Megalochori
Megalochori (Greek: Μεγαλοχώρι) is a very quiet traditional village sitting on a hill facing to the east in the heart of Santorini. The roads narrow frighteningly for a nervous passenger as you get closer to the village. There is a central square with a couple of tavernas. There are numerous wine tasting places here and indeed this village is at the heart of the island's wine industry. The vineyards are located all round the village, the vines coiled in a typical Santorini fashion. The village itself has a nice mixture of cream and white Cycladic houses with contrasting colourful wooden doors and a fair few white churches with bright blue domes for good measure. There are a couple of tiered bell towers over the road as you approach the square.
Get in
Get around
Map of Megalochori
See
- 1 Lost Atlantis Experience, Akrotiri Crossroad (Grigoris Bakery), ☏ +30 22860 85076, info@lost-atlantis.com. 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. 24/7. A path leads to a heart-shaped hole in the caldera, popular for sunset sea views. Free.
- 3 Saints Anárgyri Church (Ιερός Ναός Αγίων Αναργύρων). A Greek Orthodox Church.
- 4 Plaka Thermal Springs. 24/7. 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.
- 5 Agios Nikolaos Church (Εξωκλήσι Αγίου Νικολάου). Greek Orthodox church on the cliffs to the thermal springs. Free.
- 6 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.
Do
- 1 ThiraForm, ☏ +306986389630, info@thiraform.gr. 09:00 - 22:00 daily. Therapeutic massage parlour.
- 2 Paralia Thermis (Παραλία Θέρμης). 24/7. A pebble beach that can be reached with a narrow hiking trail from the main road. Requires proper hiking footwear. Free.
Buy
- 1 1260 Ceramic studio, ☏ +302286082423, 1260ceramicstudio@gmail.com. 10:00 - 20:30 daily. Pottery and ceramics shop.
- 2 Earth and Water, ☏ +302286082625. Pottery studio and art gallery.
- 3 Denaxas. Supermarket.
- 4 Egli's Pottery Studio, ☏ +302286083085. Pottery and ceramics.
- 5 Akron Art Centre Dimitrios Bellos, ☏ +302286082002. Arts and crafts.
Eat
- 1 Grigoris Bakery, ☏ +302286081510. Bakery on the road crossing between Perissa and Akrotiri.
- 2 Geromanolis (Γερομανώλης), ☏ +302286082892. Traditional Greek restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, eat-in and take-away.
- 3 Taverna Tzanakis (Ταβέρνα Τζανάκης), ☏ +302286081929. Lovely Greek restaurant.
Drink
- 1 Venetsanos Winery, Caldera Megalochori P.O. Box 51, ☏ +30 22860 21100, hospitality@venetsanoswinery.com. 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, info@gavalaswines.gr. 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, santorini.winery@boutari.gr. 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 only since 1990. Also features a gift shop where wines can be purchased.
- 4 Alisachni Art & Wine Gallery, Μεγαλοχωρι Σαντορινης, ☏ +302286082267, alisachniartwinegallery@gmail.com. 09:00 - 02:00 daily. Bar and restaurant set up in an underground wine cellar.
Sleep
- 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 is situated right on the caldera between Fira (the capital) and the most famous beaches of the island (black, red and white), offering 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, ☏ +306948525760. Lodging in a disused traditional Cycladic windmill.
- 4 Vedema Hotel (Ξενοδοχείο Βεντέμα). Cosy hotel near the famous Heart of Santorini.
- 5 Grand View Hotel, ☏ +302286081003. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Luxury hotel on the caldera ridge. €125.
- 6 Athermi Suites, ☏ +302286083272. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Posh suites with view over the caldera. €145.
- 7 The Cliff Reflections, ☏ +306942442399. Check-out: 11:00. Traditional style hotel. €110.
- 8 Caldera View, ☏ +306945355694. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Private villas. €250.