Fira

Fira is the capital of Santorini. Its location, built along the edge of the caldera at an altitude of about 250 meters, just opposite the volcano has made it an attractive tourist destination. The city of Fira was founded at the end of the 18th century, when the inhabitants of the old capital, the castle of Skaros located in the area of today's Imerovigli, were forced to flee due to an earthquake. It is interesting to note that all authorities of the island had come to an agreement about the location of this new capital.

Imerovigli

Imerovigli is a village in Santorini situated 3 km north of Fira, at the highest point of the caldera, approximately 300 meters above sea level. It is a picturesque settlement, with the famous Cycladic colors, built at the highest point of the cliff, with houses literally perched on the edge, and with stunning views of the Caldera and the volcano. Its name comes from the words imera (=day) and vigla (Latin vigilare: "to supervise") and can probably be attributed to the existence of a tower that functioned as a day observatory, as it was easy to scan the entire area from that location and inform islandersin case of approaching pirates.

Oia

Oia is the most famous settlement of Santorini. It is also called "Apano Meria" or "Anomeria" and the inhabitants "Anomerites". It is situated at the northern end of the island, at 11 kilometers from Fira and at an altitude of about 121 meters. Most of the photos of Santorini you have seen are from Oia as the picturesque settlement has become a pole of attraction for many artists and writers around the world. The exquisite sunsets in combination with the rough terrain and the traditional Cycladic architecture offer the visitor an experience worthy of the island’s international reputation.

Pyrgos

Built at the foot of Mount Prophet Elias, far from the sea, Pyrgos Kallistis or simply Pyrgos and formerly Kainourgiobourgo, is located at the island’s highest point and is surrounded by vineyards that produce the famous white wines of the Assyrtiko variety.

Megalochori

Megalochori is one of the most picturesque villages of the island and its existence can be tracked back to the middle of the 17th century. It is located in the southwestern part of the island, about 9 km from Fira.

Akrotiri

Akrotiri settlement is situated in the southwest of Santorini island and got its name due to its geographical location (AKROTIRI = CAPE).
At the top of the hill on which the modern village is built, stands the Venetian tower (Goulas), also known as Akrotiri castle or La Ponta, i.e. the old castle. The castle was built in the 13th century by the Republic of Venice, which had taken over Santorini in 1207. With a view to fortifying the island, Venetians built a series of fortresses and observatories at key points around it.

Perissa

Perissa is a coastal village of Santorini, located on its southeastern edge, 13 km from Fira. Some researchers believe that Perissa is located on the site of the ancient city of Eleusis, which is reported by Claudius Ptolemy the Geographer as one of the cities of Santorini. Findings proving that there was an ancient city in Perissa have been excavated since 1836. On the ruins of this ancient city was built during Byzantine times another city, which must have been very rich, as proven by the existence of ruins of a large three-aisled basilica dedicated to Saint Irene. You can find the ruins of the Basilica of Saint Irene, which the island was presumably named after, at the foot of the mountain.

The heart of Santorini

The heart of Santorini near Megalochori village.