il panorama
1 / 10

Pyrgos Kasteli Santorini

4.6
·3k reviews·Pirgos Kallistis, Greece

Discover Pyrgos Kasteli, Santorini's highest village, offering authentic charm, breathtaking caldera views, and a peaceful escape from the crowds.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
il panorama

Pyrgos Kasteli Santorini

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Pyrgos Kasteli, Santorini's highest village, offering authentic charm, breathtaking caldera views, and a peaceful escape from the crowds.

4.6
(3k reviews)

"The most beautiful place on the island! Peaceful sunset with no crowds was a cherry on top."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Wander the Alleys

Get lost in the charming, narrow streets of Pyrgos for a truly authentic experience.

🌅 Seek Peaceful Sunsets

Pyrgos offers stunning sunset views without the crowds of Oia.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pyrgos Kasteli Castle Ruins

Pyrgos Kasteli Castle Ruins

Summit of Pyrgos village

Explore ancient ruins offering timeless views and a sense of history. A truly enchanting and disorienting experience.

Reddit
Heart-Shaped Rock Viewpoint

Heart-Shaped Rock Viewpoint

Near Pyrgos village

Discover a unique, free-to-visit spot with a heart-shaped hole framing the Aegean Sea and volcano.

TikTok
Panoramic Island Vistas

Panoramic Island Vistas

Highest point in Pyrgos

Enjoy breathtaking sunset views over the entire island, away from the usual tourist hotspots.

TikTok
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Escape the Oia Crowds

While Oia is iconic, Pyrgos offers a more authentic Santorini experience. Explore its charming alleys and enjoy stunning views without the overwhelming tourist throngs. It's a peaceful alternative for a true taste of the island. TikTok

Embrace the Journey

Getting to the top of Pyrgos Kasteli is part of the adventure. Wander through a maze of narrow, winding streets that feel like stepping back in time. Be prepared for uneven paths and stunning, disorienting charm. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings (especially during festivals)
Why
Magical atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The #heartofsantorini a recent hidden discovery of a heart-shaped hole in a rock, through which you can see the Aegean Sea, the sky, and the volcano | 🌋 It’s also free to visit Save this for your next trip ✈️ | #santorini #hiddengem #hikingadventures #greekislands #greeksummer
@alexandra_madalline
19.5K likes • 476.8K views

🚶‍♀️ Wander the Alleys

Get lost in the charming, narrow streets of Pyrgos for a truly authentic experience. TikTokReddit

🌅 Seek Peaceful Sunsets

Pyrgos offers stunning sunset views without the crowds of Oia. TikTok

Are you traveling to Santorini, Greece this summer? Watch this first! 🇬🇷 If you want to avoid the crowds in Santorini, Greece, my biggest tip is to explore the island outside of the village of Oia. 💙 Oia is that famous picturesque village that’s built into the cliff in Santorini, but it’s not the only place to visit and explore in Santorini. 🤍 To avoid the crowds, check out the village of Pyrgos ...
@vickirutwind
15.1K likes • 450.7K views
Pyrgos - skarb Santorini💙🧿🇬🇷! Jeśli szukasz miejsca bez tłumów turystów na tej urokliwej wyspie, koniecznie odwiedź Pyrgos. Ta tradycyjna wioska zachwyca białymi domami, wąskimi uliczkami i zapierającymi dech w piersiach widokami. Spacer po jej labiryntowych uliczkach pozwoli ci odkryć autentyczną atmosferę wyspy. Nie możesz przegapić ruiny zamku Kasteli, który oferuje spektakularne panoramy Sant...
wakacje_z_piasttour
24 likes • 282 views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The paths are winding and uneven; good footwear is essential for exploring. Reddit

💖 Find the Heart View

Don't miss the free, hidden heart-shaped rock viewpoint for unique photos. TikTok

@sammcclendon shares the secret to enjoying Santorini without the crowds—visit Pyrgos instead of Oia! 🌅✨ 💡Here are the top things to do in Pyrgos: 1. Wander through the narrow, winding streets and discover traditional Cycladic architecture. 2. Visit the historic Kasteli Castle for stunning panoramic views. 3. Explore the local art galleries and boutique shops. 4. Enjoy a peaceful sunset from the...
santorini.explore
552 likes • 22.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Wander the Alleys

Get lost in the charming, narrow streets of Pyrgos for a truly authentic experience. TikTokReddit

🌅 Seek Peaceful Sunsets

Pyrgos offers stunning sunset views without the crowds of Oia. TikTok

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The paths are winding and uneven; good footwear is essential for exploring. Reddit

💖 Find the Heart View

Don't miss the free, hidden heart-shaped rock viewpoint for unique photos. TikTok

⚠️ Be Cautious on Paths

While beautiful, some areas are steep and unforgiving. Tread carefully. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Pyrgos Kasteli is praised for its peaceful atmosphere, stunning panoramic views, and authentic charm, offering a welcome escape from the crowds of Oia. Visitors enjoy exploring its enchanting alleys and the historical castle ruins. Some find it less captivating than Fira, but it's highly recommended for those with extra time or seeking a quieter Santorini experience.

"The most beautiful place on the island! Peaceful sunset with no crowds of people around you was a cherry on a cake of Santorini. Would definitely recommend to visit."

Danara Suleimenova

"Nice place but not my favorite, Fira is way better than Pyrgos but Pyrgos is worth it only if you have extra time or if you have nothing else to do on the island.

Not crowded. Nice to walk, there a some restaurants and shops."

Ricardo Romo

"Lovely place for a visit. Pass several hours looking at the lovely arts and crafts. All locally made, very interesting ."

Tony Martin

What People Like

Peaceful atmosphere
Stunning panoramic views
Authentic charm

What People Dislike

Less vibrant than Fira

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Pyrgos from Fira by local bus, which is an affordable option. Taxis are also available, offering more convenience but at a higher cost. Renting an ATV or scooter is another popular choice for exploring the island at your own pace. TikTok

While the hike from Fira to Oia is famous, Pyrgos is a bit further off that main path. It's best accessed by vehicle (bus, taxi, or rental). However, once in Pyrgos, the village itself is best explored on foot. Reddit

Pyrgos is a pedestrian-friendly village. The best way to explore is by simply wandering through its labyrinthine alleys and discovering hidden corners. Reddit

Yes, there are parking areas available near the entrance to Pyrgos village, making it accessible for those arriving by car or rental vehicle. TikTok

While not a primary hiking route like Fira to Oia, you can incorporate Pyrgos into longer hikes. It's recommended to check local trail maps for routes that might pass through or near the village. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, visiting Pyrgos village and exploring its alleys is completely free. The heart-shaped rock viewpoint is also free to access. TikTok

Pyrgos village is always accessible. The castle ruins and viewpoints are open 24/7, though visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility. Reddit

There is no entrance fee for the castle ruins in Pyrgos. You can freely explore the historical remnants and enjoy the views. Reddit

While not as common as tours for Oia, some local guides may offer tours that include Pyrgos, focusing on its history and unique charm. It's best to inquire locally or with tour operators. Reddit

Yes, Pyrgos is accessible on public holidays. Some local events or festivals might take place, adding to the experience, as seen on Good Friday. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The castle ruins at the summit offer incredible panoramic shots. Don't miss the unique heart-shaped rock viewpoint for a special photo opportunity. The winding alleys also provide endless charming compositions. TikTokReddit

Early mornings offer soft light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the village's tranquility. Late afternoons provide beautiful golden hour light for stunning sunset photos. TikTok

Drone regulations can vary in Santorini. It's advisable to check current local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in Pyrgos. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views and narrow alleys. A standard zoom lens is versatile for general shots. Consider a tripod for low-light or sunset photography. Instagram

The maze-like alleys can be disorienting, so be mindful of your surroundings while shooting. The uneven terrain also requires careful footing when setting up shots. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Pyrgos has several charming restaurants and tavernas offering traditional Greek cuisine with beautiful views. Reddit

You can expect authentic Santorinian and Greek dishes, often featuring fresh local ingredients. Many offer stunning caldera or village views. Reddit

Absolutely! Pyrgos has lovely cafes where you can relax, enjoy a coffee or local wine, and soak in the atmosphere. Reddit

Prices can vary, but generally, Pyrgos offers a good range of dining options, some of which can be more affordable than those in the more tourist-heavy areas like Oia. Reddit

Yes, Pyrgos is known for its local arts and crafts shops, offering unique, handmade items that make great souvenirs. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Pyrgos offers a more relaxed environment for families compared to the busier caldera towns. The maze-like alleys can be fun for kids to explore, like a real-life treasure hunt. The castle ruins provide a sense of adventure, and the open spaces at the top offer room to move. Reddit

Tips for families: Wear comfortable shoes for everyone, as the paths can be uneven. Pack plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Consider visiting earlier in the day to avoid the midday sun and potential crowds. Look for local tavernas that offer kid-friendly options. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers

Pyrgos is an excellent destination for solo travelers seeking authenticity and tranquility. Its less crowded nature makes it easy to explore at your own pace and connect with the local atmosphere. The village offers a safe and welcoming environment. Reddit

Solo traveler tips: Embrace getting lost in the alleys – it's part of the charm! Strike up conversations with locals or shopkeepers. The heart-shaped rock viewpoint is a great spot for a solo photo opportunity. Enjoy a peaceful meal at a local taverna and soak in the views. TikTokReddit

📸 Photographers

For photographers, Pyrgos Kasteli is a dream. The unique architecture, winding alleys, and panoramic caldera views provide endless opportunities for stunning shots. The castle ruins add a historical and dramatic element to your portfolio. InstagramReddit

Photography tips: Visit during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for the best light. Experiment with wide-angle lenses for the alleys and telephoto lenses for distant caldera shots. Don't forget to capture the details – the textures of the walls, the vibrant flowers, and the local life. The heart-shaped rock viewpoint is a must-capture unique element. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Charm of Pyrgos Village

Pyrgos Kallistis, often simply called Pyrgos, is Santorini's highest village and was once its capital. It offers a stark contrast to the bustling caldera towns like Fira and Oia. Its charm lies in its authentic Cycladic architecture, a labyrinth of narrow, winding alleys, and the imposing ruins of a Venetian castle (Kasteli) at its peak. Wandering through Pyrgos feels like stepping back in time, with whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and hidden courtyards around every corner. TikTokReddit

Unlike the cliffside villages, Pyrgos is situated inland, offering a different perspective of the island. This strategic location historically provided protection from pirates. Today, it provides a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking a more serene experience. The village is also known for its local arts and crafts, with many small shops selling unique, handmade items. Reddit

Visitors often describe the experience of exploring Pyrgos as enchanting and disorienting, in the best possible way. The journey to the top of the Kasteli is an adventure in itself, with stunning views unfolding as you ascend. It's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and escape the typical tourist crowds. Reddit

Experiencing Pyrgos Kasteli's Views

The summit of Pyrgos Kasteli is the undisputed highlight for many visitors, offering some of the most breathtaking panoramic views on the island. From this vantage point, you can see the entire caldera, the Aegean Sea stretching out to the horizon, and the volcanic islands. Sunsets from Pyrgos are particularly spectacular, often described as peaceful and less crowded than those in Oia. TikTokReddit

Beyond the main castle ruins, keep an eye out for unique natural formations. One such discovery is a heart-shaped hole in a rock that perfectly frames the sea and sky, offering a magical photo opportunity. This hidden gem is free to visit and provides a memorable moment for those who find it. TikTok

When exploring the viewpoints, it's crucial to be mindful of your surroundings. The terrain can be uneven, and some areas near the cliff edges require extra caution. While the views are spectacular, safety should always be a priority, especially when straying from well-trodden paths. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2