The Best Hotels in Pyrgos, Santorini

Greece › Santorini › Pyrgos Hotels
By Santorini Dave

Sunset view from Pyrgos village, Santorini.

Pyrgos Hotels

• There is a wide range of accommodations in Pyrgos – everything from good cheap hotels to 5-star luxury hotels. The beach towns of Kamari and Perissa are a short drive to the east.
• Best Luxury Hotel in Pyrgos: Santorini Heights
• Best Budget Hotel in Pyrgos: Art Hotel Santorini
• Best Villas in Pyrgos: Patina Vivera Estate

Staying in Pyrgos

See Also

• Our Favorite Hotels in Santorini
• Best Santorini Towns & Villages

Pyrgos (sometimes spelled Pirgos), a traditional village set on Santorini’s highest point and just 10 minutes from Fira by car, is a great choice for visitors seeking the “real” Santorini experience, away from the cruise ship crowds. Its winding streets are peppered with small shops, restaurants and traditional churches, and most hotel accommodations here have private pools or jacuzzis and panoramic views over the sea and countryside. For a truly magical experience, visit Pyrgos over Greek Orthodox Easter weekend – on Good Friday, the entire village is lined with candles, and there’s a procession from the church of Agios Nikolaos Theotokaki.

Map of Pyrgos

Hotels on Map: Carpe Diem • North • Voreina Gallery • Luna • Chrisanthi Villa • Aeon • Skyfall • Elessa • White & Co. Villas • Art Hotel • Patina Vivera • Zatrikion • Santorini Heights

7 Best Pyrgos Hotels and Villas

1. Patina Vivera Estate

Two side-by-side villas offering the ultimate in upscale amenities. The 3-bedroom Patina villa sleeps 7, while the 6-bedroom Vivera villa can accommodate 12. Both have expertly-appointed gourmet kitchens (plus outdoor kitchens and dining spaces), private pools and hot tubs, and gorgeous design that pairs bespoke modern design pieces with traditional family heirlooms. Fantastic location next to the Church of the Holy Apostles, with sweeping views to the sea and Pyrgos village, which is easily accessible via a 10-minute walk.

2. Santorini Heights

Adults-only private villa and suites sleep 2 to 4 and offer full kitchens and outdoor terraces with al fresco dining tables. Suites feature outdoor jacuzzis or heated private pools, the villa has both a jacuzzi and heated pool. The property also has its own garden and vineyard.

3. Elessa Hotel

Chic, minimalist luxury with stunning eastern views to Anafi island. Suites feature private jacuzzis or plunge pools for 2-3 guests, while spacious villas accommodate up to 7 with heated pools. The central infinity pool and gourmet restaurant enhance the serene ambiance. Located just at the edge of the village and a short walk to the bus for Fira or Perissa Beach.

4. North Santorini

Beautifully-appointed complex with a variety of suites, and a 3-bedroom villa that sleeps 6. All have private pools or hot tubs – or both! A wellness spa and gourmet Japanese/Peruvian restaurant are on site. Perched on a hillside with spectacular veiws and direct access to a path leading up to the village.

5. Skyfall Suites

Adults-only suites, all featuring private kitchenettes, dining areas, and outdoor hot tubs or heated plunge pools. Great views and food from the in-house a la carte restaurant. Most suites accommodate two, but the 2-bedroom Cabana suite sleeps four.

6. Carpe Diem

Understated, romantic retreat with exceptional dining, a decadent spa, and an infinity pool with panoramic views over the island. All suites offer private plunge pools (6 heated, 4 unheated) and excellent sunrise/sunset views. Their 1-to-1 guest-staff ratio and 24-hour butler service guarantee an unparalleled experience.

7. Art Hotel Santorini

Stylish and modern 4-star hotel with in-house art gallery. Art Hotel has a shared outdoor pool and hot tub with pool bar, and many suites offer private hot tubs or heated plunge pools. Bi-level suites feature unique metal mesh floors.

Pyrgos Village Information

• Location: Southern central Santorini. Approximately 5 km from port, 6 km from airport, 5 km from Fira, and 8 km from Perissa Beach.
• Parking: Free public parking lot available within walking distance to the village center, and limited on-street parking on the main road that winds through the village.
• Bus: The bus stop is in the center of the village. General bus information and public bus schedule.
• Dining: A handful of charming restaurants and cafes. Our favorites are Cava Alta, Metaxi Mas (in neighboring Exo Gonia), Kantouni, Rosemary, and Franco’s.
• Shopping: Small boutiques and souvenir shops scattered around the village.

Lay of The Land
The picturesque and traditional village of Pyrgos is the highest settlement and former capital of Santorini. It sits at the foot of Mount Profitis (1981 m) and was built on pre-volcanic land. Despite Santorini being one of the most popular destinations of the world, Pyrgos retains an unruffled air of casual and cool, seemingly unaffected by tourism. This pace makes Pyrgos an ideal spot for those seeking the “real” Santorini experience, away from the cruise ship crowds.

Strategically and amphitheatrically built at this elevation, the village offers gorgeous panoramic views of the entire island. The hillside village is a typical Cycladic fortress community with labyrinthine, narrow, winding streets fortified with thick walls and hidden passages. It’s considered to be the best preserved medieval settlement on the island, and was declared a protected village in 1995. The narrow alleyways of Pyrgos, off the main square, are littered with blue-domed churches, restaurants, cafes, small galleries and shops sometimes tucked away and only visible as you navigate up and down the alleys.

This small leafy square at the top of the village near Agios Nikolaos church has a small monument to fallen Greek soldiers.

The Main Square
The charming main square or village center is shaded by tall trees, and some quaint cafes, tavernas, mini-markets and tourist shops can be found here. Afternoons tend to be busy in the village when locals get together for ouzo or tsipouro and meze (small dishes meant to be shared).

The Kasteli
The ruins of a Venetian castle (Kasteli in Greek), built in 1580, towers over the village at the peak of this hill, and was once the island’s administrative center. A 7.7 magnitude earthquake in 1956 destroyed a good portion of the castle and its surrounding structures, but the Kasteli is still fairly well-preserved.

History
During the Byzantine Era, and later during the Frankish occupation, the Aegean coast suffered incessant pirate raids, so the islanders were forced to build fortified settlements in more inaccessible areas. Feudal lords lived in the settlements’ tower structures (the Goulas) that served as a defensive stronghold, observatory, and also a warehouse for agricultural crops. Five examples of this feudal arrangement, which flourished in Medieval Europe between the 9th and 15th centuries, can be found on Santorini: Pyrgos (being the “newest” of the five), Akrotiri, Emporio, Oia and Skaros.

Underground passageways were used in emergencies when citizens had to escape invaders. About 70 families lived inside the castle walls. Another settlement was built just outside the castle walls where later, the first school in Santorini was founded.

A typically steep and narrow lane leading up through the castle.

Attractions

• Pyrgos is surrounded by vineyards and there are plenty of wineries to visit near here, the closest one being Santo Wines with spectacular caldera views. Others nearby are: Hatzidakis, Art Space Winery in Exo Gonia, Canava Roussos in Episkopi Gonia , Artemis Karamolegos, Estate Argyros, Koutsoyannopoulos Winery and Museum. The Santorini Brewing Company where they make the local Donkey beer is about 3 km from the village as well.
• Church of Agios Nikolaos Theotokaki: Dating to the 1300’s and renovated in the 1600’s, this is one of the oldest churches on the island, distinguished by its blue dome and 6-bell tower.
• St George Church/Eisodia Tis Theotokou: This picturesque church dates to the 17th century and is one of the most important churches on the island. Located just behind Franco’s at the top of Pyrgos, this is the easiest church to recognize in a large cluster of churches in the castle grounds, including the Virgin Mary Church.
• Museum of Icons and Ecclesiastical Artifacts: Right next door to St. George Church is a small museum of 17th and 18th-century religious artifacts inside a former Catholic convent, Agia Triada.
• Pyrgos Castle: The castle ruins are not much to see on their own. The main reason to visit here is to see the panoramic view over the island and to visit the several churches surrounding the grounds. Located behind Franco’s.
• Church Christos (Metamorfosi Tou Sotiros): The Church of Christ is an imposing church perched just above the main square, notable for its architectural design.

Rooftop dining at Cava Alta restaurant, against the backdrop of Pyrgos village.

More Great Pyrgos Hotels

Voreina Gallery Suites

Five excellent suites, all with a hot tub (indoor or outdoor) or private pool. The 3-bedroom villas sleep 6. Excellent views over the Santorini countryside.

Luna Santorini Suites

Four suites set in a former winery, each with private outdoor hot tub or heated plunge pool. Traditional Cycladic design with Venetian touches, shared sunset terrace, accommodating staff.

Aeon Suites

Six new, adults-only suites located just below the medeival castle. Contemporary Cycladic decor, and unobstructed sunrise views to the east. Each suite sleeps two and has an outdoor hot tub or heated plunge pool.

White & Co. Villas

One and two-bedroom villas with private pools. Quiet, intimate location, on-site restaurant. Three out of the four villas can be connected to create a large mega-villa for large groups.

Zatrikion Santorini Villas

One and two-bedroom villas located just outside Pyrgos village. Great shared swimming pool, and most villas have private outdoor hot tubs. Warm and friendly host, stunning views. The largest villas sleep six.

Staying in Pyrgos – Things to Know

Pyrgos has gorgeous panoramic views out over Santorini from end to end.

The main road runs through the middle of town.

A wide sidewalk passes by the plaza at the center of town.

Kantouni Cafe just off the main plaza.

Hilltop church with Oia visible in the distance.

Donkey tied up at beautiful viewpoint.

Cava Alta restaurant’s rooftop patio.

An iconic blue domed white church.

Small souvenir shop along a staircase.

Village alleys are lined with souvenir shops.

Local crafts, ceramics, and a variety of souvenirs.

Gorgeous views over the countryside from between souvenir stalls.

Bells and postcards for sale.

Typical staircase climbing up the village hillside.

Pedestrian walking area.

Pedestrian signage.

Parking area close to village center.

The infinity pool at Carpe Diem Hotel.

A typical archway found in the village’s winding alleys.

St George Church at the top of the village.

Colorful alleyways.

Public bus arriving from Fira.

Public parking lot.