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Last updated: July 8, 2026
Planning your trip? Book ferry tickets to Santorini. Pyrgos is best explored with your own set of wheels; compare Santorini Rent Me (economy) and Mercury Cars (premium) or hire an ATV from Santorini Quad. Stay at Athina Luxury Suites in nearby Fira for easy exploration.
While Oia and Fira attract the lion's share of attention, Pyrgos Kallistis remains the local secret of Santorini. It was the island's capital until the early 1800s, built as a medieval fortress (Kasteli) on the highest hilltop. Today, it offers a beautifully preserved maze of winding alleys, blue-domed churches, hidden wine bars, and a relaxed, authentic village pace that feels worlds away from the cruise-ship crowds.
This guide outlines everything you need to know to plan the perfect day in Pyrgos, including where to eat, the best wineries, and what to see.
The Quick Guide to Pyrgos
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Inland hill, 5 km south of Fira (10 min drive) |
| Best For | Medieval architecture, 360° views, local food & wine |
| Time Needed | Half day (3 to 5 hours) |
| Vetted Taverna | Rizes Gastro Taverna (Fira/Pyrgos border area) |
| Fine Dining | Selene (inside a restored mansion) |
| Winery Spot | Santo Wines (just outside the village) |
| Top Event | Easter Good Friday (Fire Can Ceremony) |
Exploring the Kasteli (Fortress)
The village is designed as a defensive labyrinth. The houses are built tightly together, spiraling upward toward the ruins of the 13th-century Venetian castle (Kasteli) at the summit.
As you walk up, you'll pass:
- Blue-domed churches: Including the beautiful Agia Triada and the Monastery of Prophet Elias (located on the highest peak above the village)
- Traditional caves: Houses built directly into the pumice stone
- Artisan shops: Local galleries, hand-made jewelry, and ceramic workshops
At the top, the castle ruins offer a 360-degree panorama of the entire island. You can see both the east and west coastlines, the caldera, the airport, and the vineyards rolling down the hills.
Where to Eat: Rizes Gastro & Local Tavernas
Pyrgos has quietly become Santorini's premier dining hub, blending authentic tavernas with world-class fine dining.
Rizes Gastro Taverna Rizes is the breakout culinary hit of the season. Situated on the caldera-facing edge of Fira/Pyrgos, this award-winning taverna focuses on contemporary Greek farm-to-table cuisine. Their menu features locally sourced, volcanic-soil ingredients (fava, white aubergine, cherry tomatoes) elevated with modern techniques.
- Reservations: Highly recommended for dinner. Book via reserve@rizessantorini.com or call +30 22860 21885.
Selene One of the most acclaimed fine-dining restaurants in the Cyclades. Located in a restored mansion in Pyrgos, Selene serves acclaimed tasting menus built entirely on local Santorini ingredients and volcanic wines.
- Best For: A special anniversary or luxury treat.
Penelope's & Cava Alta For a casual lunch inside the medieval lanes, Penelope's is a family-run taverna serving simple, home-cooked local specialties (try the tomato fritters and the pork souvlaki). Cava Alta offers excellent Mediterranean-Greek fusion on a lovely rooftop terrace.
For a wider selection, see our best restaurants in Santorini.
Volcanic Wine: Santo Wines & Assyrtiko
Pyrgos is surrounded by Santorini's oldest vineyards. Because of the Meltemi winds, the vines are trained in low, circular baskets (kouloura) to protect the grapes.
Santo Wines Located just outside Pyrgos village on the edge of the caldera cliff, Santo Wines is the island's largest cooperative winery. It is highly popular for its tasting flights of volcanic Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and Vinsanto paired with local cheeses. The sunset views from their terrace are spectacular.
- Tip: Book a sunset wine flight 2–3 weeks in advance. Combine this with our Santorini Wine Tasting & Vineyard Tour activity.
Read our complete Santorini wineries guide to plan your tasting route.
Easter in Pyrgos
If you visit Santorini in April or May during Greek Orthodox Easter, Pyrgos is the place to be. On Good Friday, the village holds its famous fire ceremony.
Locals place thousands of tin cans filled with fuel and sawdust on the rooftops, castle walls, and church domes. As the funeral procession begins, the cans are lit, engulfing the entire medieval village in a glowing sea of fire. It is one of the most spectacular Easter events in Greece.
For travel planning during this season, read our Easter in the Cyclades guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pyrgos worth visiting in Santorini? Yes. It is the best-preserved medieval village on Santorini, offering 360-degree views, historic fortress architecture, and a quiet, authentic atmosphere away from the caldera crowds.
How do you get to Pyrgos? Drive 10 minutes south from Fira by car or ATV. The KTEL bus from Fira to Perissa also stops at the Pyrgos main square.
What is the best restaurant in Pyrgos? Rizes Gastro Taverna is highly recommended for contemporary farm-to-table dining. Selene offers acclaimed fine dining in the village center.
Are there wineries in Pyrgos? Yes. Santo Wines is located on the caldera edge just outside the village, offering famous sunset wine tastings.
→ Santorini island guide | Things to do in Santorini | Imerovigli village guide → Santorini wineries guide | Rent a car Santorini | Ferry to Santorini
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