The island has long been a favourite among travellers for its gorgeous views and picture-perfect streets – but Oia, the island’s most visited village, is also known for its overwhelming amount of tourists
The Greek island of Santorini is famous for it’s pale blue houses and stunning coastline – but there’s a side of the island not familiar to tourists that will help you avoid the droves of tourists.
The island has long been a favourite among travellers for its gorgeous views and picture-perfect streets – but Oia, the island’s most visited village, is also known for its overwhelming amount of tourists. To enjoy the scenery away from the bustling crowds, TikTok creator @vickirutwind has recommended her 90,000 followers consider the lesser-known but just as beautiful village of Pyrgos, just a 30-minute drive away from its famous neighbour.
In a video posted to the social media platform, Vicki said: “Santorini is a whole island and there is more to see than just that one place where people go to take pictures”, she said in her video. If you want to avoid the crowds in Santorini, Greece, my biggest tip is to explore the island outside of the village of Oia.”
While Pyrgos is not exactly a completely hidden gem, due to the island’s popularity, it is much quieter than the cruise-ship-crowded streets of Oia. The reason why Pyrgos is often overlooked is mainly due to the fact that the village is not on the caldera or by a beach. However, this has made it a quieter, more authentic Greek experience for many.
Pyrgos is Santorini’s highest village, sitting at the top of the Cycladean island, which makes for amazing sunset views. Vicki recommended travellers get a drink at Franco’s, a local bar with stunning views, to soak in the evening sights. The historic village centre is a beautiful array of streets where travellers can wander, and the Venetian Castle offers breathtaking views of the entire island. There are also many nearby wineries that offer guided tours while learning about the local grapes.
The town is a great place to get to know the locals and see what everyday island life is really like, without the buzz of droves of tourists. There are also opportunities to capture beautiful images along the tiny, winding footpaths that lead to side streets and cul-de-sacs housing scenic cafes, restaurants, and churches.
