The village of Pyrgos served as the capital of Santorini in the 18 th century. Its unique architecture makes it a classic fortress settlement of the Cyclades. This hilltop village is still considered one of the few traditional areas of Santorini today.
Pyrgos Kallistis is the full name of the village, located about 4.6 kilometers from the center of Fira. Local buses provide daily service from the main square of the village.
The quiet and relaxing atmosphere of the village makes it the perfect place for leisure. As you stroll through the narrow alleys of Pyrgos, you’ll discover traditional tavernas, historic churches, and charming boutique shops offering souvenirs and clothing. Additionally, in the main square of Pyrgos, there are several more restaurants and cafés serving delicious food. You’ll also find the bus station there, complete with a timetable for the local bus schedules.
The Monastery of Profitis Ilias, located at the highest point of the mountain, is definitely worth a visit. Inside this historic Orthodox monastery, you will find two small churches and a selection of local products made in Santorini by farmers and monks. Thanks to its hillside location, you can see every part of Santorini from its balcony and admire the volcanoes along with Thirassia Island. Additionally, you can enjoy romantic sunset views without the crowds that often gather in Fira or Oia, as this is a lesser-known spot for many tourists.
Santo Wines Winery is also located very close to the village of Pyrgos. If you are a wine lover, you will be amazed by this place and its award-winning wines. It’s about a 20-minute walk (1.2 kilometers) and very easy to find, as there is only one road leading to the winery.
The black sand beach of Kamari is about 5.2 kilometers from Pyrgos. The easiest way to get there is by taking a taxi or renting a vehicle, as buses typically go to Fira, requiring a transfer to another bus to reach the beach. The crystal-blue waters and the coastal pedestrian street lined with restaurants offer a great opportunity for anyone looking for a relaxing day by the beach.
The airport is 5.5 km from the village. To get there, you can use local transportation, but you must first go to Fira and then change buses to take one to the airport. Alternatively, you can hail a taxi from the street or book one online with Cozypickups. By booking a cab online, you can save vacation time and make your trip stress-free without delays.
The most efficient way to reach Athinios port is by taking a taxi, as there is no direct bus service. Otherwise, you would need to change buses twice, which can be time-consuming, especially with the heavy traffic during the busy months, making it a frustrating experience for your holiday. The distance between the port and the village of Pyrgos is 5.2 km.
