Pyrgos in Santorini is one of the towns or villages you must visit while on the island, as it’s a super cute and alternative version of Oia. Pyrgos Santorini is where you should go to avoid the crowds in Oia, and it is a quieter place to watch the sunset or just a calmer place overall. However, there are still many things to do in Pyrgos, and you may fall in love with this cute little gem of a village.
Pyrgos is also called “Pyrgos Kallistis” and is here on Google Maps.
If you don’t already know, most Santorini wineries are located in Pyrgos and the surrounding areas. It’s obvious that this is one of the best things to do while in the area, but there is more to it.
READ ALSO:In my opinion, the absolute best things to do in Pyrgos are:
- Visit a winery or hop on a Guided Wine Tasting Tour, which will allow you to visit more than one winery in the area and also allows you to drink as much wine as you may want since driving and alcohol should strongly be avoided (the bus won’t take you directly to the wineries as these are not located in Pyrgos
- Visit Santo Winery just outside of Pyrgos village (the bus from Fira to Pyrgos stops just outside the winery)
- Wander the streets of Pyrgos and feel like being in a maze
- Climb up to the top of the hill and visit the church of the Holly Mary (you can get inside and see its interior)
- Visit Franco’s Cafe in Pyrgos and relax while enjoying one of the best views on the island
- Eat at Pyrgos Restaurant with incredible views (and yummy food)
- Eat or just have a cocktail at the brand-new and very chic Capri
- Enjoy a coffee or just your ouzo with Greek mezze in the cute traditional “Kafeneio” (Greek cafe) called Kantouni at the bottom of the traditional village.
VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW:
- Best Website To Book Any Tour in Greece: GetYourGuide
- You can go to Pyrgos by taking the local Santorini bus from Fira; the ticket costs 2 euros (or around that price…thank you, crazy inflation)
- The main bus stop in Pyrgos is at the bottom of the hill, and cars are not allowed inside the traditional village (Kastelli), so be prepared for some hiking and walking to the top.
- There are no beaches close to Pyrgos. Pyrgos is in the center of Santorini, and it’s the town with the highest altitude; that is why the views from the top are stunning.
- If you only have time for one winery, make it the Santo Winery, which sits outside of Pyrgos and overlooks the volcano and the caldera. if you
- If you want to visit a winery that is very close to the centre of Pyrgos, then visit the Hadjidakis Winery, which is about a 20-minute walk from the bus stop in Pyrgos. Don’t expect any crazy views, though; only one of the best wines in Greece and Europe.
So, let’s dive in and see the best things to do in Pyrgos Santorini:
1. Guided Wine Tasting Tour
Here is the complete list of Santorini Wineries with all the details and directions to get there. However, if you have time for only one winery, make it the Santo Winery, which is just outside of Pyrgos but overlooking the caldera with stunning views of the volcano.
2. VisitSanto Winery (just outside of Pyrgos)
You can get to the winery by taking the local bus from Fira, and if you are staying in Pyrgos, you can walk for about 20 minutes to reach it. While there, you should try the 6 or 12 wines tasting session with Greek nibbles and mezze.
Your waiter will explain everything you need to know about the Santorini wines. You should also visit their winery shop, which has a large selection of Santorini wines and other local products. The winery gets very busy during the summer months of June, July, August, and September, but you can book your session in advance:
3. Wander the streets of Pyrgos Kallistis
There is a good reason you may feel like being in a maze: The village was built like this to protect it from the strong winds of winter and to provide some coverage and confuse any foreign intruders. If you happen to be in Pyrgos during the Greek Easter (in April), you should visit it, as Pyrgos on Good Friday is lit with candles, providing an incredible sight.
4. Visit Franco’s Cafe at the top of Pyrgos Kallistis
There are many spots to watch the sunset in Santorini, but my favourite one is not in Oia but on the top of Pyrgos Kallistis while enjoying a drink or a coffee at Franco’s Cafe. Classical Music and Opera are playing continuously from the speakers, adding to the beautiful location. Even though this cafe is not in a top tourist area, it can become busy in July, August, and September, so make sure you get there in time to have a table to watch the sunset.
5. Visit the Holly Mary Church of Pyrgos
The lovely patio of the church is made of pebbles from the nearby beaches of the island, and it’s next to Franco’s cafe. Here is the church on Google Maps.
6. Eat atPyrgos Restaurant
Pyrgos restaurant is one of the most famous choices when it comes to wedding venues in Santorini, but it’s nonetheless a magnificent restaurant with excellent Greek food. The restaurant itself is at the entrance of Pyrgos village, and it has spectacular 360-degree views overlooking Oia and parts of the caldera lagoon with the volcano. There is also a large parking area just outside the restaurant.
7. Have a cocktail at Capri
And I am here to tell you about this little secret. Capri opened recently and quickly gathered some of the most positive reviews from anyone who has visited it.
While everyone is packed in Oia watching the sunset, please do yourself a favour and go for dinner and a signature cocktail at this beautiful bar-restaurant. Try to be there as early as possible if you want to catch the sunset, though, as I am pretty sure the place will be the new hit of the island this year. Contact them here to book a table.
8. Visit the traditional “kafeneio” Kantouni (now a restaurant)
Wherever you travel in Greece, try to find an old traditional “kafeneio” (cafe) or coffee shop. These are usually located in the center of the villages or the central square, and they are “institutions” of good coffee, excellent location, and local gossiping. Gone are the days when the village men used to hang out there for a whole day while the women did all the hard work of housekeeping (I am not proud of that regime in Greek culture, to be honest, but it is a fact).
Kantouni is a lovely, cute restaurant and cafe that now serves excellent Greek food and meze with ouzo (the national drink of Greece). Nothing is better in the Greek summer heat than enjoying a cold coffee or a Greek beer under the shade of the big trees outside of Kantouni. Make yourself a favour and relax at Kantouni while in Pyrgos.
CONCLUSION
So, there you have them. These are the best things to do in Pyrgos, Santorini. This is one of the loveliest Santorini villages; even just wandering on its streets and alleys is a great experience.
In recent years, many new hotels have opened in the area, providing an alternative view and overall experience on the island compared to the typical Fira, Imerovigli, and Oia accommodation. This is now preferred by many people who want to see a different side of the island without being packed or overwhelmed by the flood of tourists that Oia or Fira experience in the summer months.
