Pyrgos is situated 8 km southeast of Fira, on top of a hill boasting incredible panoramic views of Santorini. Pyrgos used to be the capital of the island until the early 1800s. The village displays the traditional Cycladic architecture of the island and is built all around a Venetian castle. The Venetian castle is one of the five on the island of Santorini and dates back to the 13th century. It is amphitheatrically built on the hill and opens up to astounding views of both sides of the island. The village displays many churches. The most famous church of the island is the Monastery of Prophet Elias built at the highest spot of the homonymous mountain, located 4 km from Pyrgos village.
The everlasting beauty of Santorini island attracts thousands of visitors every year being among the top tourist destinations in the world. Its wild volcanic landscape, the rugged cliffs, the wild nature and beautiful beaches combined with its rich history and traditions make Santorini the crown jewel of Greece. Santorini's initial shape during ancient times was round. It got its present shape in about 1,650 BC due to a severe volcanic eruption that vanished half of the island. Today, half of Santorini caldera is submerged, which makes it the only sunken caldera in the world.
Each island in the Aegean has its own identity of unique wild beauty and rich cultural heritage. Some of these pristine islands are for the most part unexplored, such as Chios, Lesvos, Samos and Thasos, while others display a very vibrant day and nightlife and is where the heart of tourism beats, such as cosmopolitan Mykonos, Santorini with the most mesmerizing sunset, Rhodes with the biggest square in Europe and the Achillion palace of princess Sissy, and Paros and Ios with their whitewashed alleys and welcoming turquoise beaches.
Being among the top 20 tourist destinations worldwide, Greece is synonymous with 3 things: history and ancient civilization, amazing landscapes and top touristic destinations. Greece is so wealthy in culture and beauty that it never seems to be completely explored. Holidays in Greece is the ultimate experience all year round. It offers a great pallet of experiences; the warm sun, the crystal clear beaches, the dramatic nature, the rich culture and the renowned hospitality along with the unique culinary experience of the Mediterranean diet.
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