Visiting Imerovigli in Santorini 2026: Complete Guide
12 min read
Complete guide to visiting Imerovigli in Santorini 2026. Skaros Rock hike, Theoskepasti chapel, best restaurants (Surupo, Anogi, Avocado, The Athenian House), hotels with caldera views, sunsets and practical tips. The most peaceful village in the Cyclades.
Updated: 14 April 2026
Santorini, the volcanic island of the Cyclades, is a paradise for lovers of natural beauty and traditional Greek architecture. Among its many picturesque villages, Imerovigli stands out as a true hidden gem that deserves to be discovered without any excuse.
Perched 300 metres above sea level, Imerovigli is nicknamed "the balcony of the Aegean Sea" and it's easy to see why. Its cobbled alleyways, whitewashed cave houses and breathtaking views of the caldera make it one of the most enchanting spots on the island.
The village's name comes from the Greek words imera (day) and vigla (sentinel, lookout). For centuries, Imerovigli served as a watchtower to spot pirate ships on the horizon. This history as a guardian of the Aegean Sea explains why the village occupies the highest point on the caldera, a strategic position that has become Santorini's finest viewpoint today.
01At a Glance: Imerovigli's Must-Sees
Panoramic views of the caldera from the highest point on the island
Imerovigli is just 2 km north of Fira (the capital), 10 km south of Oia, 8 km from Santorini Airport (JTR) and 10 km from the port of Athinios.
To reach Imerovigli from Santorini Airport, several options are available:
By bus: a regular bus service connects the airport to the main villages. Allow about 20 minutes. The ticket costs around €1.80 per person.
By taxi: faster but more expensive, a taxi is a practical solution, especially with bulky luggage. The journey takes about 15 minutes and costs €25 to €35 depending on the season.
By quad: renting a quad is a fun and affordable alternative, especially solo or as a couple. You can also opt for motorbike rental.
Once in Imerovigli, leave your vehicle at the central car park and explore the alleyways on foot. It's the best way to fully enjoy the charm of this authentic village.
To compare rental rates in Santorini, I recommend DiscoverCars which brings together all local and international agencies with free cancellation.
03Things to Do in Imerovigli: The Must-Sees
Imerovigli is a true oasis of tranquillity on the volcanic island of Santorini in Greece. Far from the bustle of the busier villages, this charming spot invites you to slow down, contemplate and recharge. Here is our selection of the best things to do in this little corner of paradise.
1. Admire the Panoramic Views
Thanks to its prime location on the island's heights, Imerovigli offers exceptional viewpoints over the caldera, the volcano and the Aegean Sea. Stroll along the cobbled pathways and stop at the many natural lookout points to soak in the spectacular panorama.
Skaros Rock, a rocky promontory and relic of an ancient Venetian fortress, is one of the best spots for an unbeatable view of the caldera. A short 20-minute hike will take you there.
2. Photograph the Cave Houses
Imerovigli is full of superb architectural scenes typical of the Cyclades. Its houses carved into the rock, its cave churches and its whitewashed terraces create a unique visual harmony.
Don't hesitate to venture into the small side alleys to find the most beautiful shots. Every corner of the village seems straight out of a postcard!
The Church of the Resurrection (Anastasi), with its iconic blue dome, is one of Imerovigli's most famous photo spots. Located in the heart of the village, it offers a striking contrast between the immaculate white of its walls and the deep blue of the caldera behind.
3. Hike to Skaros Rock
Take advantage of your stay in Imerovigli to climb Skaros Rock, a rocky promontory rising over 70 metres high. A marked trail leads you to the ruins of a Venetian fortress built in 1207, the former medieval capital of Santorini.
After a roughly 20-minute hike, you'll be rewarded with a 360° view of the caldera, the volcano, the sea and the surrounding villages. A magnificent panorama well worth the effort!
Along the way, don't miss the chapel Panagia Theoskepasti, a little gem of Cycladic architecture nestled on the flank of the rock. This whitewashed sanctuary, clinging to the cliff facing the sea, offers one of the most peaceful views in Santorini. The trail starts from the Agios Georgios church in the centre of Imerovigli. I recommend wearing good walking shoes, as the terrain becomes rocky after the first concrete steps.
4. Taste the Local Cuisine
Imerovigli is home to several tavernas and restaurants serving authentic Greek cuisine made with local produce. Fresh fish, grilled octopus, moussaka, fava… Every dish is a treat for the taste buds!
For an unforgettable dining experience, book a table with a caldera view. Enjoying a meal while admiring the sunset over the Aegean Sea is a moment of pure bliss.
5. Watch the Sunset
Imerovigli is renowned for its sublime sunsets. Every evening, visitors gather on the terraces and balconies to watch the sun dip into the caldera in a blaze of orange and pink hues. A magical and romantic spectacle!
For an even more romantic experience, opt for a glass of local wine with your partner, seated on a rooftop with a panoramic view. Sheer happiness!
6. Stroll Through the Cobbled Alleyways
Getting lost in the maze of cobbled alleyways in Imerovigli is a true delight for the senses. Admire the whitewashed cave houses, the bright blue dome churches, the bougainvillea cascading from the balconies. Every step reveals a new tableau.
At every turn, a new postcard scene will unfold before your eyes! Don't hesitate to stop regularly to savour the moment and capture the beauty of the place.
7. Discover the Artisan Workshops
Imerovigli is home to many artisan workshops where traditional Greek craftsmanship is kept alive. Push open the door of a pottery workshop, a jewellery studio or a weaving atelier and discover the secrets of ancestral techniques.
Take home an authentic souvenir from your stay, handmade by passionate artisans. A unique experience that goes beyond simple shopping.
8. Taste Santorini's Wines
Wine lovers will be delighted in Imerovigli! The village is home to several wine cellars where you can taste the island's emblematic wines, particularly the famous Assyrtiko. This dry white wine with mineral notes is the flagship of Santorini's wine heritage.
Some cellars also offer wine tastings paired with delicious local dishes. An experience not to be missed during your visit to Imerovigli!
04Prices and Tickets
Access to Imerovigli is free, as with most villages in Santorini. Here are the main costs to plan for your visit in 2026:
Transport from the airport: bus around €1.80, taxi between €25 and €35, private transfer from €40.
Accommodation: hotels in Imerovigli are mainly in the upscale range. Expect €150 to €300 per night for a 4-star with caldera view, and from €400 for 5-star suites with private pool. In low season (April, October), rates drop by 30 to 50%.
Restaurants: a meal at a taverna costs €15 to €30 per person. Gourmet restaurants with views (Surupo, The Athenian House) range from €50 to €100 per person.
Activities: the hike to Skaros Rock is free. Wine tastings on the island cost €15 to €35 per person depending on the estate.
Car rental: from €35 to €50 per day in high season. I recommend booking in advance via DiscoverCars to compare offers.
05Why I Recommend Visiting Imerovigli
Imerovigli is without doubt one of the most charming and authentic villages in Santorini. Its peaceful atmosphere, far from the tourist crowds, makes it the ideal place to recharge and soak up the enchanting beauty of the Cyclades. Unlike Oia or Fira, you'll find genuine tranquillity here.
But that's not all! Imerovigli also offers one of the finest panoramas of the famous Santorini caldera, the volcano and the surrounding sea. From the heights of the village, the view is simply breathtaking, especially at sunset.
Whether you hike to Skaros Rock, taste authentic Greek cuisine in a taverna with a stunning view or simply stroll through the picturesque alleys, Imerovigli will win you over with its authentic charm and serene atmosphere.
06The Best Restaurants in Imerovigli
Imerovigli is full of delicious tavernas and restaurants serving Mediterranean flavours. Here are some must-visit addresses:
Surupo (formerly La Maison): this gourmet restaurant with caldera views serves creative haute cuisine in a chic and elegant setting. Booking strongly recommended, especially in high season.
Anogi: to savour the delights of traditional Greek cuisine in a warm and friendly atmosphere, the Anogi taverna is the perfect address. Generous portions, authentic flavours and a family welcome.
Avocado: the generous breakfasts at this charming café are a treat for foodies! Enjoy the terrace with caldera views to taste their famous avocado toast and freshly squeezed juices.
The Athenian House: voted among the top 50 "Discovery" restaurants in the world, this exceptional address overlooks Skaros Rock. For the 2026 season, chef Dimitris Skarmoutsos is back at the helm for a memorable gastronomic experience. Booking essential, several weeks in advance during summer.
07The Best Hotels in Imerovigli
Imerovigli is home to many charming accommodation options, from small family hotels to luxurious suites with unbeatable views of the caldera. Here are our top picks:
Chromata Hotel: this 5-star hotel with minimalist design offers dream suites carved into the rock, with direct access to the infinity pool overlooking the caldera. An exclusive setting for an unforgettable stay.
San Antonio: for a stay in a luxury hotel, opt for this property in the heart of the village. The calm and warm atmosphere of this 4-star make it a favourite.
Pegasus Suites & Spa: these prestigious villas with private pools are ideal for families or groups of friends looking for privacy and luxury.
Whatever your budget, you'll surely find accommodation worthy of your finest dreams in Imerovigli. Don't hesitate to book early to secure the best rooms with caldera views!
08Imerovigli vs Oia
While Oia is the most popular destination for tourists in Santorini, Imerovigli has nothing to envy in terms of beauty and charm. In fact, Imerovigli has a major advantage: its tranquillity.
Unlike the famous Oia at the northern tip of the caldera, Imerovigli enjoys a central location offering equally spectacular views but without the tourist crowds.
Architecture-wise, both villages share the charming cave houses, cobbled alleyways and blue-domed churches. But Imerovigli has kept a more authentic, less commercial character.
While Fira is the bustling capital of Santorini where visitors flock during the day, Imerovigli remains a quiet village perfect for those seeking peace and authenticity.
Although it's practically adjacent to Fira, Imerovigli stands out with its old-world charm and typically Greek atmosphere. The white lanes and flower-covered terraces offer a soothing contrast to the capital's hustle and bustle.
Above all, Imerovigli enjoys a major advantage: its elevated position, standing at 300 m altitude. This elevation provides unobstructed panoramic views of the caldera that are hard to match from Fira.
Finally, the absence of crowds makes Imerovigli much more affordable in terms of accommodation and dining than the capital. An excellent choice for those wanting the Santorini experience without the tourist frenzy!
10The Balcony of the Aegean Sea
Imerovigli has rightly earned its nickname "Balcony of the Aegean Sea". Perched at 300 metres altitude on the highest cliffs of the caldera, the village offers an unparalleled panorama of the deep blue Aegean Sea.
From the cobbled lanes, restaurant terraces or natural lookout points formed by volcanic rocks, every vantage point reveals the immensity of the sea stretching to the horizon. A spectacle that changes with every hour of the day.
Whether admiring the countless shades of blue at sunrise or sunset, or simply delighting in the serenity of the place, the Aegean Sea at Imerovigli is an inexhaustible source of wonder.
Its whitewashed cave houses seem to literally spring from the volcanic cliffs to overlook the ocean. A timeless setting that captures the very essence of the Greek islands.
11FAQ – Visiting Imerovigli
Yes, Imerovigli is a rather calm and safe village, ideal for a family stay in Santorini. However, be careful with young children near the cliffs and narrow alleyways.
Half a day or a full day is generally enough to discover the main attractions of Imerovigli. This gives you time to stroll, hike to Skaros Rock and admire the stunning sunsets.
Spring (April to mid-June) and autumn (September to mid-October) are the best times to visit Imerovigli in 2026. Temperatures range from 20 to 28°C, crowds are moderate and accommodation prices drop by 30 to 50% compared to July-August. If visiting in summer, opt for walks early in the morning or late in the day.
Although Imerovigli is accessible by bus or taxi, renting a car gives you greater freedom to explore the island at your own pace. Roads are well maintained. Remember to book ahead in high season.
Some must-visit addresses: the Anogi taverna for traditional Greek cuisine, Surupo (formerly La Maison) for gourmet dining with caldera views, the Avocado café for generous breakfasts, and The Athenian House for an exceptional gastronomic experience facing Skaros Rock.
Due to its many steps, staircases and narrow alleyways, Imerovigli is difficult to access for wheelchair users. Some hotels do offer adapted facilities. I advise contacting your accommodation in advance to check accessibility.
Imerovigli is perched on a cliff and has no direct beach access. The nearest beaches are Exo Gialos (caldera side, 3 km by car) and the main east coast beaches like Kamari and Perivolos (15 to 20 minutes by car). Most 4 and 5-star hotels have pools with caldera views.
Yes, the walk along the caldera from Fira to Imerovigli is one of the most beautiful in Santorini. Allow about 30 minutes for 2 km on a paved trail along the cliff. It's the first section of the famous Fira-Oia hike.
12Conclusion – Imerovigli in Santorini
Visiting Imerovigli in Santorini is a unique experience that will delight all lovers of natural beauty and traditional Greek architecture. Far from the tourist crowds, this charming village unveils with generosity its panoramic views, its cobbled alleyways and its unforgettable sunsets.
Whether you hike to Skaros Rock, taste local cuisine or simply admire the sublime sunsets, Imerovigli will captivate you with its authentic charm and peaceful atmosphere.
Head to the Âme Bohème blog to discover more wonders of the Greek islands and expert travel tips!
Âme Bohème exists thanks to you
Some links in this article are affiliate links. This means that if you book or purchase a product through these links, we receive a small commission — at no extra cost to you. It's thanks to this support that we can continue creating free, quality content.
You can also buy us a coffee, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
Thank you
Share
Santorini
Volcanic caldera, legendary sunsets and whitewashed villages
