Megalochori (Greek: Μεγαλοχώρι) is a quiet traditional village in the heart of Santorini, sitting on a hill facing east. The roads narrow as you get closer to the village, a mixture of cream and white Cycladic houses with contrasting colourful wooden doors. There are few white churches with bright blue domes and tiered bell towers for good measure. This village is at the heart of the island's wine industry.
Get in
[edit]Get around
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Map of Megalochori
See
[edit]- 1 Lost Atlantis Experience, Akrotiri Crossroad (Grigoris Bakery), ☏ +30 22860 85076, [email protected]. 10:00 - 19:00 daily. Interactive museum featuring a 9D experience with a focus on Greek history, mythology, philosophy, and geology. It aims to link the Minoan history of Santorini to the myth of Atlantis through the volcanic eruption, using a series of interactive videos, dioramas, holographic projections, and augmented reality. Visitors are introduced to famous philosopher Plato and his views on history. All exhibits are in Greek as well as English. €12 standard, €6 for children 7-12, under 6 free.
- 2 The Heart of Santorini. A path leads to a heart-shaped hole in the caldera, popular for sunset sea views. Free.
- 3 Plaka Thermal Springs. Beach and thermal springs at the foot of the caldera, with supposedly healing properties. Baths existed from 1916 to 1980, but abandoned because of risk of landslides. Some of the abandoned spa buildings can still be seen, including 8 cottages in a row in which therapeutic baths existed. According to historic records, the bathing sessions lasted 45 minutes and baths were emptied and refilled for every guest. Free.
- 4 The Rabbit of Santorini. 24/7. Less famous than the Heart, this rock formation in the shape of a rabbit can be seen when descending the cliffs towards the thermal spring of Plaka. Free.
Churches
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- 5 Saints Anárgyri Church (Ιερός Ναός Αγίων Αναργύρων). A Greek Orthodox Church.
- 6 Agios Nikolaos Church (Εξωκλήσι Αγίου Νικολάου). Greek Orthodox church on the cliffs to the thermal springs. Free.
Do
[edit]- 1 ThiraForm, ☏ +30 6986389630, [email protected]. 09:00 - 22:00 daily. Therapeutic massage parlour.
- 2 Paralia Thermis (Παραλία Θέρμης). A pebble beach that can be reached with a narrow hiking trail from the main road. Requires proper hiking footwear. Free.
Buy
[edit]- 1 1260 Ceramic Studio, ☏ +30 2286082423, [email protected]. 10:00-20:30 daily. Pottery and ceramics shop.
- 2 Earth and Water, ☏ +30 2286082625. Pottery studio and art gallery.
- 3 Denaxas. Supermarket.
- 4 Egli's Pottery Studio, ☏ +30 2286083085. Pottery and ceramics.
- 5 Akron Art Centre Dimitrios Bellos, ☏ +30 2286082002. Arts and crafts.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Grigoris Bakery, ☏ +30 2286081510. Bakery on the road crossing between Perissa and Akrotiri.
- 2 Geromanolis (Γερομανώλης), ☏ +30 2286082892. Traditional Greek restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, eat-in and take-away.
- 3 Taverna Tzanakis (Ταβέρνα Τζανάκης), ☏ +30 2286081929. Lovely Greek restaurant.
Drink
[edit]There are numerous wine tasting places all round the village, the vines coiled in a typical Santorini fashion. Indeed, this village is at the heart of the island's wine industry.
- 1 Venetsanos Winery, ☏ +30 22860 21100, [email protected]. 11:00-22:00 daily. Designed by innovator George Venetsanos in 1947, the winery started operating in 1949 which makes it the first industrial winery on Thira island. Carved into the cliffs of the caldera, it has terraces with interesting architecture and great views over the caldera itself, particularly during sunrise and sunset. Features a cafe for wine tasting and a gift shop.
- 2 Gavalas Winery, ☏ +30 2286 082552, [email protected]. Apr-Oct: 11:00-19:00 daily, Mar-Nov: 11:00-16:00 daily. Winery producing and selling 10 different wines. Wine tasting on site is also possible.
- 3 Boutari Winery, ☏ +30 22860 81011, [email protected]. 10:00-18:00 daily. Established in 1879 in Naoussa, the Boutari company is one of the oldest continuously operating companies in Greece. Guided tours, artistic programs and wine tastings have been offered since 1990. Also features a gift shop where wines can be purchased.
- 4 Alisachni Art & Wine Gallery, Μεγαλοχωρι Σαντορινης, ☏ +30 2286082267, [email protected]. 09:00-02:00 daily. Bar and restaurant set up in an underground wine cellar.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Artemis Suites, ☏ +30 2286 081922. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Built in a traditional way according to the Cycladic style, Artemis Studios offers a unique view of the volcano and the sunset. €200.
- 2 Thermes Luxury Villas, ☏ +30 2286 081106. Seven villas all with private pools and magnificent views over the whole caldera.
- 3 El Viento, ☏ +30 6948525760. Lodging in a disused traditional Cycladic windmill.
- 4 Vedema Hotel (Ξενοδοχείο Βεντέμα). Cosy hotel near the famous Heart of Santorini.
- 5 Grand View Hotel, ☏ +30 2286081003. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Luxury hotel on the caldera ridge. €125.
- 6 Athermi Suites, ☏ +30 2286083272. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Posh suites with view over the caldera. €145.
- 7 The Cliff Reflections, ☏ +30 6942442399. Check-out: 11:00. Traditional style hotel. €110.
- 8 Caldera View, ☏ +30 6945355694. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Private villas. €250.