Private Tours
Beyond the Caldera
Discover Pyrgos, the island’s former capital, continue to Prophet Elias, the highest point of Santorini with peaceful monastery views over the island. Episkopi Gonia offers a quiet, authentic village atmosphere with historic churches, while Kamari is a lively seaside area with a long black-sand beach.
Itinerary
Pyrgos
Pyrgos, the highest and perhaps most beautiful village in Santorini, sits within the castle walls and charms all who see its stunning views of the Aegean Sea.
Its unique architecture blends various influences, making it a true island treasure.
Visit the central square, Ypsilos Kafenes, to see the monument honoring Greek warriors from the Balkan Wars, World War I, and the Asia Minor Catastrophe.
Explore the quaint courtyards with their blue gates and discover Pyrgos’s traditional homes—built partly underground with vaulted ceilings to stay warm in winter and cool in summer.
Profitis Elias
The Prophet Elias Monastery is located in the southeastern part of Santorini, near the village of Pyrgos, perched atop Mount Profitis Ilias. Standing at approximately 567 meters above sea level, it is the highest point on the island—offering breathtaking panoramic views.
Built in 1711 in the style of a fortress, the monastery is a striking example of Cycladic architecture. In its early years, it played a key role in the island’s cultural and educational life, operating as a school where students studied the Greek language and literature.
Today visitors can admire its impressive bell tower and explore the four surrounding churches and chapels.
Episkopi Gonias
Byzantine Church – A Hidden Gem of Santorini
Tucked away from the island’s famous caldera views lies Santorini’s most significant Byzantine monument—and one of the Cyclades’ most impressive. This remarkable church, built in the classic cross-in-square style with a central dome, showcases centuries of history layered in stone and paint.
Originally, an Early Christian three-aisled basilica stood on this very site. When the current structure was built during the Middle Byzantine period, sculptural fragments and architectural elements from the earlier church were thoughtfully integrated into the new design.
Inside, don’t miss the finely carved marble iconostasis and the hauntingly beautiful frescoes. Though weathered by time, they still captivate. Scholars continue to debate their exact origin, placing them between the late 11th and 12th centuries—a testament to the church’s long and storied past.
Kamari Beach
Kamari Beach – Where the Mountain Meets the Sea
With the majestic Mesa Vouno Mountain rising in the background, Kamari Beach offers one of the most scenic spots on the island for swimming and sunbathing. The view is especially magical at night, when the rock face is lit up, casting a golden glow over the shoreline.
A wide, cobblestone promenade stretches along the crescent-shaped bay—perfect for an evening stroll, with the sound of the waves just steps away.
After your walk or swim, settle in at one of Kamari’s traditional tavernas, where you can savor authentic Santorinian dishes with the sea right at your feet.