Imerovigli is one of the most famous and appreciated villages of the island of Santorini, in particular for its breathtaking view, called "the balcony of the Aegean". It is located on the highest part of the cliff at almost 300 meters above sea level and 3 km from Fira (the capital).
Imerovigli is easily reachable by car, by bus and for sports enthusiasts even with a walk.
From the center of Fira, the capital of the island of Santorini, there are two parallel roads, one downstream and a mountain: we advise you to take the one in the valley as it is faster. After two hairpin bends and 2.5 km, you meet a crossroads and turning left, after a final climb you will arrive at the square of Imerovigli. From Oia instead you will have to travel 9.5 km before reaching the junction for Imerovigli.
All buses connecting Fira and Oia also stop in Imerovigli and in high season the rides are about every 15 minutes.
If you love walking there is a footpath that connects Fira to Oia. An ancient mule track among the most spectacular not only of the island of Santorini, but of the world. Travel the 9 km without haste, admiring the most beautiful churches of Santorini along the way: Agios Gerasimos and Agios Nikolaos, the picturesque village of Firostefani and the impressive Caldera.
Imerovigli is one of 4 villages built on top of the caldera, along with Fira, Firostefani and Oia. Being in the highest point Imerovigli in the past served as a lookout point for pirates, in fact its name means "daytime observation post" ... and to tell the truth ... not only daytime ... date, today, the spectacular view of the island of Santorini with lots of white lights that contrast with the sky and the sea
Now that the pirates are gone, there remains the incredible view of the volcanoes and the breathtaking view that can only be admired from Imerovigli, on the city of Fira with its ancient port, the cruise ships arriving and ready to make far out better tourists every day to visit the much desired island of Santorini and the lighthouse. Then again the island of Thirassia and Nea Kameni, the still active part of the volcano. Looking at the sea still as far as the eye can see and the distant Anafi on the horizon.
In Imerovigli, which the elders of the island call the diminutive Merovigli, the houses are few and built around the caldera. In fact, it counts only 500 lucky inhabitants, who live permanently in this beautiful village all year round, enjoying the warm summers and mild winters. Most of the buildings are luxury hotels and high-end restaurants, with prices certainly among the highest on the island of Santorini.
Thanks to its beauty, the tranquility that reigns and the services sought, Imerovigli is a very popular destination, as you can imagine, for honeymooners. Walking here and there you will suddenly find yourself involved in seven-star photo shoots ... and a bit of healthy envy is assured! Here come couples in love from all over the world and especially from Japan and Korea .. The island of Santorini is really known all over the world!
Imerovigli has no shortage of churches built in the Cycladic style, including the church of Ai-Stratis, in the center of the village and the monastery of St. Nicholas, located between Imerovigli in Fira. Don't miss the Chapel of Panagia Theoskepasti, which means "full of God" built on a huge rock above the Caldera. Then visit the Church of the Resurrection (Anastasi) and that of Agios Ioannis which you will encounter while strolling, without haste, among the narrow paved streets of Imerovigli.
Not far from the town, in the area of Skaros there are the remains of a Venetian castle from 1207, built by Marco Senudo, then the Venetian governor of the Cyclades. The fortress is built on a huge rock and was once the capital of the island of Santorini.
The emotions are not over yet, do not miss the sunset from Imerovigli, one of the most evocative and spectacular of the island of Santorini. Unlike Oia, here you can enjoy a unique tranquility that will make you discover the real Greece. Stop for an aperitif, or stop for dinner in one of the bars and restaurants of Imerovigli, such as the Wine Bar and spend a fantastic evening with an unforgettable view!