A Short Guide to the Stunning Village of Megalochori, Santorini
Our favourite village on Santorini, Megalochori is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Uncover the best of this charming town, including wineries, historical architecture, stunning churches, and traditional underground caves with our detailed guide. Includes where to stay, and how to get there.
Santorini feels a lot like Disneyland - an overwhelming theme park filled with sites and attractions that feel a little, well, contrived. Real Greece feels like a world away.
And yet finding the real Greece in Santorini is unexpectedly easy to find.
Located just a short drive away from Fira and Oia, the hidden gem of Megalochori is a true warren of white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches, pretty main squares flanked by tavernas, and peaceful hidden laneways. The surrounding plains are filled with vineyards and wineries like Gavalas and Venetsanos, producing the famed local sweet red Vinsanto wine.
Its status amongst the wealthy wine merchants, land barons and traders of the 17th century is evident in the general beauty of the town and the grand mansions dotted about — whose high walls and solid wooden doors also provided protection against marauding pirates at the time.
It’s in these streets we recommend you get wonderfully lost, to fully understand this wonderful little village.
The village was almost entirely destroyed by an earthquake in the '50s, but thankfully recent works by residents have restored the town to its former glory again.
Our day spent wandering Megalochori turned into one of our favourites on the island.
For the traveller, visiting Megalochori and its surrounding vineyards as a day trip remains one of the most popular things to do in Santorini. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know before visiting, including what to see and do, where to eat, and advice on the best hotels to stay in.
Love our photos? They were all edited using our Europe Preset Pack, which you can purchase here!
MEGALOCHORI
SNAPSHOT
WHERE | South-west Santorini
WHERE TO STAY | Vedema or Artemis Suites
WHAT TO SEE | Wine tasting at Gavalas, see the bell tower, walk the laneways, Petra Kouzina cooking class
WHEN TO VISIT | Late Afternoon, between May - early July, mid-September - October
HOW TO GET THERE | Bus from Fira, ATV/Rental car
WHERE TO STAY IN MEGALOCHORI, SANTORINI
In so many places, Santorini feels like an island that exists solely for tourists.
But Megalochori is different - a rustic, traditional village that is worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Oia and Fira. Here, the quiet life is enjoyed, and while the accommodation options are more limited, they’re still exceptional and feel a little more exclusive.
Below are a few of our recommended hotels in the town:
VEDEMA MEGALOCHORI | LUXURY
Built around a 400-year-old vineyard in the medieval town of Megalochori, Vedema offers a little more authenticity than other luxury Santorini hotels.
The 59 suites, villas and handcrafted houses create something like a Greek village overlooking the Aegean sea.
As well as swanky rooms with private balconies and jacuzzies, Vedema has all the epicurean delights and premium experiences you’d expect from a 5-star Marriot hotel on Santorini.
BOOK | Vedema
ARTEMIS SUITES | MID-RANGE
If you’re looking for front-row seats to stunning sea views, Artemis Suites promises to deliver. The seven-suite Artemis complex is perched 250m above the sea on the caldera edge in Megalochori, one of the best areas to stay in Santorini if you’re after tranquillity.
The rooms are simple but tasteful, decorated inside and out in the classic Cycladic style.
Megalochori is south of Fira, so only one room at Artemis offers sunset views. But the hotel pool is still a great place to chill out on a sweltering Santorini day.
BOOK | Artemis Suites
CULTURAL HOUSE | BUDGET
One of the best things about staying in nearby Pyrgos is experiencing something close to an “authentic” way of life. Cultural House, in the middle of the medieval village, is the perfect example.
A recent renovation (in 2018) spruced up the aparthotel complex, adding modern touches like flatscreen TVs and updating the bathrooms. The rooms aren’t fancy, but they have everything you need for a comfortable stay.
In terms of value for money in a quiet area of Santorini, you can’t go wrong with Cultural House.
BOOK | Cultural House
BOOK | Search and book Megalochori accommodation
WHAT TO SEE IN MEGALOCHORI, SANTORINI
LOSE YOURSELF IN THE QUIET STREETS AND ALLEYWAYS
Getting lost amongst Megalochori's ancient streets and laneways is like taking a journey back in time, and our afternoon walking the time-worn streets was our favourite on the Santorini.
Steeped in history and culture, the village is filled with narrow alleys and winding pathways that lead visitors through centuries-old buildings and architectural marvels - it feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Oia and Fira, which is a wonderful thing, trust us.
The picturesque whitewashed houses, colourful doors and windows, and cobblestone streets all add to the charm and character of the village, as does the delightful scent of jasmine and bougainvillaea that fills the air.
As you make your way through Megalochori's streets, you will come across numerous architectural gems, including the village's many churches and chapels.
We suggest stopping by the impressive Church of Agios Nikolaos, with its stunning blue dome and intricate frescoes, as well as The Church of the Ascension of Mary, with its pastel-hued belltower that dominates the town square.
If you’d prefer to learn more about the town from a guide, this highly-rated guided tour takes you through its history, main attractions and wineries.
BOOK | A guided tour of Megalochori and surrounding wineries
ADMIRE THE FAMOUS MEGALOCHORI BELL TOWER
Of all the beautiful corners of Megalochori, perhaps the most breathtaking is the famous bell tower.
Part of the Virgin Mary Church, the ancient six-bell tower stands effortlessly over the narrow, cobbled street below. The surrounding whitewashed walls are covered in bright pink bougainvillaea, providing what is one the most beautiful photography location in Santorini.
There’s not much more to it than that, a simple, stunning example of ancient Greek architecture which needs to be seen to be believed.
SIP THE UNBELIEVABLY DELICIOUS LOCAL WINE
For such a small island in the Aegean Sea, Santorini certainly packs an outsized punch when it comes to its wine scene: 18 different wineries can be found nestled in the small slips of ancient land between the caldera and the sparkling sea.
Not many places in the world can boast such diversity of wine-making, which makes Santorini pretty special.
At the heart of the wine-making culture on the island is Megalochori, which is famous for its centuries-old vineyards and unique grape varietals, including the famous local drop, Vinsanto.
Vinsanto wine is a sweet dessert wine and is made from sun-dried Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Aidani grapes, which are grown on volcanic soil and harvested late in the season. The grapes are then aged in oak barrels for several years, allowing the wine to develop its unique flavour and aroma.
We recommend joining a wine-tasting tour of the local wineries to gain a better understanding of not only the winemaking history and process, but also to try Vinsanto, and the other types of wines made on the island, which are utterly delicious - trust us.
During the wine tastings, you’ll have the opportunity to sample a variety of wines, including Assyrtiko and Vinsanto, while sampling local snacks such as cheese, olives, and bread. You’ll also be able to take a stroll through the vineyards and learn about the unique techniques used to cultivate the grapes. The scenery of the Megalochori vineyards is breathtaking, with stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding villages.
The wineries are small, peaceful, and friendly, and are the perfect antidote to the bustling streets of Oia or Fira.
If you’d prefer to do the wine tastings yourself, we suggest visiting Galavas and Boutari wineries.
BOOK | This popular half-day tour of three wineries near Megalochori
TAKE AN AUTHENTIC GREEK COOKING CLASS
One of the best things about travel is eating local cuisine, and Greece is widely considered to have some of the best dishes anywhere in the world.
Every Greek city, town and island has their own culinary history, filled with intricate rich flavours that you’d expect from a country that straddles Europe and the Middle East. And Santorini is no different.
The island is famed for its produce and delicious recipes, and a lot of those culinary traditions are passed down from generation to generation, invariably kept as family secrets - you know, “my grandma makes the best moussaka…”.
This is why a Greek cooking class on Santorini is so damn appealing. And the best cooking class on the island happens to be located in Megalochori.
Petra Kouzina, run by George and Dina, offers a unique cooking class in the heart of town, in a cave house no less. Bringing people together is at the heart of Greek cooking, and the tour focuses on cooking as much as socialising.
Our cooking class was a truly gourmet experience, helping us learn more about Greek cuisine and also about the culture and customs of Santorini. Over lots of local wine, of course.
We learned how to make a selection of traditional and wonderfully delicious dishes, including tzatziki, tomato fritters, Greek salad and moussaka, before enjoying the fruits of our labour on the sunny terrace with new friends. It was honestly one of the best days on the Island.
At the end of the class, you’ll receive your very own recipe book to recreate the dishes at home, which we still do from time to time.
EXPLORE THE NEARBY AKROTIRI RUINS
Legend and some historians suggest that Santorini, and its ancient city of Akrotiri, maybe the Lost City of Atlantis, after the eruption of the Thera volcano some 3700 years ago.
While there's not a lot of evidence to support that claim, what is known is that Akrotiri was once a thriving Minoan Bronze Age settlement and that it's basically Santorini's answer to Pompeii: an ancient city and its everyday objects (like many, many ceramic pots and the odd tile) choked and then preserved under thick layers of ash and volcanic rock.
Located close to Megalochori, Akrotiri was only rediscovered in the 60s, and today you can tour the enclosed ruins. The space is kind of like a large enclosed aeroplane hanger, with wooden footbridges in parts that allow you to walk along the city's streets and amongst the remains of its buildings.
It is less well-preserved than Pompeii — some of the buildings are little more than rubble — but for those who have a fascination with ancient cultures and civilisations, it's still a chance to go back a few thousand years and experience the island pre-Instagram and flowy dress shoots.
If you're looking for a guided tour of Akrotiri, we recommend this guided walking tour with a licensed archaeologist. And for those who can't get enough of the ancient history, the Lost Atlantis Experience delves right into both this and the ancient eruption. Buy your tickets ahead of time here.
THE DETAILS
Where | Akrotiri Archaeological Site, Akrotiri
When | Friday - Wednesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, Thursday: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Cost | €12 entry per person. €6 reduced entry is available for seniors and those under 25 from non-EU countries.
BOOK | Guided walking tour of Akrotiri with a licensed Archaeologist, The Lost Atlantis Experience
FIND MEGALOCHORI’S TRADITIONAL UNDERGROUND CAVES
Spend time walking around Megalochori’s streets and you’ll soon notice signs steering you to a secret labyrinth of traditional caves. If you see these signs, follow them, for you’ll gain a unique glimpse into Santorini’s history.
Dating back to the 17th century, the underground caves were carved out of soft volcanic rock and used as homes and storage spaces for the local population. Cool in the summer, they were ideal for storing wine, olive oil, and other perishable goods. Many of the caves are now used as wine cellars, providing the perfect environment for ageing and storing the island's famous Vinsanto wine.
Today, the underground caves of Megalochori have been carefully restored and transformed into a tourist attraction, providing a glimpse into the island's rich history and culture.
THE DETAILS
Where | Megalochori Cave houses
Entry Fee | Free
DEVOUR DELICIOUS ICE CREAM AT MR. SCOOP
Being the ice cream enthusiasts that we are (our life motto is “an ice cream a day keeps the doctor away"), we felt compelled to try creatively named Mr Scoop, while slowly strolling the pretty streets of Megalochori.
We’ve tried gelato everywhere from Rome to London, and this local institution was one of the best we’ve ever had. Made fresh in that quintessential Greek style - thick, creamy, and smooth, the gelato popped with flavour.
Mark went for the Pistachio and dark chocolate which was a taste sensation, while Mim tried the fruitier and equally delicious watermelon and strawberry.
Mr Scoops’ location, in the centre of Megalochori’s pretty town square, is the perfect place to sit back, chill and eat your gelato, before setting off to explore more corners of this storied village.
Trust us, don’t miss a visit here.
THE DETAILS
Where | Mr Scoop
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN MEGALOCHORI, SANTORINI
For such a small town, there are a number of exceptional restaurants and bars located within the time-worn streets.
ALISACHNI RESTAURANT
An amazing multi-space combining fine arts, some of the best wines and gastronomy right in heart of Megalochori, Alisachni is one of the best restaurants in Santorini. If you’re after creative Greek cuisine this is THE place to eat.
Try the saganaki served with honey and grapes, the seared tuna salad, and the saffron risotto with squid. Wash it all down with local wines.
Set in a restored village house, along with excellent service and an outstanding Sommelier and wine list, provides the perfect local, Santorini-Greek, dining experience!
FEGGERA
Set on a quiet, cobbled square and covered in bougainvillaea, Feggera is wildly charming. And the food is fantastic too.
Serving contemporary Greek food showcasing local produce the dishes are flavourful and well-plated. We suggest the homemade ravioli stuffed with sea bass and the smoked white eggplant salad. Accompany any food with local white wine.
TRADITIONAL KAFENEIO MEGALOCHORI
A hidden gem on Santorini, Kafeneio Megalochori serves excellent brunch and lunch options in the heart of town.
Located close to the picturesque bell tower, Kafeneio serves everything from coffees and smoothies to bruschetta and octopus salad.
Additionally, you can enjoy delicious home and freshly made Greek food, cakes, local wines or special Greek evenings with music.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING MEGALOCHORI
WHERE IS MEGALOCHORI, AND HOW TO GET TO THERE?
Megalochori is located in the southwestern part of Santorini, approximately 7 kilometres southeast of the island's capital, Fira.
There are several ways to get to Megalochori, depending on your starting point.
We recommend exploring the island via ATV or scooter, which provides the most nimble form of transport on what is otherwise an extremely busy island.
From Fira (directions here), take the main road out towards Mesaria, before making your way up the hill towards the port of Santorini. From here, it’s a short drive before veering left and arriving at Megalochori.
Alternatively, if you are staying in Fira, you can take a local bus to Perissa, which stops in Megalochori (read more here). The bus departs from the main bus station in Fira and runs several times a day, and the journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
A LITTLE ABOUT MEGALOCHORI’S HISTORY
Megalochori is a place rich in history and culture, which is understandable given the close to 4,000 years of history in Santorini.
However, Megalochori’s story starts a little over 400 years ago, during the time of the Venetians and later the Ottomans, when the tiny village began to grow due to its location and fertile soil.
It was around this time the village become somewhat of a Santorini hiding place for Pirates who cruised the Mediterranean, and the village become the epicentre for the trade (and smuggling) of Vinsanto wine. Smart people.
In the 19th century, Megalochori grew in prosperity due to the island's now booming wine industry, which produced high-quality wines favoured by European royalty. The village's narrow alleys, white-washed houses, and colourful doors and windows still bear witness to this era of prosperity.
However, the village's history is not without tragedy.
In 1956, a massive earthquake struck Santorini, causing untold damage to Megalochori and its inhabitants. Many of the village's buildings were destroyed or damaged beyond repair, and the residents were forced to rebuild their homes and their lives from scratch.
The last 20 years have seen the village completely restored, which we’re beyond happy about because it truly is the most beautiful little place.
Despite the passage of time and the changes that have taken place, Megalochori remains a living testament to the island's rich and diverse history.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MEGALOCHORI
The best time to visit Megalochori is in the afternoon, from 4 pm onwards when the village is quiet, and slowly awakening itself for the evening rush.
This will give you time to explore the streets and drop into a winery, before watching the sunset while devouring a delicious meal.
We’d avoid visiting during the height of summer though when Santorini is overwhelmingly busy.
Therefore, we suggest visiting between late April - early June, or mid-September - October, otherwise known as shoulder seasons (either side of the peak seasons).
During this time, the days are still long and the weather and sea are warm, but the crowds are smaller and more manageable, making the Oia far more pleasant.
What's more, the price of accommodation, food and drinks is cheaper during the shoulder period - and you’re helping reduce the environmental impact while extending the tourism season to locals.
HOW TO GET AROUND SANTORINI
There are a few ways to get around Santorini, although which one you should opt for the kind of depends on whether you're planning to visit during peak season or not.
SCOOTER OR ATV
The best option if you want more flexibility and freedom with your Santorini itinerary while not spending an absolute fortune on car rental. In peak season, you'll want to be able to zip about more freely than you can in a car or by local bus.
We hired an ATV through Tony's in Fira, and we'd do it again in a heartbeat.
Note that to rent a scooter in Greece you'll need to show proof of a motorbike license.
LOCAL BUS
Buses are by far the cheapest mode of transport in Santorini, and the network is pretty good and reliable. Most tickets between major hubs generally cost around €1.80 (the most we paid was €2.50 for a ticket) and are paid in cash to the bus driver. Most buses connect in and out of Fira, which is the only super annoying part (like when you're trying to get between Oia and Imerovigli, but have to switch at Fira!).
During the peak of summer, we'd recommend getting to the bus stop early, and being prepared to queue for a while (it can also get pretty pushy!).
BY CAR
Our least favourite option for getting around Santorini, especially in peak season. Car rental here is hideously expensive, and the mostly single-lane roads just choke under the level of traffic on them.
Plenty of locals talked about 30-minute drives stretching into traffic-clogged 2+ hours through July and August, something we witnessed at the beginning of our visit (and in a vastly reduced pandemic season, no less!).
If you can avoid it, personally we'd say don't bother hiring a car.
BOOK | Search and book car rental on Santorini
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL IN SANTORINI
Responsible, sustainable travel is what we’re all about here at TCW HQ, and this is especially true when we travel to places suffering from climate change and plastic pollution, such as Santorini Island.
TRAVEL DURING SHOULDER SEASON | Shoulder season is the time before and after the peak season when things are quieter, cheaper, and more enjoyable (especially in the Med!). Travel then to reduce over-tourism, and extend the season for local operators
DON’T BUY BOTTLED DRINKS | Please, for the love of the ocean: DO NOT BUY SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BOTTLES! You'll understand why when you see a bunch of plastic bottles bob past you in the open sea. Buy one of these fantastic bottles instead
USE LESS WATER | To help reduce the pressure on water supplies, keep your water usage to a minimum. We know that’s hard to do on holidays, but quick showers, and turning the tap off when brushing your teeth, cleaning etc. really help
OCEAN-FRIENDLY TOILETRIES | Everything that goes down the boat drain ends up in the ocean, try and make sure all your toiletries, sunscreen, and shampoo is as ocean-friendly as possible! Solid bars are a great place to start (see below to buy some eco-friendly toiletries).
DO YOUR OWN CLEANUPS | See rubbish on the beach, forest or town? Pick it up, and dispose of it properly. If every traveller helped out during their holiday, the beaches, oceans and forests would be a much happier place for it
DON’T USE PLASTIC BAGS | Pack a reusable tote and use these to carry your snacks, drinks, or new souvenirs instead
LEAVE NO TRACE | Limit your consumption of plastic, and opt for sustainable / zero-waste alternatives instead. Pack a reusable water bottle, bring your reusable coffee cup, and if you can’t sip your cocktails without a straw, bring a metal or bamboo one along instead. And never leave a trace...
BE ANIMAL-FRIENDLY | Observe sea creatures from a distance, don’t pick up wildlife like starfish or urchins, or grab onto turtles, dolphins, etc. If an animal wants to interact with you, it’ll approach you
SUPPORT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY | Visit a locally owned taverna for a meal, and buy which means both supporting the local economy and community, and also giving you a real authentic experience.
ICE CREAM CONE | bonus tip - eat your ice cream in a cone, rather than a cup and plastic spoon for the ultimate plastic-free indulgence!
YOUR SANTORINI PACKING ESSENTIALS
Travelling through Santorini comes with a unique set of needs.
To help you have a comfortable, happy journey, we recommend bringing the following items with you:
REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE | THE BEST INVESTMENT WE’VE EVER MADE! We use the Grayl water purification bottles, which allow us to fill up from any water source, anywhere in the world (including train taps!)
A TOTE BAG | The humble tote is a versatile little lifesaver when on the road. They're plastic-free, small, easily foldable, and can pack a surprising amount! Check out this range of beautifully designed, personalisable totes bags here
BIODEGRADABLE WET WIPES | Keep clean without destroying the planet!
HAND SANITISER | This is not something we’d actually recommend normally, but we now live in Covid times... so this can be a bloody great investment
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL ADAPTER | You’ll need a European plug to keep your gear going!
POWER BANK | Don’t get caught out without power for your devices
EYE MASK | For those annoyingly early European sunrises!
BIO-FRIENDLY TOILETRIES | Avoid damaging and chemical-heavy products and facial scrubs with microbeads altogether. We recommend Lush solid shampoo, conditioner and body wash bars, ocean-friendly sunscreen (Stream2Sea), a mooncup is a great investment for “that” week and Lip balm for the sun
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN GREECE
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
Here are our recommendations, based on 8+ years of full-time travel:
FOR TRAVELLERS | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
FOR DIGITAL NOMADS | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
CAR INSURANCE | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
PLANNING A TRIP TO GREECE SOON?
Check out these essential guides, travel tips, and more to help you plan your trip:
SANTORINI ATTRACTIONS | Our curated Santorini Travel Guide, The best of Santorini, Where to stay in Santorini, A curated guide to Oia, Santorini, Exploring the stunning Ammoudi Bay, Our guide to hiking Skaros Rock, How and where to find the best Santorini sunsets
THE BEST OF NAXOS | Top things to do on Naxos, Where to stay on Naxos Island, Things to do in Chora Town, A guide to the pretty town of Halki, A guide to Plaka Beach, & Agios Prokopios
EXPLORE PAROS | The best things to do on Paros, A guide to Naoussa town, A guide to Lefkes, A short guide to Parikia Paros, Where to stay on Paros
MYKONOS DREAMING | What to see and do on Mykonos
GREECE SAILING | This is what it’s like to sail the Greek Saronic Islands with Medsailors
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world? Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO SANTORINI WITH THESE GUIDES
Some of the links on this Megalochori Guide are affiliate links.
If you choose to purchase using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please know that by using these affiliate links, you're directly supporting The Common Wanderer to stay wandering, the running costs of the site, and our ability to provide you with free content to help you on your travels.
That, and you're officially a legend.