Santorini Island Villages
Oia
With 500 residents Oia is a smaller
and quieter version of Fira although its residents will be quick to point
out the major differences less readily apparent to the untrained eye. It's
also a port, which today mostly caters to the expensive private yachts
and caique's which dock below. Half destroyed by the earthquake of 1956,
and once having 9,000 residents, it has won major awards for its reconstruction
and restoration efforts and is a charming place built on top of itself
on the cliff face. A half ruined Venetian Fort and working windmills add
to the already majestic aura of Oia. There are 3 beaches near by. Oia costs more because its exclusive and vice versa!
MARITIME MUSEUM (OIA)
Santorini's maritime history museum displays marine objects of the 19th
century. Open daily (closed Tuesdays) from 10-2 and 5-8 pm. Fee €3 Tel.:
71156.
Imerovigli
Traditionally Catholic
Imerovigli has almost merged into expanding Firostefani and its views
of the caldera are just as majestic but slightly altered. Below is
the old site of Skaros, Santorini's medieval capital, destroyed
in 1650 by eruption. A path leads to the site below now occupied by,
what else... a chapel.
Emporio
A large, picturesque, central
village with small streets and windmill topped hills. Emporio has
vestiges of a fortified castle and a strong, square building called the
Goulas where village people hid from pirates.The small site of ancient Elefsina
is nearby.
KARTERADOS
Two kilometers east of Fira,
with interesting architecture and churches worth visiting, is Karterados. Central Analipsis
Church resembles the Cathedral of Fira. Eisodia tis Theotokou and Aghios
Nikolaos are typical. Karterados has a quiet black-sand beach that is closest
to Fira.
MEGALOCHORI
A peaceful and traditional
Santorini village with vaulted houses and stone-cobbled streets located
nine km from Fira. Megalohori grows the most grapes used for wine on Santorini.
MONOLITHOS
A typical Santorinian village
about 7 km from Fira, near the airport. The village takes its name from
the rock named Monolithos on top of which the St. George church sits.
Other Santorini Pages:
Around Santorini | Santorini Beaches | Historic Santorini | Useful Facts | About Santorini
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