Pyrgos Santorini is one of those authentic places that you hope to find on the island – an enchanting hill top village with a quieter ambience and genuinely beautiful restaurants, lanes and churches. You can’t help but fall for its charms, and its one of the reasons I’ve chosen to stay in Pyrgos multiple times!
I love the romantic vibe of Pyrgos, the highest village in Santorini and while not on the caldera, it’s elevated position means you can see almost every edge of the island from its magnificent viewpoints. There are some real gems to discover too, including a few of my favourite places to eat and drink, with secret terraces, incredible landscapes and memorable sunsets!
While you can explore Pyrgos in a few hours, I much prefer overnight stays to really absorb the atmosphere, especially those delightful evenings and serene mornings without the crowds you’ll often come across in Oia. Pyrgos makes an beautiful village to explore and, in my opinion, an even better place to stay!
So, whether you have a day or a leisurely three nights, these are the very best things to do in Pyrgos Santorini, including its hidden corners, best boutique hotels and my insider tips to make your visit truly magical!
Top Hotel Picks For Pyrgos Santorini:
Planning your trip? Here’s my top hotel picks!
- Elessa Hotel – best 5 star hotel & infinity pool in Pyrgos!
- Halcyon Day Suites – beautiful private suites & views!
- Aeon Suites – luxury stylish boutique with private hot tubs!
Read my full guide on where to stay in Santorini!
Why visit Pyrgos Santorini?
Pyrgos is worthwhile if you want to see a quieter, more traditional side of Santorini away from the bustle of Oia and Fira. Its quieter maze of whitewashed lanes peppered with beautiful churches, hidden courtyards and panoramic views winds uphill towards the Venetian castle ruin, one of the best places to uncover on the island!
But what I love most of all about Pyrgos is that it still feels like somewhere you can wander without having a long list of attractions to tick off – simply stop for a coffee in the village square, browse the small boutiques, climb to the highest viewpoints and stay for dinner at one of the excellent restaurants with incredible sunsets!
For me, Pyrgos is more about enjoying the wonderful charm and atmosphere, if you’ve been following my style for a while, you’ll know this charming vibe is exactly what I seek – and that’s why I think it should be included in your Santorini itinerary!
Best things to do in Pyrgos Santorini
EXPLORE THE CHURCHES & NARROW LANES (A must in Pyrgos Santorini)
Pyrgos is a lovely place to stroll around and get lost among the narrow stone lanes passing local craft shops, charming cafes, numerous blue domes, several historical churches and of course the ever present photogenic Cyclades architecture, simply wandering is one of the best things to do in Pyrgos!
I love finding the curvy and beautiful lanes (don’t miss Penelope’s Ouzeri) and being totally alone in the hidden passages with cats for company! Along the way you’ll spot carved wooden signs leading to restaurants and spectacular panoramic viewpoints such as Rita’s bar, trust me, their terrace is unlike anything else in Santorini!
Luckily, the centre is pedestrianised and small enough so that you can easily explore in a couple of hours, as long as you keep following the steps upwards as the whole village sits on top of a hill! I found the mornings more serene, genuine and a better experience – before the tour groups arrive from 10am.
Tip! Part of the joy of being in charming Pyrgos is that it feels more authentic with the exception of the main entrance lined with the usual souvenirs, instead I would enter near Brusco restaurant or Elessa hotel!
VISIT THE VENEITAN CASTLE VIEWPOINT
Hike the short trail at the top of the ruins leading towards the 15th-century Venetian fortress, which sits at the highest point of Pyrgos village and boasts the most magnificent panorama views across the whole island, a must do in Pyrgos Santorini!
This once important castle, is now little more than ruins, crumbled stone and doorways, I’m not entirely sure of where Pyrgos Castle begins and there’s very few signs leading the way, but once you’re at the top of Pyrgos, you’ll know you’ve reached it!
I recommend heading towards Francos terrace first and once you are facing the sea – keep walking to the right, this is the best way to find the rugged path clinging to the side of the town, I suggest wearing closed trainers for this part of the journey!
It’s also a great spot for sunsets, I was fortunate enough to have the same sunset and view each day from my 3Sixty suite at Halcyon Suites – with a hot-tub, if you’re thinking of staying don’t hesitate to book this incredible suite!
BE AMAZED AT ELISSA HOTEL’S POOLSIDE VIEWS (My favourite thing to do in Pyrgos Santorini)
Five star Elissa is one of those incredible hotels in Santorini with exceptional taste and it’s situated in Pyrgos – you will not come across it without actively searching, but you absolutely should as the view from the infinity pool is astonishing!
I came across Elissa Hotel three years ago and have returned since for lunch and sun-lounging with drinks by the pool twice in May and once early October, even the walk down the curved step to the terrace will leave you speechless as the beautiful island view across towards the Aegean sea and mountains appears!
It’s a quiet spot with a lovely, welcoming small team – I recommend emailing in advance if you’re staying in the area and fancy sun lounging by their pool for the day, they are very accommodating and will give you a fabulous day package (this is my cheeky tip!).
Looking for a hotel with a beautiful pool view? I highly recommend Elissa, it’s one of my favourite places on the island, see the full details!
SIP WINE AT SANTO WINERY ON THE CLIFF TOPS
Sip wine at Santo winery and vineyard, perched impressively on the cliff edge facing the sea, another great lunch or afternoon spot if you like wine with your views, I highly recommend ordering a flight of Santorini wines and a couple of mezzes to share – or just for yourself!
While strictly not in Pyrgos village it is the vicinity, only a 20 walk from the heart of town, it’s a nice option for visiting a lovely winery without much effort, which is one of my favourite things to do in Santorini! Popular times are across lunch and right before sunset, I prefer lunch as it cools dramatically in the evenings along this cliff edge.
If you’re travelling in the peak summer months you may need to reserve ahead as Santo receives tour groups throughout the day, but the terrace is absolutely huge and there’s a wonderful restaurant with floor to ceiling windows, so you’re not packed in!
Tip! For exploring the winery’s and sunsets you can’t beat Santorini wine stories with wine tastings, sunset tour and dinner!
MORNING COFFEE AT KASTELI 1663 ART GALLERY
A charming way to spend the early morning, Kasteli 1663 is situated in a very picturesque spot opposite the charming Church of Agios Nikolaos Pyrgos Kallistis, one of several in the area with scattered wrought iron tables and chairs where you can sip your coffee at an un-hurried pace!
I love sitting in the cosy cove seats with a cappuccino and slice of orange cake when the atmosphere is quieter and you can hear the lovely music playing from the art gallery, it has that old world feel about it, which I like!
It comes across as authentic compared to the more polished and newly built areas of some of the other villages and although the art gallery is tiny, it’s worth popping in to see the cool photographs of the area!
Kasteli 1663 & art gallery in pretty Pyrgos Santorini!
ENJOY THE MAGNIFICENT SUNSETS FROM PYRGOS
Sunsets are famous all over the island from Oia castle being the most well known to sunset boat trips and Imerovigli’s wonderfully romantic sunset restaurants along the caldera, but hardly anyone seems to be aware of the sunsets from Pyrgos, which are absolutely spectacular!
And the best thing is, the experience is nothing like the crowds that gather in Oia, Pyrgos, true to form, sees a more serene sunset with incredible panoramas from the top of the historic village, including the Venetian castle viewpoint where you can see the entire island landscape and Aegean sea – even Oia’s twinkly lights (I had the same view from my balcony at Halcyon Suites – pictured)!
Another couple of spots include Francos café, a quaint but sprawling terrace, it’s not going to completely wow you, but it is popular, for something more upmarket and new, head over to stylish MASS for cocktails, mentioned below!
Tip! My favourite sunset experience in Pyrgos Santorini was right from the hot tub of my terrace of the 3Sixity suite at Halcyon Suites – a spectacular and memorable place to stay – the same views as the castle, but all to myself!
DINE IN RITA’S BAR (Best restaurant in Pyrgos)
An elegant venue for romantic evenings and dining out in style in Pyrgos village, I recommend arriving at Ritas Bar before the sun sets so you can be amazed at the incredible view through to the back terrace as soon as you walk through the doors, which is my preferred place to sit – if not windy!
I was advised to go to Rita’s from Halcyon Day Suites where I stayed for three nights and it quickly became my favourite place, it’s new and attentive with a creative menu, I loved the wine and tasty seafood tagliatelle on the veranda with mountain views, but inside is just as special for cosy nights in – this is the sort of place you can be dressy!
It’s interiors are stylish with Cyclades charm, curvy white-washed walls and black chandeliers with large mirrors and nice seating arrangements, it wouldn’t take much for the space to fill quickly so evening reservations are a must as are pre-drinks at the cool bar – don’t miss this restaurant in Pyrgos Santorini!
Rita Bar in Pyrgos Santorini – a must!
What is there to do in Pyrgos nearby?
Pyrgos is well-situated for exploring a few nearby gems from the vineyards, just ten minutes away to Kamari’s open air cinema and the most quaint town with a dreamy lane of bell towers!
Visit Estate Argyros Wine Tasting At Estate Argyros
Estate Argyros is an fantastic vineyard to visit and easily reachable from Pyrgos, just ten minutes away, (a taxi is €30 round trip), it’s one of my favourite things to do in Santorini, the setting is beautiful. I loved walking through the vineyards in the late afternoon, under a golden glow before wine tasting on the terrace (bookable on line), the whole estate is slick and magnificent, like a piece of art!
Kamari Open Air Cinema
Kamari open air cinema offers something totally different if you’re looking for evening activities in Santorini, this quirky open air cinema is situated in Kamari Beach, only a short drive or bus ride from Pyrgos. I think it’s worth a visit especially in the warmer summer evenings, you can check their listings and plan ahead as its first come first serve, but I recommend arriving earlier for drinks at the bar beforehand!
Visit Megalochori Village
Megalochori is often paired with Pyrgos, both villages are along the hill tops with the same rustic charm and an authentic vibe, only Megalochori is the smaller of the two and you can easily walk around it in an hour! I love the pretty streets with churches and bell towers, they are extremely photogenic and nearby you can also stop by Venetsanos winery for another wine!
Thinking of exploring all the places nearby Pyrgos? Why not hire a car, you’ll easily zip around the hill top villages and vineyards with their gorgeous scenery in a day, check car rates and availability with Discover Cars, which allows you to easily compare!
Best Pyrgos Santorini restaurants
One of the things I love about staying in Pyrgos is its fantastic dining scene, from traditional Greek tavernas to stylish restaurants with beautiful island views, there are some wonderful places to eat and drink. I found the best Pyrgos Santorini restaurants tucked along the lanes and squares, here’s where to find them!
Rita’s Bar
Beautiful Rita’s Bar is located at the very top of Pyrgos village, my favourite restaurant in Pyrgos for high quality and the best part is the fabulous white-washed building it’s housed within – just bursting with elegance and charm. I love the effortlessly cool bar and secret back terrace boasting impressive views, honestly – what an entrance, don’t miss Rita’s (review above)!
Penelope’s
Penelope’s is an adorable, casual ouzeria, the sort of traditional place you hoped to find when wandering around Pyrgos, in my opinion, it’s situated on the pretties lane, their charming blue tables and chairs contrast beautifully against the white Cyclades buildings and bell towers! Perfect for a mezze, you can find all the Greek flavours from tomato fritters, fava dip to Greek salads.
Traditional Penelopes in Pyrgos Santorini
Madame SouSou
Madame SouSou is one of the loveliest Pyrgos Santorini restaurants only the locals seem to know about, it’s situated below the old town and overlooks the island landscape, I particularly like the wrought iron tables and chairs set charmingly along the edge of the roadside. Head over for mezze and wine before the sun sets, it feels very romantic – often booked out for weddings so check beforehand!
MASS
If you’re looking for breakfast, lunch or just drinks with views, MASS is the place, it’s another secret place that sits directly above Estate Argyros and boasts incredible views across the mountains, sea and vineyards below. I was amazed when I first discovered this cool terrace, not only are the cocktails great, but the circular bar is super stylish too!
Kastelana
Kastelana is more of an obvious choice, you’ll find it in the central square of the historic part of town overlooking the church, but if you catch this café in the morning, before the day trippers they have two charming old-world alcoves to sit with a coffee and slice of orange cake, which is delicious and atmospheric – you can also wander inside the photography and art shop!
Franco’s
Franco’s is one of the more well-known café-bars in Pyrgos, which you can’t miss as it features the largest terrace in the area and is situated right at the top with a sea view – and is often busy. I visited at a quieter time, where the service was more attentive and I received complementary biscuits.
Francos in Pyrgos Santorini
best hotels in Pyrgos Santorini
Staying in Pyrgos is a wonderful experience, not only will you experience someplace utterly charming and authentic first hand, but the accommodation offers fantastic value, it’s quiet luxury at its best! I’ve personally stayed here just as many times as the Caldera and below are my absolute favourite boutique hotels in Pyrgos with private hot-tubs, infinity pools and more!
Elessa Hotel
Elessa – A boutique style five star hotel at the edge of Pyrgos historic town boasting spectacular mountain and sea views from the private room balconies and incredible infinity pool, which is the best reason to stay – it’s one of my favourite and most welcoming hotels in Santorini, the rooms are beautiful and surprisingly reasonable – get the private pool!
Halcyon Day Suites
Halcyon Day Suites – Offers a few stylish private suites, quality furnished with hot tubs or pools in the historic part of town, the breakfast to your balcony is the best I’ve ever received – I stayed in the 3Sixity suite with a hot tub, private balcony and stunning views across the whole island – friendly reception and a magical stay (see below images)!
Aeon Suites
Aeon Suites – One of the best small luxury boutique hotels with gorgeous warm-hue rooms, fantastic bathrooms and private hot-tubs with incredible views – you can literally sit there all evening and enjoy your breakfast on your terrace in the morning – this is the first place I stayed in Pyrgos, great memories!
For a comparison of Pyrgos with Oia, Imerovigli and the other villages, see my complete Where to Stay in Santorini guide.
Halcyon Day Suites – a hidden gem boutique hotel in Pyrgos Santorini!
Is Pyrgos a good place to stay in Santorini?
Yes! Pyrgos is a wonderful place to stay in Santorini, especially if you were searching for somewhere a little quieter and more authentic! I love the traditional Cycladic charm, winding lanes and beautiful elevated views across the island so much I’ve stayed in Pyrgos on three occasions.
It’s one of my favourite villages for quiet-luxury boutique hotels and excellent restaurants, also it’s central location makes it easy for exploring the rest of the island! The only downside is that you wont have the famous caldera views directly outside your hotel, so if this is a priority, I would choose Imerovigli, or spend a few nights in both!
HOW TO GET TO PYRGOS SANTORINI
Pyrgos is the highest hill top village in Santorini with 360-degree island and Aegean sea views, it’s only 10 minutes from the Airport by car and slightly longer from the ferry port and to get to to Pyrgos you have a few options depending on how you plan to travel around the island and trip length. A car or ATV might be best for some and a simple door to door taxi for others!
By Car/ATV
Car hire and ATV’s especially are a popular and independent mode of transport across the island, it’s worthwhile if you’re visiting more than one place or hidden gems and vineyards for example a days hire and is more cost effective than taxis, (prices vary throughout the season). Parking zones can be easily found a few minutes walk to the heart of Pyrgos village.
By Taxi
Taxis are found all over the island and are parked right outside of the village pedestrian areas and despite popular beliefs, you can haggle. I’ve previously paid €20 from Pyrgos to the airport for example (not €50 as normally requested) – if you get a reasonable taxi driver on your Santorini trip take their card and WhatsApp for future trips – I normally use a taxi!
By Bus
KTEL buses run frequently around the main points of the island from the transport hub and capital Fira. There’s a handy route between Kamira Beach (only ten minutes), Fira (25 minutes) and Pyrgos – for other destinations such as Oia and Imerovigli you will transfer via Fira, it’s inexpensive, but often very busy across summer.
For more practical Santorini tips, check out my complete travel guide to Santorini for first-time visitors here!
How long do you need in Pyrgos?
Pyrgos is only small and you can see the highlights in an afternoon, but the real beauty of Pyrgos is the incredible location near the wineries and beaches along with the atmospheric evenings and quality restaurants – some of the best on the island. I’ve stayed for three nights on previous trips, it makes a wonderful alternative base or split stay (three nights Oia/Imerovigli and three in Pyrgos!!
Is Pyrgos worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely, Pyrgos is a charming hill top village, authentic with stunning viewpoints across the island and Aegean sea, it’s a gorgeous part of Santorini, surrounded by vineyards, there are many reasons to visit or stay! I personally love the quieter atmosphere, quality restaurants, cafes and traditional feel, there are also some gorgeous boutique hotels with unique views of their own, it’s the reason why I have returned to Pyrgos three times!
PYRGOS SANTORINI GUIDE: FAQ
Do you need a car in Pyrgos Santorini?
Pyrgos is a small, pedestrianised hill top village in the centre of Santorini, you don’t strictly need a car as it’s well connected by bus and taxi, the nearest attractions are vineyards and Kamari beach, both a ten minute drive away, but hiring a car does make exploring the entire island easier and more cost-effective.
Is Pyrgos Santorini good for sunsets?
Yes, Pyrgos is one of the best places in Santorini to watch the sunset, from the castle viewpoint you get 360-degree views over the entire island and Aegean Sea beyond, it’s the highest hill top village in Santorini and a much quieter experience!
How far is Oia from Pyrgos?
Oia, along the caldera is around 20km from Pyrgos inland, which takes around 30 minutes in a car, there are no direct buses, a hire car or taxi is best!
Is Pyrgos Santorini walkable?
Pyrgos is a traditional hill top village, the historic centre is totally pedestrianised with cobbled narrow streets, it’s completely walkable and feels safe, but it is very maze like and may take you longer to reach places than anticipated!
Is Pyrgos quieter than Oia?
Yes, Pyrgos is smaller and quieter than Oia, Pyrgos feels charming and more authentic by comparison to white-washed a super polished Oia, which is more cosmopolitan and luxurious and receives a lot more tourism!
What To Pair With Pyrgos Santorini?
Oia is considered to be the top destination within Santorini, it’s certainly the most slick and it pairs beautifully with Pyrgos, you’ll get to see two different sides of the island. I often stay a few nights in Oia or Imerovigli along the caldera then authentic Pyrgos village within the same trip or at least visit, in my experience these are the highlights of the island!
Still Planning your Santorini itinerary?
Planning your trip to Santorini? I’ve also shared a complete what to do travel guide for first-time visitors, my favourite caldera view boutique hotels, and the best things to do in Oia – perfect for pulling together your ideal itinerary!
- Where to Stay in Santorini – best areas & boutique hotels
- Best Santorini Hotels With Caldera Views – boutique & luxury stays!
- Santorini Travel Guide For First Time Visitors – tips & know before you go!
- Best Things To Do In Santorini Greece – highlights & hidden gems!
- Best Things to do in Oia Santorini – sights, restaurants, sunsets & secrets!
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Michelle Trudie, is the founder of Little Wanderblog, a luxury boutique travel site. She has travelled to over 30 countries in the last 15 years. Michelle share’s her passion for stylish and affordable luxury travel experiences in Europe and beyond! Her goal is to make travel planning easier to hidden gem places!