Location
Pyrgos is Santorini’s little rebel. Α village that refused to be anything but itself. On the island’s highest hill, its view is one of a kind, but it’s the village’s character, tradition and history that steals hearts.
Once the capital of Santorini, Pyrgos wears its history proudly. It was one of the island’s five fortified settlements (Kastelia), built to protect against pirate invasions. The village’s Venetian Kasteli still stands today as a symbol of its past.
Enter through the Kasteloporta, once guarded by boiling oil poured on intruders, and wander through its maze-like alleys. Beneath the Kasteli, secret tunnels once offered sanctuary and escape for the villagers.
At the heart of Pyrgos is its main square, shaded by tall pines, where locals gather for coffee, ouzo, or a bite that captures the island’s flavors. For you, it’s a delicious slice of Greek authenticity.
This place has adapted to a slower kind of life. Cats roam the sunny alleys, people going about their day, traditional houses hum in their quiet hustle and bustle. Explore the village’s whitewashed houses, many of which are unique cave-like dwellings (yposkafa) carved into volcanic rock.
Ingeniously designed to stay cool in summer and warm in winter, these homes reflect Santorini’s architectural ingenuity. Wander past blooming bougainvillea and secret courtyards that make everything utterly photogenic.
Go chapel-hunting. Pyrgos is home to 49 traditional churches and chapels, each with its own unique character. Highlights include the Church of the Holy Apostles, built on the site of Santorini’s first school, and the chapels dotting the slopes of Prophet Elias Mountain, which rises above the village.
Truly traditional
Pyrgos is more than a historical gem. It’s a village alive with tradition. During Easter, the village is illuminated for the procession of the Epitaph on Good Friday, with tin lanterns illuminating the entire area. On August 14, the Epitaph of the Virgin Mary is carried through the streets, starting from the Church of the Entry of the Virgin Mary, home to a revered icon of the Dormition of the Virgin. These events, deeply rooted in faith and community, offer a rare chance to witness Pyrgos at its most magical.
The soul of Pyrgos
The locals will tell you Pyrgos stands apart, not just for its stunning views or historical significance, but for its soul. Some say it’s the village’s location that has kept it sheltered from the tourist storm, preserving its authentic character. Pyrgos remains Santorini’s most genuine spot, a place where past and present coexist perfectly.
Pyrgos awaits at Ark
At Ark, you’re invited to experience Pyrgos as it truly is. Authentic, wonderfully mindful, and seriously captivating.
