Wanderyn
Megalochori
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
city · GR

Megalochori

Recommended stay: 1 day
Getting around: Megalochori is inland on Santorini, southwest of Fira, reached by rental car, ATV, or local bus in about 15-20 minutes; it doesn't sit on the caldera rim, so there are no cliffside hotels here, which keeps it quieter and less expensive. The village core is small and walkable.
Hours: Megalochori's wineries generally offer tastings through the afternoon and early evening in season, with shorter or by-appointment-only hours off-season, so it's worth checking ahead rather than showing up unannounced outside peak summer months.

Megalochori is one of Santorini's most traditional and least touristed villages, a cluster of stone Cycladic houses, small squares, and old cave dwellings (yposkafa) built into the volcanic rock, largely untouched by the caldera-view hotel development that transformed Fira, Oia, and Imerovigli. It sits in the middle of Santorini's wine country, near several of the island's respected wineries producing Assyrtiko and Vinsanto from vines grown low to the ground in a distinctive basket-weave training method suited to the island's wind and volcanic soil.

Because it lacks caldera views, Megalochori draws far fewer day-trippers, making it a good stop for a quieter lunch, a wine tasting, or simply a look at Santorini's village architecture without the tourist density of the cliffside towns.

Megalochori FAQs

Does Megalochori have caldera views like Oia or Fira?

No, it's set inland in the middle of the island, which is part of why it's quieter and less expensive than the caldera-rim villages.

Why is Megalochori known for wine?

It sits in the heart of Santorini's wine region, near several notable wineries; the island's volcanic soil and unique basket-trained vines (protecting grapes from wind) produce distinctive Assyrtiko whites and the sweet Vinsanto.

Is Megalochori worth visiting if I only have a few days on Santorini?

If you're interested in wine tasting or want to see a more traditional, untouristed Santorini village, yes, as a half-day stop; it's not essential if your time is limited to the highlights.

How do I get to Megalochori?

By rental car, ATV, or local bus from Fira, about 15-20 minutes; there's no direct route from the caldera villages other than via Fira or the main island road.

Are there cave houses to see in Megalochori?

Yes, the village has traditional yposkafa (cave dwellings carved into volcanic rock), some now converted into guesthouses, reflecting Santorini's older, pre-tourism building style.

Your travel graph
Ready to plan Megalochori?Planning a trip soon? Add it to build an itinerary.

Reviews/Comments

No comments yet — be the first.