Summary
Following our experience in Oia and Fira, we arose early for our morning pick-up by George from Santorini Tours.
The tour was personalized, allowing us to determine our itinerary through discussions with our guide.
Having recently explored Oia and Fira, we expressed our interest in visiting lesser-known areas around the island that are typically overlooked by tourists, as well as some additional sites we had perhaps missed.
I must say, it was incredibly beneficial to have someone overseeing not only the itinerary but also the transportation across the island, providing us with valuable insights and fascinating details about each location we visited.
Early Morning Pickup
We commenced our journey in a quaint village named Megalochori. From the images, one can observe that it was a tranquil locale, offering a genuine taste of Santorini devoid of the bustling crowds of tourists.
Upon exiting the vehicle, we embarked on a leisurely stroll through the village.
Visit Megalochori
Profitis Ilias Mountain
Subsequently, we ascended Profitis Ilias Mountain, where a monastery of the same name is located. As the tallest peak on the island, the views from the summit were remarkable! The elevation was such that our ears popped during the drive.
Visiting the monastery was an enriching experience; it proved to be quite popular among tourists. Numerous women donned wedding dresses (though many did not appear to have just attended or were on their way to a wedding), capturing photographs in this stunning location. This seemed to be a common sight in both Oia and Fira.
Exploring Pyrgos Village
Next in our itinerary was the larger village of Pyrgos. With its expanded footprint comes more opportunities for exploration! This village is a favorite among visitors on the island, and rightfully so.
Wine Tasting Experience
After leaving Pyrgos, we proceeded to a wine tasting venue! I was so engrossed in the day’s activities that I hadn’t realized how hungry I had become! The wine was accompanied by some of the most delicious breadsticks I had ever tasted — more akin to delightful cookies than your typical breadsticks. They paired wonderfully with the wine, cheese, and olives. While the costs of the wine and snacks were not part of the tour, they were reasonably priced, especially given the shared servings (which is advantageous unless one intends to leave the vineyard exceedingly tipsy!).
Firostefani Overview
Following the delightful tasting, we traveled to Firostefani, which bears similarities to the more bustling Oia and Fira yet offers a more serene atmosphere. The scenic beauty here was indeed captivating.
Final Stop at Emborio
We concluded our exploration in the historical market village of Emborio. Although not as vibrant as it once was, it served as a significant trade center in its heyday. Now, it is a quaint village ideal for a leisurely stroll, where we could pause to interact with some friendly local dogs and cats. I would generally advise caution when petting strays, as their demeanor can be unpredictable; however, the animals here appeared quite amicable.
As our tour came to a close, we returned home feeling fulfilled and pleasantly surprised by the extensive knowledge we had acquired regarding life in Santorini.
