09/08/2026
WHY THE REAL SOUL OF SANTORINI ISN’T ACTUALLY WHERE YOU’RE LOOKING, BUT IN THE TINY VILLAGE OF MEGALOCHORI, AND WHY IT’S SUCH A SPECIAL PLACE ON THE ISLAND ITINERARY
Many people visiting Santorini have never heard of Megalochori. Which is such a pity because this lovely atmospheric village that’s steeped in history has a lot to offer that will help you understand the island’s true soul. This off-the-beaten path place really made me realize how much more there is to this gorgeous island than just its stunning, famous cliff-hanging villages.
Located in the southwestern part of the island, it is one of its oldest villages. It is also one of the smallest, albeit the name itself translates as “big village”, with only about 250 permanent residents. Dating back to the 17th century, it takes you back in time with its cobblestone streets, small churches, and old walls. It is also known for the vineyards surrounding it, most producing the famous Assyrtiko wines.
Megalochori is quaint, sleepy, yet so full of culture and little gems at every step, if you only know where to look. Apart from its lovely traditional Cycladic architecture and historic mansions, there are a few places I would highly recommend seeing and visiting.
1️⃣ Start at the heart of the village, right past the iconic Bell Tower, and one of its most photographed landmarks. Right after you step through it, you will find a tiny, quiet square full of tavernas and, if you walk around it, many neoclassical buildings along the winding paths.
2️⃣ Alisachni - set inside a historic family home with parts of its architecture going back 300 years, it is the most enchanting art-filled place that’s a gallery, a restaurant, and a lounge bar all in one, with its charismatic owner Natassa Nikoletou. This vibrant multi-space showcases local art created by the owner, an accomplished artist herself, with her colorful pieces hanging all around. There are paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and jewelry as well. You can also see the artist’s studio, chat about the art, and purchase some of her creations, as well as those of other artists on display.
The labyrinth of old cellars and courtyards is very unique, and the upper terrace provides a great spot to see parts of the village from above, as well as enjoy one of their creative signature cocktails like Frida Mezcalo.🍹😅 It operates as a small all-day Greek/Mediterranean restaurant, so don’t skip a meal there as it’s absolutely delicious.
The whole place is a sensory experience like no other, capable of taking you back a few hundred years, while still offering enough of modern elements to appreciate both, and all the stories that hold them together. It presents itself as a place that celebrates connection, sparks conversation, and indulges the soul.
Open 10am to midnight.
3️⃣ Symposion Cultural Center - this beautiful art museum and garden cafe is one of the most unique places you will find on Santorini. The arts and heritage venue is located in a 19th-century winery (the word symposion is derived from the Greek word “sympinein” - “to drink together”) and showcases local instruments, conducts interactive musical tours, instrument-making workshops, and live evening performances by various musicians, connecting its visitors to authentic winemaking traditions of the island. Since it’s inspired by 9 muses of Greek mythology, it offers storytelling journeys through the above, as well as local history and music. You can view fascinating ancient and vintage instruments, including traditional Greek bagpipes called tsabouna. You can even purchase some traditional instruments, custom-made especially for you, should you be a curious musician yourself, or just a CD to take and listen to at home.
The center has a permanent exhibition, as well as rotating ones.
🍷As well as tours and workshops go, the one on Wine Philosophy is a truly unique one that takes a different approach than most wine tours you’ll ever experience on Santorini.
You might even be lucky to meet one of the center’s founders, Yannis Pantazis, an artist and musician himself who has been featured in documentaries by the BBC and National Geographic, and who is well known for his composition of a track in Gladiator II, as well as his collaborations with Universal Pictures on the new film Odyssey (curating and supplying authentic Greek instruments used as set props from his personal collection). He’s quite a character, so don’t miss this fantastic opportunity. It is worth to check when he’s on the premises, and listen to him talk about his passion for music.
The charming courtyard/garden provides a peaceful, shaded respite from the sun, while you sip on some delightful wines, cocktails or coffee, and enjoying Greek appetizers, at the Muses Wine Café and Botanical Garden.
Open 10am-7pm except Mondays.
4️⃣ Traditional underground cave houses and wine caves - there aren’t many left in the village, but do visit one to get an idea of what they were like. They are tucked into the historic village lanes and easy to find if you follow the small walking signs around the village center. The one in the photos is a short walk from Alisachni mentioned earlier.
Carved out of volcanic rock, they stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The deep interior chambers were originally built as residential housing, safe hideouts during pirate raids, as well as wine and olive oil storage.
Interesting places to visit In Megalochori, Santorini | Why you should visit Megalochori | What to do on Santorini, Greece | Places to visit on Santorini | Santorini villages worth visiting | Santorini itinerary | European getaway | Symposion Cultural Center | Alisachni multi-space center for art, food and wine | Santorini’s underground cave houses
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