Megalochóri: Village History and Vineyards

When looking for hotels in Megalochóri, you can start by basing your choice on village history, winegrowing and scenery. A walk takes you past well-preserved houses, churches and squares, offering a glimpse of Santorini in the past. Vineyards surround the village; the nearby beaches of Thérmi and Pláka, with hot springs and volcanic warm-water currents, are also in the area. This gives you both the village itself and coastal destinations to consider when planning your trip.

A walk through the village

On your walk, you’ll encounter well-preserved houses, churches and squares, which together offer a glimpse of Santorini in the past. Potamós, the central square of Megalochóri, is at the heart of the village. It provides a specific point of reference as you explore, while the route reveals the village over several stops. This way, you discover the village not just through a single square, but through the interplay of its buildings and public spaces. If you’re interested in traditional village layouts, this walk is a natural introduction to Megalochóri.

Winegrowing and historic architecture

Winegrowing shapes Megalochóri in more than one way. Vineyards lie around the village; in the traditional village itself is the Gavalas Winery, one of Santorini’s oldest wineries. Another trace of the past is found in the old Kánaves, built into the rock and once used as wine cellars. The connection with wine is evident in the landscape, in the named winery and in the former use of these cellars.

Nearby beaches

Thérmi and Pláka are near Megalochóri. These beaches have hot springs and volcanic warm-water currents, and can be reached by boat or along a path. This coastal focus is distinct from a walk through the village: here, the beaches and springs take centre stage, while the village offers houses, churches, squares and a glimpse of Santorini in the past.

Santorini in the wider travel context

Santorini’s wider range of landscapes and activities offers even more to explore. Santorini is the southernmost island of the Cyclades; its caldera was formed by a massive eruption around 1600 BC, and the island group is characterised by active volcanoes. A path along the caldera rim runs from Imerovigli to Oia and offers views of the sea, the caldera and the volcano. Activities such as sailing and kitesurfing are available on Santorini’s southeast coast; parasailing and views across the Aegean are also offered there.

Santorini also has a distinctive culinary profile: Santorini fava is a product with protected designation of origin, made from the cotyledons of the legume Lathyrus clymenum L., which grows exclusively in Thera’s volcanic soil. Santorini tomatoes also have a protected designation of origin and have been cultivated since the early 19th century.

The Ifestia Festival is part of Santorini’s events calendar. It takes place on the third Saturday in September and depicts the volcanic eruption with a fireworks display. If you’d like to plan your stay around it, check the programme for the relevant year.

Discover more destinations: Thira, Karavostásis, Vlychada, Ano Meria, Manganari Ios, Akrotírion, Alopronoia, Mylopotas.

For the broader travel guide: Santorini.