If you’re thinking of visiting to Santorini and looking for an authentic, luxury villa in a traditional Greek village, then read on.
Pyrgos Kallistis, Santorini
The village of Pyrgos is one of the most beautiful villages on the island of Santorini, Greece. Away from the crowds that swarm to the popular towns of Fira and Oia, if you choose you stay in Pyrgos, you will experience a completely different side to Santorini. It’s more thoughtful, authentic, unspoilt and typically Greek. In fact its one of the last places on the island that has not been taken over by tourist accommodation. You’re just as likely to bump into a local in Pyrgos as you are a visitor.
The village square in itself is like something from a picture postcard. Here you’ll find some useful tourist facilities like an ATM, a number of small mini markets, the bus stop, rental car, bakery and a number of authentic cafes, bars and restaurants. This is a popular place with locals who come to sit, chat, drink coffee and watch the world go by. The quality and price of the food and drink here is normal, not the inflated prices that you’ll find elsewhere on the island.
Highly recommended is to set off and wander through the narrow cobble-stone streets. All lead up to the kastelli, the castle at the top of the village. You’ll pass by quirky shops, cave houses, cats lazing in the sunshine and friendly tavernas and restaurants. There are more than 40 churhces alone in Pyrgos, some with the typical blue domes. Flower-filled balconies, old houses in need of renovation and colourful wooden doors make for a very pretty scene. If you continue to the top of the village you’ll be rewarded with amazing views over the island, for as far as the eye can see. A popular place to stop at the top is Franco’s bar, particularly popular at sunset as they play classical music and serve amazing cocktails.
Food-wise, you’re in for a treat in Pyrgos. Don’t expect tourist traps here. What you’ll find are plenty of authentic Greek taverns and restaurants serving local produce, delicious wines and the amazing Greek hospitality. Check out Penelopes, under the bell tower for super tasty Greek style tapas. The view is stunning, the service top notch and the food they serve there attracts locals from all over the island.
Pyrgos Luxury Villas with private jacuzzis
The pretty village will certainly capture your heart and you’ll find excellent, luxury villas in Pyrgos where the price you pay will not break the bank compared to other places on the island.
Quite a number of abandonned properties in Pyrgos have been renovated in a traditional style in line with the village’s identity. Along the way, the facilities have been massivly improved and you can find luxury villas with private jacuzzi in Pyrgos.
Ideally try to find a villa in Pyrgos that has excellent reivews. You can check easily these days by looking on Google.com, Booking.com and Airbnb.com for example.
Things to Do when you stay in Pyrgos Kallistis
Just because you are not staying on the very popular caldera of Santorini, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy everything this iconic island has to offer. The village of Pyrgos is just a few minutes drive from the caldera and those cliff-plunging views. The best thing however is that you can enjoy the famous Santorini spots and return to the peace, quiet and authenticity of Pyrgos. So, you really have the best of both worlds.
Highly recommended things to do in Pyrgos:
1. Wander around the village and soak up the atmosphere, visiting the remains of the Venetian castle at the top of the village. 2. Go wine tasting in Santo Wines, the wines in Santorini are unique. 3. Santorini sailing cruise around the caldera stopping off at Red Beach, White Beach and the hot springs of the volcano. 4. Enjoy delicious Greek food on candle-lit restaurants in Pyrgos. 5. Head up to Profitis Ilias, the highest point on the island of Santorini. 6. Visit Oia for amazing photos. 7. Relax on the volcanic black sandy beaches 8. Enjoy a cocktail on a romantic bar in Fira, the capital.
What’s the best time to travel to Pyrgos? Easter time is amazing in Pyrgos as they celebrate the event by lighting thousands of candles. The best weather is from May until October.
