Beyond the Caldera: Santorini’s Prettiest Villages

There’s more to Santorini than cliffside sunsets and cruise crowds. If you step away from the caldera edge, you’ll find another side of the island — quiet alleys, painted doorways, sleeping cats, and church bells ringing somewhere just out of view.

These villages are where the heart of Santorini still beats slowly. Some are well known, others you could miss entirely if you blink — but all of them are worth a visit, even just for a walk, a coffee, or that feeling you get when you stumble into beauty with no one else around.

Here are a few of our favorite spots.

⛰️ Pyrgos (The highest village in Santorini)

Once the island’s capital, the traditional village of Pyrgos still has a quiet grandeur. It’s built in a spiral around a hill, with whitewashed houses, local shops, and the remains of a Venetian Kasteli (castle) at the top.

Climb to the ruins for one of the best panoramic views on the island — you can see both the caldera and the east coast from here. In the early evening, the light turns golden and the whole village seems to glow. Wander through the alleyways, stop for a coffee or gelato in the central square, or book dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a sunset view.

Pyrgos is just a short drive from Kamari and offers a peaceful, authentic atmosphere — far from the crowds, and full of charm.

Whitewashed church in Pyrgos — the calm side of Santorini.

🏺 Megalochori (Wineries, bell towers & secret corners)

Megalochori feels like a movie set — but with real villagers still living behind the carved wooden doors. The central square is shaded by bougainvillea and perfect for a lazy coffee or an ouzo after a walk. Wander a little further and you’ll find neoclassical mansions, winding alleys, and some of the prettiest bell towers on the island.

This village is home to a few great wineries, too — Gavalas and Venetsanos are both nearby. You’ll also find paths leading down to hidden chapels and caldera viewpoints if you’re up for a walk.

Megalochori is quiet, romantic, and real — perfect for a slow afternoon or a scenic lunch with a glass of Santorini white. Ask us at reception for walking directions, winery bookings, or sunset spots nearby.

🏰 Emporio (Hidden towers & a maze of alleyways)

Emporio is Santorini’s best-kept architectural secret. Once a fortified medieval village, it’s now a peaceful maze of white alleys, tiny blue doors, and arches that curve overhead like a puzzle. Some of the doors are so small they look like they were made for elves — perfect for a photo stop.

The heart of Emporio is its Kasteli — a small castle district that once protected villagers from pirate raids. It’s easy to get lost here (in a good way), and it’s one of the best places on the island for photography.

There’s also a handful of local cafés and bakeries. Ask us at the front desk for a quick driving route or tips for what to look for — we’re happy to point you toward the hidden corners.

🍇 Finikia (Pastel houses and old-world charm)

Just outside Oia, Finikia is one of the most charming and overlooked villages in Santorini. No big crowds here — just soft-colored houses, flowering courtyards, and quiet footpaths that wind past old wine cellars and traditional homes.

There are two places we always recommend for dinner: Lefkes, set in a restored wine cellar with a modern Greek menu and refined atmosphere; and Krinaki, a true gem that feels like yiayia invited you over and cooked from the heart. Both are magical in the evening, especially after visiting Oia or enjoying an after-sunset stroll through the lanes.

Finikia is a perfect stop before or after visiting Oia — just ask us at the reception desk if you’d like help booking a table or finding the best walking route.

🏘️ Vothonas (Underground houses & everyday island life)

Vothonas is one of Santorini’s most quietly fascinating villages — carved partly into the soft volcanic rock, with arched passageways, underground houses, and a true lived-in atmosphere. It’s not polished or staged — this is where real people still live, grow gardens, and wave to each other across narrow lanes.

The village stretches inland from the airport area and includes the quiet seaside neighborhood where Dagris Villa is located — technically part of Vothonas even though it’s by the sea. If you're staying with us, you're already a local here.

You can explore on foot and peek into the courtyards and alleyways, or visit the charming Church of St. Anna and the small wine museum nearby.

If you're feeling hungry after exploring, stop by Vothonaki — a cozy café-restaurant tucked right in the heart of the village. It’s run by our friend Andreas (we might be slightly biased), but the food and friendly atmosphere speak for themselves. Great for a coffee or something simple and local — ask us if it’s open when you visit!

Whether you’re looking for the perfect photo spot, a peaceful village walk, or a local taverna far from the tourist trail, these villages will show you the quieter side of Santorini — the side we fell in love with, and think you will too. Just ask us at the front desk if you'd like help planning your village-hopping day.