.

After World War II, the devastating earthquake caused much damage to the village. So, residents abandoned it up until the tourist boom of the 1980s and 90s, when serious restoration efforts revived it.

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What to see and do in Pyrgos

There are a lot of things to see and do in Pyrgos, but our top picks:

Explore Pyrgos by yourself: Walking around Pyrgos is equivalent to exploring an open-air museum. Thanks to its “protected settlement” status, a big part of the entire settlement is preserved to be entirely authentic. Lose yourself in the meandering lanes with the bright white traditional houses, and discover the hidden little shops.
See Kastelli: Pyrgos has one of the best-preserved castles from the Venetian era and the best-preserved out of the five built-in Santorini. Entering the fortification feels like stepping back in time. Therefore we are sure you will love it too.

See its churches: There are 48 churches in Pyrgos alone, some of which are the oldest in Santorini. However, you can enjoy most of them only from the outside as they are private properties. However, there are a few which you can admire from the inside as well. One good example is Panagia Eisodia, the largest church in the village and one of the oldest, dating from the 16th century.
Visit the Monastery of Profitis Elias: Fortifight monastery, built in the early 1700s, is dedicated to the Prophet Elias. It may take you a while to get there on foot. However, once you get there, you will be satisfied. The village namely offers a stunning view of the village and its surroundings.
Taste the local wine: Pyrgos is quite famed for its wines. There are two wineries ( Santo Wine and Hatzidakis Winery) you should need to visit! Go on a wine-tasting tour and try their wines with a slice of local goat cheese.

The Conclusion of Pyrgos Village On Santorini article

What do you think about Pyrgos Village? Which one was your favorite village on the island? We’d love to read all about it. Please share with us this and more in the comments below.