Pyrgos

What makes Pyrgos unique is the fact that it is the highest village of the whole island, providing great panoramic views of both sides of the island. It is situated on the west coast, about 8 kilometers southeast of Fira, the capital of Santorini.
Thanks to its privileged position it stands out from a distance and the sight from up there offers a different point of view, you can only admire from Pyrgos. You can set eyes on green valleys, the vast sea and the whole island unfolding below your feet. Pyrgos remains traditional, accordant to the Cycladic architecture. The fact that it is slightly undeveloped with narrow, winding paths and stone houses makes it adorable.

Pyrgos is surrounded by blue domed churches and vineyards. Here and there you will meet small galleries and shops tucked into hidden corners, as you get around the successive, uphill and downhill alleys. At the bottom of the village there are some tourist shops, mini markets, welcoming restaurants and taverns with delicious food and coffee shops, most of them around the main, round square.

As you are ascending this hillside village you will reach the Venetian Kasteli, one of the five castles of Santorini, where the view is unexampled. It is built amphitheatrically with three churches in and around it. On the west side lays the church Theotoki or Koimisis of Theotokou that is believed to be one of the oldest churches of the island. The church of Eisodion of Theotokou is found on the highest level of Kasteli and the church of Agia Theodosia is very close to its entrance.

One can visit many more churches and chapels in Pyrgos, but the monastery of Profitis Ilias, near the village, is worth mentioning. Inside the chapel of Agia Triada (of Profitis Ilias) is held the museum of “The icons and relics Collection” of Pyrgos which has got an important collection of ecclesiastic items, books and plenty art works.
Additionally, in Pyrgos you can come across some remarkable wineries where you can visit the vineyards, learn about the history and production of the famed Santorini wine and, mainly, taste the surprisingly savory wine.