See Also
• Top Accommodations in Santorini
• Notable Towns in Santorini
• Maps depicting the various locations in Santorini
Pyrgos Hotels
- There exists a wide array of housing in Pyrgos – everything from decent value hotels to 5-star high-end hotels. The beach villages of Kamari and Perissa are a brief motor to the easterly.
- Best Upscale Hotel in Pyrgos: Carpe Diem
- Top Budget Hotel Option in Pyrgos:Art Hotel Santorini
Table of Contents
Staying in Pyrgos
Pyrgos (sometimes spelled Pirgos), a traditional village set on Santorini’s highest point and just 10 minutes from Fira by car, is a favorable choice for visitors searching for the “real” Santorini experience, away from the cruise ship crowds. Its winding paths are sprinkled with small shops, eating places and traditional churches, and most hotel accommodations here have private pools or jacuzzis and panoramic views over the sea and countryside. For a genuinely magical experience, visit Pyrgos over Greek Orthodox Easter weekend – on Good Friday, the entire village is lined with candles, and there’s a procession from the church of Agios Nikolaos Theotokaki.
Map of Pyrgos
Accommodations featured on map: Carpe Diem – North Santorini – Voreina Gallery Suites – Luna Santorini Suites – Chrisanthi Villa – Pyrgos Kastelli Villas – Aeon Suites – Skyfall Suites – White & Co. Villas – Art Hotel Santorini – Zatrikion Santorini Villas – Santorini Heights
4 Best Pyrgos Hotels
1. Carpe Diem
Hotel phone: +30 22860 34090
Understated, romantic retreat with exceptional cuisine, a indulgent spa, and an infinity pool providing panoramic scenic views across the island. All suites offer private plunge pools (6 heated, 4 unheated) and excellent sunrise/sunset perspectives. Their 1-to-1 guest-staff ratio and 24-hour butler assistance guarantee an unrivaled experience.
• The accommodation site and the prices on Booking.com
2. Skyfall Suites
Hotel phone: +30 22860 33377
Suites for adults-only, all featuring private kitchen spaces, dining areas, and outdoor heated water pools or heated water plunge installations. Great views and cuisine from the in-house a la carte restaurant. Most suites accommodate two, but the 2-bedroom Cabana suite sleeps four.
• Hotel webpage • Check prices on Booking.com
3. Santorini Heights
Hotel phone: +30 2286 022004
Adults-only private villa and suites sleep 2 to 4 and feature fully equipped kitchens and outdoor terraces for al fresco dining. Suites include outdoor hot tubs or heated private pools, while the villa has both a hot tub and heated pool. The property also has its own garden and vineyard.
• The accommodation website and a link highlighting pricing on an online booking site.
4. Art Hotel Santorini
Hotel phone: +30 2286 030845
Stylish and contemporary four-star lodging with an interior art gallery. The hotel has a shared open-air pool and hot tub with a poolside bar, and numerous suites offer private hot tubs or heated plunge pools. Bi-level suites highlight special metal mesh floors.
• The website for this hotel – Check rates on Booking.com
Pyrgos Village Information
- Location: Southern central Santorini. Around 5 km from port, 6 km from airport, 5 km from Fira, and 8 km from Perissa Beach.
- Parking: Free public parking lot available within walking distance to the village center, and restricted on-street parking on the main road that winds through the village.
- Bus: The bus stop is in the center of the village. General bus information and public bus schedule.
- Dining: A handful of charming dining establishments and cafes. Our favorites are Cava Alta,Metaxi Mas (in neighboring Exo Gonia), Kantouni,Rosemary, and Franco’s.
- Shopping: Small boutiques and souvenir shops scattered around the village.
Lay of The Land
The picturesque and traditional village of Pyrgos is the highest settlement and former capital of Santorini. Situated at the foot of Mount Profitis (1981 m), it was constructed on pre-volcanic land. Despite Santorini being among the most popular destinations globally, Pyrgos retains a tranquil atmosphere of relaxed and chill ambiance, appearing unaffected by tourism. This pace renders Pyrgos an ideal locale for individuals seeking the “genuine” Santorini experience, away from the cruise ship crowds.
Strategically and amphitheatrically constructed at this elevation, the village presents magnificent panoramic perspectives of the entire island. The hillside community is a typical Cycladic fortress settlement with convoluted, narrow, winding roads fortified with thick walls and concealed pathways. Considered the finest preserved medieval locale on the island, it was granted protected status in 1995. The cramped alleyways of Pyrgos, fanning from the central square, are sprinkled with blue-domed churches, eateries, cafes, modest galleries and shops sometimes hidden away and only visible as you navigate upwards and downwards through the alleys.
The Main Square
The charming central square or village center is shaded by tall trees, and some quaint cafes, taverns, mini-markets and tourist shops can be found here. Afternoons tend to be busy in the village when locals get together for ouzo or tsipouro and meze (small dishes intended to be shared).
The Kasteli
The relics of a Venetian fortress (Kasteli in Greek), built in 1580, towered over the village at the peak of this hill, and was once the island’s administrative center. A 7.7 magnitude quake in 1956 destroyed a decent part of the fortress and its encompassing structures, but the Kasteli is still fairly well-maintained.
History
Throughout the Byzantine Era, and later during the Frankish occupation, the Aegean coast endured persistent pirate raids, so island residents were compelled to develop fortified settlements in more inaccessible areas. Feudal lords resided in the tower-like structures (the Goulas) that served as a defensive stronghold, lookout point, and also a warehouse for agricultural crops found within the settlements. Five examples of this medieval European feudal system, which flourished between the 9th and 15th centuries, can be located on Santorini: Pyrgos (being the “newest” of the five), Akrotiri, Emporio, Oia and Skaros.
Subterranean routes were utilized in crises when citizens had to flee invaders. Around 70 families lived within the castle walls. Another settlement was built just outside the castle walls where later, the initial school in Santorini was founded.
Attractions
- Pyrgos is surrounded by vineyards and there are plenty of wineries that can be visited nearby, with the closest one being the Santo Wines winery which offers spectacular caldera views. Other wineries in the vicinity include: Hatzidakis,Art Space Winery located in Exo Gonia, Canava Roussos situated in Episkopi Gonia, Artemis Karamolegos,Estate Argyros, and the Koutsoyannopoulos Winery and Museum. The Santorini Brewing Company, where the local Donkey beer is produced, is approximately 3 km from the village as well.
- Church of Agios Nikolaos Theotokaki: Dating back to the 1300s and renovated in the 1600s, this is one of the oldest churches on the island, distinguished by its blue dome and 6-bell tower.
- St George Church/Eisodia Tis Theotokou: This beautiful church dates back to the seventeenth century and is considered one of the most significant places of worship on the island. Situated just behind Franco’s at the top of Pyrgos, this is the simplest church to identify among a cluster of churches within the fortress grounds, counting the Church of the Virgin Mary.
- Pyrgos Castle: The castle ruins are not very impressive on their own. The primary reason to visit here is to admire the panoramic island view and visit the surrounding churches. Located behind Franco’s.
- Church Christos (Metamorfosi Tou Sotiros): The Church of Christ is an imposing religious building perched just above the main square, notable for its architectural design.
Museum of Icons and Ecclesiastical Artifacts: Right next door to St. George Church is a small museum of 17th and 18th-century religious artifacts inside a former Catholic convent, Agia Triada
More Great Pyrgos Hotels
North Santorini
Hotel phone: +30 2286 034246
Complex comprising two magnificent 3-bedroom villas and one lavish suite, all with private pools; the villas add outdoor showers and hot tubs and fully-equipped kitchens. Breathtaking scenery.
• The hotel website and check prices on Booking.com
Voreina Gallery Suites
Hotel phone: +30 2286 030700
Five excellent suites, all with a hot tub (indoor or outdoor) or private pool. The 3-bedroom villas sleep 6. Excellent panoramic views over the Santorini countryside.
• Accommodation Site • Verify rates on Booking.com
Luna Santorini Suites
Hotel phone: +30 2286 033198
Four suites set in a former winery, each with private outdoor hot tub or heated plunge pool. Traditional Cycladic design with Venetian touches, shared sunset terrace, accommodating staff.
• Hotel website link • Check costs on Booking.com
Chrisanthi Villa
Hotel phone: +30 698 681 3190
The cafe located at the lodge, which has a pleasant little outdoor patio area, is a good spot to grab a snack and a cup of tea, coffee or in our case, a well-earned cider from Core Values in Canmore.
• · Resort Website · Examine costs on Booking.com
Pyrgos Kastelli Villas
Hotel phone: +30 698 036 3199
One and two-bedroom cave villas sleep 4-6 and feature traditional design and private indoor or outdoor hot tubs.
• Hotel Website • Examine costs on Booking.com
Aeon Suites
Hotel phone: +30 2286 028557
Six new, adults-only suites located just below the medieval castle. Contemporary Cycladic decor, and unobstructed sunrise views to the east. Each suite sleeps two and has an outdoor hot tub or heated dipping pool.
• The Hotel Website The determine prices on Booking.com
White & Co. Villas
Hotel phone: +30 2286 032900
One and two-bedroom villas with private swimming pools. Quiet, intimate setting, on-site eatery. Three out of the four villas can be connected to create a large mega-villa for large groups.
• Accommodation webpage • View rates on Booking.com
Zatrikion Santorini Villas
Hotel phone: +30 2286 032139
One and two-bedroom villas situated just outside Pyrgos village. A wonderful shared swimming pool is available, and most units include private outdoor hot tubs. A warm and friendly host offers stunning views. The largest accommodations can sleep up to six people.
• Hotel Website • Inquire about Prices on Booking.com
Staying in Pyrgos – Things to Know
