Traditional house and winery

Crescent-shaped Santorini is actually a group of islands consisting of Thíra, Thirassiá, Asproníssi, Palea and Nea Kaméni in the southernmost part of Cyclades. The whole complex of Santorini islands is still an active volcano and probably the only volcano in the world whose crater is in the sea. The islands that form Santorini came into existence as a result of intensive volcanic activity which created a large crater, the famous caldera. Santorini is a world-renowned destination due to its amazing volcanic topography, the romantic setting, the traditional villages and some of the best Greek beaches.

The traditional village of Pyrgos stands at the highest point of the island. It was the capital of Santorini until 1800 and since 1995 has been declared as a “preserved monument”. The main attraction of the village is the Venetian castle, known as “Castelli”, built around 1580. Several churches can be found while walking the cobbled streets of the village with the most important between them the church of “Agia Theodosia” (close to the old entrance of the Castelli), the “Theotokaki” church built in the 10th century (inside the west side of the castle walls), the church of “Eisodion of Theotokou” built around 1660 (at the top of the castle). The traditional alleys engage you to explore the village, giving the visitor the feeling of another era while walking between the remaining and/or renovated old mansions, build in the previous centuries. Easter is very traditional in Pyrgos, where old customs revive, making it more popular. Houses and yards are whitewashed and churches are decorated. A variety of flowers adorn the Epitaph and its procession on Holy Friday passes through the streets which are lightened with small cans that are set along its path. Pyrgos is also famous for its traditional vineyards, the island’s Wine Producers Associations (Santo Wines), the museum of Agia Triada and the Cultural Village which has been constructed the past years and is known as “Santorini of the Past”. Restaurants, Greek “tavernas” and coffee shops with splendid view of the island and the caldera can offer the visitor lunch or dinner, coffee, wine or soft drinks any time of the day.