🇬🇷 Episode 2 — Imerovigli and Skaros: our favourite views in Santorini

In this article

Steps on Skaros Rock, a cliff on one side, the sea on the other, and nobody hurrying us along: that is how Imerovigli became one of our favourite places.

There are white houses, stairways and caldera views here too, but we found the atmosphere quieter than in Oia.

The village stands about 300 metres above sea level, high on the caldera rim, which explains its open views.

Walking towards Skaros Rock

Skaros Rock stands out below Imerovigli. Once fortified, this headland was the island’s medieval capital before being gradually abandoned, partly following earthquakes. Traces of ruins and a small chapel towards its far end remain today.

We walked out onto the rock. This is more than a village stroll: there are steps and uneven sections.

Practical advice: wear good shoes and go at your own pace. Enjoy the panorama without feeling you need to reach every path or summit.

We enjoyed stepping away from the houses. From Skaros, you look back at the cliffs, sea and villages above.

Our favourite caldera views

Afterwards, we wandered around Imerovigli looking for little streets and viewpoints.

Bougainvillea, white façades and glimpses of the sea gave us some of our favourite Santorini photographs.

We even preferred several views to those in Oia, partly for the scenery and partly because we could stop without a queue pressing behind us.

Respect terraces, rooftops and private entrances. These villages are also places where people live and stay.

Lunch at Mavro Restaurant

We had lunch at Mavro Restaurant, in the Kivotos Santorini hotel.

The restaurant was about to close for winter. We asked whether lunch was still possible and found an almost empty terrace, where we could choose a table with a panoramic view.

It felt like enjoying a sought-after setting in complete peace.

That is one advantage of late October, but also a sign that the season is ending: keep possible closures in mind.

Ending the day at Akrotiri lighthouse

That evening we drove to Akrotiri lighthouse on the island’s southwestern tip. It dates from 1892, in the late nineteenth century.

We arrived a little late: the sun had just set. The last colours and sea views were still beautiful.

It reminded us how short autumn days can feel. To watch the sun reach the horizon, we would allow more time for the drive and parking.

We returned to Imerovigli during the trip, specifically for the evening light.

Another option: walking from Fira to Oia

The Fira–Oia trail follows the caldera heights through Firostefani and Imerovigli. It is an option for a longer walk, with slopes and exposure to sun and wind.

To round out this day, see our Santorini sunsets. For a different atmosphere, also explore Pyrgos, Emporio’s windmills and Megalochori.

Map: Santorini

Find our sightseeing stops, accommodation and restaurants. Suggested places we did not visit are marked separately on the map.

Episodes from our trip to Greece

• Full itinerary — Greece in 11 days: Santorini, Meteora, Delphi and Athens
• 🇬🇷 Episode 1 — Oia and Ammoudi: our first steps in Santorini
• 🇬🇷 Episode 2 — Imerovigli and Skaros: our favourite views in Santorini
• 🇬🇷 Episode 3 — Pyrgos, Emporio and Megalochori: Santorini’s villages
• 🇬🇷 Episode 4 — Southern Santorini: Zoodochos Pigi, Perissa and Red Beach
• 🇬🇷 Episode 5 — Santorini boat trip: volcano, hot springs and Thirassia
• 🇬🇷 Episode 6 — Santorini sunsets: our viewpoints and favourite restaurants
• 🇬🇷 Episode 7 — Meteora in two days: monasteries, viewpoints and a walk
• 🇬🇷 Episode 8 — Visiting Delphi: Apollo’s sanctuary, museum and Athena Pronaia
• 🇬🇷 Episode 9 — Athens: our visits from the Acropolis to Lycabettus
• 🇬🇷 Episode 10 — Cape Sounion at sunset: the Temple of Poseidon

Planning your visit

Greek National Tourism Organisation.