Santorini Villages
Explore the Aegean Way
Santorini’s villages shape the way you experience the island. Each one offers a different pace, a different view, and a different kind of day.
From the calm streets of Karterados to the energy of Fira, village-hopping lets you discover Santorini with variety and balance.
Karterados Santorini
A quiet village in the heart of the island
Karterados is a peaceful village surrounded by vineyards and lush nature. At 136 meters altitude, it opens to views of the deep blue sea on Santorini’s eastern shore.
It suits travelers who want to stay central, yet return to quieter surroundings.
Distances from Karterados
Fira: 1.6 km (around a 15-minute walk)
Oia: 9 km
Athinios Port: 8 km
Santorini Airport: 3 km
Architecture and local character
Karterados has a distinctive identity. In the 19th century, it was an important captain village, which explains the presence of stone-built shipowners’ mansions and beautiful cave houses.
Exo Gialos Beach
Downhill from Karterados lies Exo Gialos Beach, also known as Karterados Beach. It features black sand and pebbles, clear waters, and a calm atmosphere. Rock formations shaped by wind and rain frame the coastline and highlight Santorini’s volcanic nature.
Fira
The capital with caldera views
Fira is Santorini’s vibrant capital, located on the western side of the island, just 1.6 km from Emerald Collection Suites. At 220 meters above sea level, it faces the volcano and offers some of the island’s most striking caldera views.
What to do in Fira
Fira blends scenery with island life. It works well for an afternoon that includes: Walking and exploring the village, dining with a view, shopping, as Fira is the island’s biggest shopping center and experiencing Santorini nightlife.
Culture and sightseeing in Fira
Fira also offers cultural landmarks and museums, including: Megaron Gyzi Cultural Center, with concerts and theatrical performances, two notable cathedrals, Archaeological Museum of Thera and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera
Fira sunset
Fira is one of the best places to watch the Santorini sunset. The caldera promenade offers a clear viewpoint as the sun dips into the Aegean Sea.
Travel tip: For a more relaxed sunset, choose a caldera-facing bar or restaurant and enjoy the view over dinner or a cocktail.
Oia
Easy to reach from Karterados
Oia is located 9 km from Karterados, which makes it a convenient day trip from Emerald Collection Suites. Many visitors pair Oia with a broader island day, combining village exploration with time in other areas.
Convenient Day Trip from Karterados
Oia sits 9 km from Karterados, which makes it easy to visit without building your whole day around transport. Many travelers pair Oia with time in other villages, then return to a quieter base.
End Point of Fira to Oia Walk
Oia marks the finish of the Fira to Oia hiking route, a well-known walk that passes through Firostefani and Imerovigli. It’s a natural reward at the end of a scenic day on foot.
Cycladic Scenery at Its Finest
Like the island’s traditional settlements, Oia reflects the Cycladic character that defines Santorini, with whitewashed architecture and the kind of cliffside scenery that invites slow wandering and unhurried stops for photos.
Imerovigli
The highest point of the caldera
Imerovigli sits at the highest point of the caldera. Many travelers visit it for its elevated perspective and for a calmer atmosphere compared to the busiest areas.
The village also works well as a quieter alternative when you want caldera views without the busiest pace. Many visitors stop here between Fira and Oia, then continue their walk or return later in the day for softer light and a calmer atmosphere.
The Highest Point of the Caldera
Imerovigli sits at the highest point of the caldera, which gives it a strong sense of space and perspective. The views feel wide and open, and the village often feels calmer than the busiest areas.
A Natural Stop Between Fira and Oia
Imerovigli lies along the Fira to Oia walking route, making it an easy and rewarding stop if you explore the caldera path. Many travelers use it as a midpoint for a short walk, then continue at a comfortable pace.
A Village Made for Slow Moments
Imerovigli suits travelers who prefer a quieter rhythm. Plan a gentle walk, pause for the scenery, and return later in the day when the light softens and the atmosphere feels even more relaxed.