Imerovigli (Greek: Ημεροβίγλι) is a small village famous for its beautiful sunset that give it the nickname balcony of the Aegean. It is on Thira, the largest island in the Santorini archipelago, just north of capital Fira. The name itself stems from the Greek word vigla which means 'view point'.
Understand
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Imerovigli is built on the caldera ridge. The eastern, inland side of the town is on a slope and facing adjacent town Vourvoulos, and consists of most of the original, residential part of the village. In contrast, the western part of town faces the caldera, and consists exclusively of tourist accommodation built side by side on the limited surface area between the old town and the steep cliff.
When the Venetians occupied the island (see Santorini#Understand), they built 5 fortified castles, of which one was built in Imerovigli in 1207, atop Skaros Rock. The well-protected settlement around the castle prospered during medieval times. The castle ruins remain the most popular attraction of Imerovigli. The town also boasts architectural gems such as the Monastery of Saint Nikalaos and the Church of Ai-Stratis.
Get in
[edit]Get around
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Imerovigli's streets are too narrow for anything other than pedestrians or the occasional motorcycle. Fortunately, the town is rather small, so getting around on foot isn't that difficult. However, the streets have many steps, which can be challenging to navigate for visitors with disabilities.
See
[edit]- 1 Church of the Resurrection of the Lord (Ιερός Ναός Αναστάσεως του Κυρίου). A Greek Orthodox church along the caldera in Imerovigli, on the hiking trail from Oia to Fira. Free.
- 2 Church of Christ (Εκκλησία Παναγίας Μαλτέζας). A Greek Orthodox church.
- 3 Skaros Rock (Σκάρος). A large rock promontory with the remains of a Venetian Castle built in 1207 by Marco Sanudo, the ruler of all the Cyclades at that time. The castle was continuously inhabited throughout the Medieval Age because it provided protection against pirates. Guard posts could spot marauders in the caldera from afar, offering early warning. From the early 19th century, the castle gradually lost its strategic importance and was abandoned. The structure fell in disrepair, and what was left of it was levelled by earthquakes. Little remains of the castle today, but the rock is a popular destination for hiking and photography.
Do
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- 1 Cave Santorini Spa, ☏ +30 6977210537, [email protected]. Spa built in a 500-year-old residence partially underground, keeping the temperature at a constant 17 °C.
Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]- 1 Anogi, ☏ +30 2286021285. 17:00-00:00 daily. Seafood restaurant.
- 2 Vigla, ☏ +30 2286 024353, [email protected]. Mediterranean and Greek seafood restaurant.
- 3 Kapari, ☏ +30 2286 021120, [email protected]. 13:00-23:30 daily. Wine restaurant.
- 4 The Athenian House, ☏ +30 2286036420. 18:00-midnight daily. Greek restaurant.
- 5 Fly Away, ☏ +30 2286 025765. 13:00-23:00 daily. Creative restaurant and bar.
- 6 To Steki tou Nikou, Epar.Od. Firon-Ias, ☏ +30 2286 025239. 12:00-23:00 daily. Traditional Greek restaurant.
Drink
[edit]- 1 The Wine Bar, ☏ +30 2286 023670. 18:00-22:00 daily. Wine and snacks.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Anita's Villa, ☏ +30 2286 024103. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 11:30. Anita's Villa is a small volcano-view traditional accommodation of simply yet comfortable studios, at the edge of the cliff side of the caldera at Imerovigli. €90-160.
- 2 Above Blue Suites, ☏ +30 2286 024644. A selection of different size and type of suites and a villa in one of the nicest spots of town.
- 3 Avianto Suites, ☏ +30 22860 28866. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. On the cliffs of Imerovigli, offering breathtaking views over the caldera, Oia and the volcano.
- 4 Dreams Luxury Suites, ☏ +30 22860 28866. An all-suite hotel.
- 5 Katerina's Castle Hotel, ☏ +30 22860 23111. Located on a cliff.