Greece is one of the top destinations for villa-style living. The country is a mixture of beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, ancient history, and good food and wine. Santorini is one of the most popular islands to visit, so why not consider villas in Santorini for your Greek holiday? A villa will give you luxury, privacy, and an authentic Greek experience.
Santorini is a stunning volcanic island with a caldera and black and red sand beaches created by volcanic activity. In this blog, we are going to compare Megalochori and Imerovigli, two villages on the island, so that you can decide which village you would prefer staying close to.
Megalochori is 3.7 miles (6 km) south of Fira, the capital of Santorini, while Imerovigli is 1.9 miles (3 km) north of Fira. There are similarities between the two villages, but also quite a few differences, which may influence your choice.
What are the Differences Between Megalochori and Imerovigli?
The village is quiet and is for those seeking an authentic Greek experience. You can wander through the alleyways to reach the square, a meeting place for the locals. Here you can get a coffee or a glass of wine, and take in the tranquil atmosphere. There is a stunning multi-bell tower in the square, which has white-washed arches and a Cycladic design. It is well worth a photograph.
Imerovigli is an exclusive village with luxury cave hotels, gourmet restaurants, and is limited to romantic sunset dining and cocktails, rather than dancing the night away. Imerovigli is very close to Fira, so this is an option if you want nightlife.
Megalochori, on the other hand, is slightly inland, so you don't get the same views. Instead, you will experience tranquillity and exquisite surroundings.
Things to Do in Megalochori and Imerovigli
Another winery to visit is Venetsanos, which produces the sweet dessert wine, Vinsanto. This wine has a taste of figs, vanilla, caramel and raisins, with aromas of bitter chocolate, roasted nuts, honey, and dried fruits.
In Megalochori, you can visit the Ahron Art Centre. Here you can see paintings, sculptures, and mixed media installations, showcasing the atmosphere and spirit of the island. You can buy handcrafted items from the art centre, such as ceramics, jewellery, and sculptures.
There are some good hikes from Imerovigli. You can walk to the capital, Fira, which is south of the village. It takes 30 minutes and is a lovely hike along the cliffs, with great views. If you want a longer hike, go north to Oia, which is a walk of 1.9 miles (3 km).
Another hike is to Skaros Rock. It is directly in front of Imerovigli with the trail starting just below the village, close to the Church of Agios Georgios. It is about 0.5 miles (800 metres) and takes around 25 minutes as you are going uphill along winding stone paths and stairs. However, this volcanic promontory gives 360-degree views, plus the remains of a Medieval castle can also be discovered.
Beaches Near Megalochori and Imerovigli
The nearest beaches to Megalochori are Thermes and Perissa, but they are very different from each other. Thermes Beach is an isolated, rugged, black-pebble beach with dramatic volcanic cliffs and hot springs. Look out for the Christos Chapel, a tiny church carved into the cliffside. The beach doesn't have any tourist facilities, such as sunbeds, tavernas, or toilets, so bring a beach mat as well as a towel, and water shoes because of the pebbles. The trail to get there starts close to the Boutari Winery in Megalochori and it takes about 30 minutes to get there, but remember that you are descending and will have to climb back up.
You can rent sun loungers and umbrellas at Perissa Beach, and watersports such as snorkelling, jet skiing, windsurfing, and paragliding are on offer. There is a long promenade with bars, tavernas, and restaurants, and the village behind the road is full of mini markets, souvenir shops and bakeries.
The nearest beaches to Imerovigli are Pori and Vourvoulos. Both can be reached by car in just 5 minutes. They are quiet, secluded beaches, but while Pori doesn't have sunbeds, Vourvoulos has a limited number.
Pori has stunning red cliffs, dark sand, and crystal-clear waters. You do have to walk down stairs to get to the beach, so remember that you have to climb back up. There is a taverna above the beach, so you can take a break for lunch.
Vourvoulos Beach is a black sand and pebble beach, so bring water shoes with you. It can get windy, so choose a calm day if you want to swim. There is a taverna right by the beach, so it is a great place to spend the day.
Just 1.2 miles (2 km) north of Pori Beach is Cape Colombo, one of the most isolated beaches on the island. It is worth visiting even if you don't lie on the beach, as it can get wild. 984 feet (300 metres) from Cape Colombo is Gala Beach with a pretty cove and a natural pool.
Why Choose a Villa Holiday in Santorini?
If you want to stay near either Megalochori or Imerovigli, consider staying in one of Bnbstay's luxury villas in Santorini. A holiday villa has many advantages over a hotel, even if it is a luxury hotel. In most cases, you will have a private pool or hot tub, so you won't have to attempt to swim with crowds of people or fight for a sunbed. Villas have secluded terraces and plenty of space to spread out, even if you are a family or a group of friends.
Bnbstay handpicks properties that have local character and are usually off the beaten track. However, they have high-end amenities, such as a fully-equipped kitchen and an entertainment system. You even have the choice of having a private chef for all or some of your meals. He or she will prepare traditional dishes or anything you want, and cater for special diets and allergies. Having your own kitchen can also be useful if you have fussy children who may not eat anything in a taverna.
Villas often provide better value for larger groups. If you stay in a hotel, you would have to book multiple rooms, and this works out expensive. If you rent a villa, you pay for the villa, not per head. If you are a honeymoon couple, there are smaller villas to rent in Santorini, so you don't have to pay for four or five bedrooms. However, these smaller villas still have an advantage over hotels because they give privacy and high-end amenities. Imagine having a special dinner cooked for you and your partner, and enjoying it by candlelight on your private terrace.
When is the Best Time to Visit Megalochori and Imerovigli?
Santorini is vibrant in the peak season of July and August. However, Megalochori and Imerovigli aren't overrun by people, though if you want to see the sunset from Imerovigli, you will find it crowded. It is also very hot at this time of year, so you need to have a high heat tolerance. Prices are at their highest, and you need to book villas 12 months in advance to ensure you get what you want.
The shoulder seasons, which are May to June and September to October, have lower prices, fewer crowds, and are warm, but not too hot. It is the perfect time to rent a Santorini villa with a private pool.
Essential Planning Tips for Your Stay
- Book early to ensure that you get the villa and dates that you want. We advise a year in advance for the summer season and 6 to 10 months for the shoulder seasons.
- From April until October, there are direct flights to Santorini from the UK and other major European destinations. Outside this time, you have to change planes in Athens. You can also take a ferry from Piraeus, although this takes much longer than the flight.
- Look out for villa amenities. You will need air conditioning, especially in the summer. Ensure that the villa has an EOT licence, which allows the villa to be legally rented out.
- The majority of villas have a host, who can be very helpful. He or she will give you plenty of advice about what to do and where to go. They will book restaurants, taxis, and anything you need.
Ready to Find Your Dream Villa in Megalochori or Imerovigli?
A villa holiday is magical. It combines privacy, luxury, and Greek authenticity. Take a look at our selection of villas in Santorini and find your perfect holiday. For more on planning your trip, read our guide to villa holidays in Santorini.
FAQ
Do I need to rent a car in Santorini? As most of the villas are off the beaten track, it is advisable to hire a car. There may not be many buses, and taxis will work out expensive.
What is the average cost of a villa holiday in Santorini? For villas near inland villages like Megalochori, expect to pay from around £300 to £600 per night. Villas with a caldera view start from around £500 per night and can go significantly higher for premium properties. Browse our Santorini villa collection for options across different budgets.
Is it better to stay in a villa or a hotel in Santorini? A Santorini luxury villa has many advantages over a hotel. You will have more space than in a hotel room, privacy, high-end amenities just for you and your party, and the freedom to do what you want, when you want.
How do I get to my Santorini villa from the airport or port? You are best off renting a car. If you don't fancy driving after a long flight, get a taxi and have a rental car dropped off at your villa when you have settled in.
Are Santorini villas family-friendly? Many swimming pools have a shallow end or are gated. Your own kitchen means that you can cook for fussy children who won't eat taverna food. A villa has plenty of space, so you aren't crammed into small hotel rooms where everybody is getting in each other's way.
Which is better for a honeymoon — Megalochori or Imerovigli? Both are romantic in different ways. Imerovigli is the more classic choice for honeymooners — the caldera views, cliff-top setting, and sunset atmosphere are hard to beat. Megalochori suits couples who want something quieter, more authentic, and away from the crowds, with the added bonus of being surrounded by vineyards. Browse our honeymoon villas in Santorini for both areas.
Can't decide between Megalochori and Imerovigli? Talk to our team and we will help you make the right choice for your group. Browse our full Santorini villa collection to start planning.
