Imerovigli - Santorini's Balcony!

Imerovigli is sometimes referred to as the balcony of Santorini because of its elevated position and extraordinary views.

Many think of it as the fancy suburb of Fira.

Well, it is definitely much quieter than the capital and has some of the most exclusive Santorini hotels and restaurants.

Here the cosmopolitan flair exists in perfect harmony with the stunning natural setting and magical views.

History

Imerovigli has been an important settlement on Santorini since the time of great piracy.

The name translates to something like 'the daily watching point' and the privileged location of the village (in the middle and at the highest point of the caldera) made an excellent lookout station for any incoming pirate intruders.

This village was one of the hardest hit areas in the devastating Santorini earthquake of 1956.

Inhabitants left a destroyed village behind them and moved to other areas. For two decades, Imerovigli remained an abandoned area.

In the mid-70's, when the tourist wave washed in over Santorini, Imerovigli again became populated because of its unique position on top of the caldera that attracts visitors for the amazing volcano views.

Highlights

In our opinion, the greatest characteristic of Imerovigli may very well be its serene and relaxing atmosphere. There is just something indescribable in the air here that instantly melts away any tension and stress.

Here, perhaps more than any other place on the island, it is as if time stands still!

It really cannot be described, it has to be experienced.

Even if you're not staying here, take the time to visit and revitalize your senses by strolling around and stopping frequently to admire the view.

Churches

There are several lovely churches worth seeing here. Three of them are the Church of Ai-Stratis in the village center, the Church of the Virgin Maltesa, and the Monastery of St Nicholas on the road to Fira.

The latter is a popular Santorini wedding location because of its nice courtyard with spectacular views.

Hiking trails

Imerovigli is also the access point to a couple of great Santorini hiking trails.

Here is where you enter the path to Skaros, once upon a time one of the most important settlements on the island.

Unfortunately, whatever remained of this village was completely wiped out in the 1956 earthquake. A magnificent rock formation, Skaros rock (pictured), today serves as the only reminder of what was once here.

For another hike with great views take off from Imerovigli square towards Oia. You will soon pass by the local cemetery and, as you continue from there, you get on a narrow path that runs for several kilometres and diverges into other paths both left and right.

A good amount of time and good physical condition is required for this long hike. It's well worth it though!

Access

Imerovigli is well within walking distance from Fira, less than 3 km (1.9 mi) down the road, but you can also catch one of the frequent local buses.

Accommodation

Imerovigli is known for having a high concentration luxury Santorini hotels, and you may have a hard time finding cheap hotels here. Your best budget option if you want to stay around here is to get a hotel in Fira.