The Hidden Villages in Santorini
- Greece Media
- Sep 14
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 17
Why Look Beyond Oia and Fira?
When most travelers imagine Santorini, they picture the postcard views of Oia’s blue domes against fiery sunsets, or Fira’s cliffside restaurants spilling down the caldera. These places are undeniably breathtaking, but they are also some of the busiest corners of the island. What many visitors do not realize is that Santorini holds a quiet network of hidden villages where time slows, locals still gather in the square for coffee, and traditions thrive away from the tourist lens.
This guide explores those villages, the ones often skipped in brochures but unforgettable once discovered. Whether you are a photographer chasing authentic backdrops, a traveler longing to avoid crowds, or someone curious about Santorini’s deeper culture, the hidden villages of the island offer a richer perspective.
Why Visit the Lesser-Known Villages of Santorini?
What Makes Santorini’s Villages Special?
Santorini’s charm lies not only in its famous sunset towns but also in its traditional inland settlements. These villages reveal whitewashed houses, narrow alleys paved with volcanic stone, Byzantine churches, and tavernas where recipes have not changed in generations. Unlike Oia or Fira, where tourism dominates, hidden villages still pulse with daily Greek life.
The Benefits of Going Off the Beaten Path
Authenticity: Villages show you how locals truly live.
Peace and Space: Less crowded, easier to wander.
Unique Photography: Different colors, textures, and scenery.
Deeper Culture: Local festivals, markets, and crafts thrive here.
Pyrgos: Santorini’s Hilltop Fortress Village
What Is Pyrgos Known For?
Pyrgos is one of the most underrated villages on the island. Once Santorini’s capital, this hilltop settlement is shaped around a Venetian castle (Kasteli) that still crowns its summit. Its winding alleys, fortified walls, and charming chapels provide both history and panoramic views of the island.
What to Do in Pyrgos
Climb to the top of Kasteli for 360° island views.
Explore churches like Theotokaki, dating to the 10th century.
Visit family-run tavernas serving slow-cooked lamb and fava.
Wander art galleries showcasing contemporary Greek work.
Editor’s Tip
Pyrgos becomes especially magical during Orthodox Easter when the village lights thousands of candles along the castle walls and pathways.
Megalochori: A Wine Lover’s Paradise
Why Megalochori Stands Out
Megalochori remains one of the most atmospheric villages, with a deep connection to Santorini’s wine heritage. Cobbled streets lead to neoclassical mansions, bell-tower churches, and hidden courtyards that seem frozen in time.
What to Do in Megalochori
Tour local wineries such as Gavalas or Venetsanos.
Stroll through the central square and listen to villagers playing tavli (backgammon).
Try local dishes paired with vinsanto, Santorini’s iconic dessert wine.
Editor’s Tip
Rent a bike or scooter and explore the nearby vineyards, which are cultivated in Santorini’s signature basket-shaped vines (kouloura).
Emborio: The Village of Towers and Castles
The Historic Heart of Emborio
Located on the foothills of Mount Profitis Ilias, Emborio is the largest village in southern Santorini yet remains overlooked by many. It is home to one of the best-preserved kastelia (fortified settlements) on the island.
What to Do in Emborio
Wander the narrow labyrinth of alleys within the Kasteli.
Photograph the old Goulas Tower, once a defensive watchtower.
Visit the 16th-century church of Agios Nikolaos Marmaritis.
Experience authentic village life far from the tourist trail.
Editor’s Tip
Emborio is perfect for street photography. Every corner holds rustic doorways, arches, and textured stone walls begging to be captured.
Finikia: Santorini’s Colorful Neighbor to Oia
Why Finikia Feels Different
Located just a short walk from Oia, Finikia offers the same charm but without the throngs of tourists. Its pastel-colored houses, narrow lanes, and vineyard setting make it feel like a hidden artist’s retreat.
What to Do in Finikia
Enjoy a quiet meal in the central square with locals.
Explore the restored cave houses, once homes of vineyard workers.
Walk through surrounding vineyards to taste local white Assyrtiko wine.
Editor’s Tip
Stay here instead of Oia if you want proximity to the famous sunset but with a fraction of the noise.
Akrotiri Village: Beyond the Archaeological Site
Why Akrotiri Is More Than Just Ancient Ruins
Most visitors know Akrotiri for its Bronze Age archaeological site, often called the “Pompeii of the Aegean.” This prehistoric city, buried under volcanic ash from the eruption that shaped Santorini, is one of the most important archaeological discoveries in the Aegean. The site reveals multi-story houses, advanced drainage systems, and vibrant frescoes that bring the Minoan world to life.
But the nearby village of Akrotiri itself is just as fascinating, perched on a headland with views of the caldera and offering a slower rhythm of life compared to Oia or Fira.
What to Do in Akrotiri Village
Explore the prehistoric city of Akrotiri, a must for history lovers.
Visit the Goulas (medieval tower) for a glimpse of Venetian rule.
Enjoy seafood at family-run tavernas overlooking the caldera.
Wander past traditional houses painted in earthy volcanic tones.
Take the short drive or hike to the Akrotiri Lighthouse, one of the most romantic sunset spots on the island.
Editor’s Tip
Many travelers only visit the archaeological site and leave, but if you continue to the lighthouse at sunset you will experience one of the most dramatic views on the island, without the Oia crowds.
Messaria: The Center of Daily Santorini Life
What Makes Messaria Unique
Located in the heart of the island, Messaria is more of a working village than a tourist attraction. Here you will find grocery stores, small workshops, and family bakeries, the everyday Santorini that most travelers never see.
What to Do in Messaria
Explore the neoclassical mansions of wine merchants from the 19th century.
Visit churches like Agios Dimitrios with impressive frescoes.
Stop at a local bakery for koulouri (sesame bread rings).
Editor’s Tip
Messaria is ideal if you are curious about non-touristic Greece. You will get a real glimpse of daily rhythms, perfect for slow travel photography.
Karterados: Santorini’s Hidden Residential Gem
Why Karterados Is Different
Just a short walk from Fira, Karterados is a residential village that often goes unnoticed. Its quiet alleys and cave houses carved into cliffs show a different side of Santorini’s architecture.
What to Do in Karterados
Visit the Church of the Ascension with its tall bell tower.
Wander through the old cave-house neighborhood of Vourvoulos.
Enjoy tavernas where menus are still in Greek first, English second.
Editor’s Tip
If you are staying in Fira, walk down to Karterados in the morning for a more tranquil breakfast scene.
Thirassia: Santorini’s Sister Island
Why Thirassia Belongs on This List
Technically a separate island, Thirassia is part of Santorini’s volcanic archipelago and feels like stepping back 50 years. With only a handful of villages and far fewer visitors, it represents what Santorini was like before mass tourism.
What to Do in Thirassia
Visit the village of Manolas with its panoramic caldera views.
Hike to the monastery of Prophet Elias.
Eat fresh seafood at Riva, the port village.
Editor’s Tip
A short boat ride from Ammoudi Bay takes you to Thirassia. Spending even half a day here is like discovering Santorini’s hidden twin.
How to Experience Hidden Villages Authentically
Go Slow
Rushing from village to village misses the point. Spend time in the square, order a coffee, and watch daily life unfold.
Engage With Locals
Say “kalimera” (good morning) and “efharisto” (thank you). Even a few Greek words open doors to warm conversations.
Explore on Foot
The best way to discover secret chapels, alleyways, and gardens is by walking rather than driving.
Visit in the Afternoon
After tour buses leave, villages become quieter and more atmospheric.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hidden Villages in Santorini
Are these villages accessible by public transport?
Yes, most are connected by local bus routes, but renting a car or ATV gives more freedom.
Which hidden village is closest to Oia?
Finikia, just a 15-minute walk away.
Which village is best for wine lovers?
Megalochori, with its central vineyards and wine-tasting culture.
Can you stay overnight in these villages?
Yes, many have boutique guesthouses and renovated cave homes, offering a quieter stay than Oia or Fira.
Are these villages family-friendly?
Absolutely. They are safe, walkable, and filled with local charm.
Read:
Conclusion: The Other Side of Santorini
Santorini will always be famous for its sunsets, luxury hotels, and cliffside views. But its heart beats in the hidden villages, places where doors are painted by hand, bells still ring from centuries-old churches, and locals wave as you pass by. Visiting them transforms Santorini from a tourist stop into an unforgettable cultural journey.
Plan Your Journey With Us
Exploring Santorini’s hidden villages is easier with expert guidance. If you want a personalized experience that goes beyond the postcards, visit GetGreece (formerly known as Greece Media).
Our team helps you uncover authentic corners of Greece, from Santorini’s secret alleys to island-hopping adventures.
This article was created by GetGreece.com (formerly Greece Media), founded by Tony Kariotis, one of the most recognized voices on Greek travel and culture. Followed by nearly one million people worldwide, with millions of monthly impressions and years of firsthand experience exploring Greece, we provide authentic information and practical guides that combine lived experience with expert insight. Our mission is to help travelers discover Greece beyond the postcards, with accurate, trustworthy, and inspiring content.
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