You may be wondering why come all the way to Santorini and not stay on the caldera. Sceptical?
Santorini may be known for its caldera-edge drama and cliff-hanging villages, but for those in the know, Pyrgos offers something deeper. Quieter. More real. This whitewashed hilltop village captures the spirit of the island before the selfie sticks and cruise ship crowds arrived — and it does so with grace.
At Demeter Cave House, we chose Pyrgos for a reason: it feels like the heart of Santorini. Here’s why we think it’s the best place to stay on the island — and what you can expect when you do.
Authentic, unspoilt Santorini
Pyrgos is a labyrinth of winding stone alleys, crumbling Venetian walls, and blue-domed chapels. It’s the highest village on the island, and from its summit — crowned by the ruins of a medieval castle — you can see from the caldera cliffs to the Aegean Sea.
But it’s the pace of life that steals your heart. A barefoot cat in the sun. The scent of jasmine on the breeze. Locals gathering for ouzo and gossip. This isn’t a curated postcard — it’s the real thing.
And from Demeter Cave House, it’s all just steps away.
Explore the Village Like a Local
Walk the cobbled paths that spiral up the hill, dipping under archways and past hidden churches. Stop at the bakery for still-warm spanakopita. Linger in the square under pine trees with an iced coffee. In the evening, watch the light turn golden as the village glows.
Franco’s Café, perched at the top near the castle, is one of the island’s most atmospheric sunset spots. The views are panoramic. The negronis are strong.
A Culinary Destination
You don’t have to leave the village to eat well. Pyrgos is home to some of the island’s most beloved restaurants:
- Metaxi Mas – A short drive from the village, and often rated the best food on the island.
- Franco’s Café – Famous for cocktails and sweeping sunset views from the castle.
- Cava Alta – Elegant dishes with local ingredients and wines.
- Brusco – A hidden gem in the village square, perfect for coffee, breakfast or a meze platter with local wine.
- Penelope’s Ouzeri – A charming, authentic spot for ouzo, meze, and people-watching. Did we mention the sunset?
The vibe here is never rushed. Settle in, sip slowly, and let the flavours tell their story.
The Perfect Base to Explore Santorini
Pyrgos is in the centre of the island, making it the ideal launchpad for adventures. You’re just:
- 5 mins drive to the caldera edge
- 10 mins to Fira’s nightlife and shops
- 15–20 mins to the black sand beaches of Perissa and Kamari
- 30 mins to Oia (beautiful, but best visited — not slept in)
Buses run from the village square to Fira, where you can connect to the rest of the island. For total freedom, we recommend car or ATV hire — and there’s free parking in the village.
A Village That Feels Like Home
Our guests often say Pyrgos feels like the Santorini they hoped existed. Quiet mornings. Golden evenings. Kind faces. You’re still close to the island’s headline sights — but far enough to breathe.
And after a day of exploring, there’s something special about returning to your own cave house. Pour a glass of local wine. Climb to your rooftop terrace. Watch the sun dip behind church domes. You’ll hear the bells before the stars arrive.
Is Pyrgos a Good Place to Stay in Santorini?
For us, the location was perfect: in a picture-perfect village away from the crowds, but with stunning views.
Pyrgos is quaint little town bursting with fabulous restaurants around every corner. We are so glad we chose to stay here rather than Fira and Oia.
Pyrgos is beautiful and we are so grateful we found this space and this neighborhood. It was the highlight to our entire travels through Greece!The village of Pyrgos itself is already a very good choice to explore the island and stay away from the busy Oia or Fira.
Authentic and pretty Pyrgos, the highest village on the island, with its superb panoramas and stunning sunsets, winding medieval streets and blue-domed churches; all cobbled roads lead up to the oldest castle on the island
The location is absolutely perfect. Close by you can find a lot of authentic, chilled and delicious restaurants.
Yet a mere five-minute drive from Santorini’s famous, bustling caldera lies the charming village of Pyrgos. Relatively untouched by the tourist hordes, here you’ll discover Santorini’s true ‘hidden gem’, bursting with culture, history… and four of Santorini’s Conde Nast-voted ten best places to eat!
Real comments from guests’ reviews
Read more about Pyrgos Village
Planning Your Stay
If you’re considering a trip to Santorini, we invite you to make Pyrgos your home base. At Demeter Cave House, we offer a luxury experience designed just for adults — with concierge service, a private jacuzzi, rooftop views, and timeless cave interiors.
You’ll receive our full digital guide before arrival, with our latest food recommendations, hidden beaches, and curated day trips.
Because Santorini doesn’t need to be crowded. It can be yours.
