7 Secret Spots in Santorini Only Locals Know

The Santorini Most Tourists Never See

Santorini receives over 2 million visitors a year. Almost all of them see the same things: Oia, Fira, the sunset, the caldera. The island they miss is quieter, older, and in many ways more extraordinary.

1. Pyrgos — The Forgotten Capital

Before Fira became the island capital in the 19th century, Pyrgos was at the centre of everything. Perched at the highest point of the island, this medieval castle village has survived almost unchanged. Labyrinthine alleys, Orthodox churches built into the rock, and a panoramic view over the entire island from the Venetian kastro. Almost no tourists. Come at sunset when the light from the west turns everything gold.

2. Skaros Rock, Imerovigli

A 15-minute walk from Imerovigli leads to a dramatic rock formation jutting into the caldera — the ruins of a medieval castle that was once the island’s most powerful fortress. The path is narrow and the drop is vertical, but the view from the tip is unlike anything else in Santorini. Locals bring wine and watch the sunset here.

3. Ancient Thera at Dawn

The ruins of Ancient Thera sit at 360 metres on the spine of Mesa Vouno mountain, above both the black and red beaches. The site dates back to the 9th century BC and includes streets, houses, temples, and a theatre — an entire ancient city, almost perfectly preserved. Arrive at 8am when it opens and you will have it to yourself for at least an hour.

4. The Volcanic Hot Springs

Between the main island and the active volcano of Nea Kameni, thermal springs heat the sea to 35 degrees Celsius. The water turns orange-brown from the sulphur and iron — bring an old swimsuit. Most visitors only experience this on a catamaran tour, but small local boats go out from Ammoudi Bay for €15–20 per person, with far fewer people than the tour boats.

5. Vlychada Beach

On the southern coast, Vlychada is one of the most visually striking beaches in the Cyclades. The surrounding cliffs are made of compressed volcanic ash, eroded into surreal white formations. Almost no tourism infrastructure. Rent a car — no buses come here.

6. Mesa Gonia (Episkopi Gonia)

A tiny village in the centre of the island with one extraordinary church — the 11th-century Byzantine Panagia Episcopi, built from ancient marble salvaged from the pre-Christian ruins of Ancient Thera. The interior has Byzantine frescoes and the oldest icons on the island. Open mornings, often empty.

7. Nea Kameni Volcano

The active volcano in the centre of the caldera is accessible by boat from Fira port. The last eruption was in 1950. You walk on hardened black lava, past sulphur vents still releasing gas, to the 130-metre summit with views back over the entire caldera. Go in the afternoon after 4pm — the morning tour boats have all left.