Santorini Tour Review: Mesa Gonia, Pyrgos, Imerovigli, & Oia

So, you’re probably thinking of seeing Santorini, right? The island’s famous, really, for its picture-postcard scenery and, also, for that totally unique volcanic landscape. It might be a small island, yet it’s crammed with different towns and viewpoints. Many people decide on taking a guided tour to try and squeeze as much as they can from their trip. Is it actually worth it, you think? I tried out one of these island tours that showed me Mesa Gonia, Pyrgos, Imerovigli and Oia, and I’m ready to share what I thought.

A Taste of Traditional Santorini: Mesa Gonia

Mesa Gonia? Yeah, it’s maybe not one of the first spots you hear of on Santorini, that’s for sure, however it proved to be, in a way, an excellent starting point for the tour. Often overlooked in favor of the more famous villages, this area lets you peek into the island’s quieter side. What’s actually so cool is how the village gives you a sense of authentic Santorini life. One highlight, especially, was a visit to a local winery. It turns out that Mesa Gonia is rather well known for its vineyards. Seeing how they make wine, from the vines all the way to the bottle, that’s almost an art! I mean, you’ll likely try different wines too, which is a very big bonus, actually.

You know, walking around Mesa Gonia, it tends to feel more lived-in than staged, if you catch my drift. It might feature weathered buildings and family-run shops. This kind of vibe provides, more or less, a glimpse of a Santorini that a whole load of visitors miss out on. If you have enough time on the tour, it’s pretty worthwhile to try a local taverna for lunch. The dishes tend to be homemade and full of the flavors that, seemingly, capture the heart of Greek cooking. All in all, Mesa Gonia isn’t necessarily jaw-dropping, though it definitely is charming. The town serves as a pretty good opener to experience what Santorini has to offer away from those really popular destinations.

Pyrgos: Santorini’s Hidden Gem

Okay, next up was Pyrgos. Now, this village, I’d say, sits higher up than others on the island and used to be Santorini’s capital. You know what? Pyrgos managed to give off this medieval atmosphere, I suppose, it may feature narrow paths and historic buildings around every corner. This makes the village fun to explore by just wandering through the alleyways.

So, one part of Pyrgos that definitely stands out tends to be the Venetian Castle, that is if you make it to the top, by the way. From there, basically, the panoramic views are worth every step, as you look out over the whole island. Yet, very interesting, Pyrgos is also noted for its churches. There is the Church of Theotokaki, that features incredible frescoes, and the Monastery of Profiti Elias which sits right at the highest point of the island. If you visit Santorini around Easter time, the village usually comes alive, with residents lighting hundreds of lanterns to mark the occasion. What that does is create a magical and touching experience that you don’t want to pass on. Seriously. Pyrgos, arguably, provides a fascinating blend of the island’s past and present.

Imerovigli: The Balcony to the Aegean

Imerovigli, you could say, gets often called the ‘Balcony to the Aegean.’ The place really lives up to the name, with its superb views of the caldera. So, perched on a cliff, it is a serene escape from other, very packed areas of Santorini. While wandering, the traditional white-washed buildings practically cling to the cliffside. You’ll also spot a whole load of luxury hotels and villas mixed in.

This spot’s famous mostly for its prime sunset watching location. Many people find themselves claiming the best possible spot early. Plus, if you like taking photos, that, clearly, is heaven, alright. The village looks towards Skaros Rock, you know, this rock formation that used to be a castle. It crumbled after an earthquake. I guess Imerovigli offers the best of everything. Think natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere and photo ops. I mean, its quiet streets are very nice for an easy walk. Also, don’t you worry, there’s a number of nice dining spots. These usually let you experience the views while trying nice, local food. Honestly, a walk around Imerovigli should be on the list for everyone!

Oia: Chasing the Iconic Santorini Sunset

No trip to Santorini actually seems complete unless you go to Oia, specifically when the sun sets. Yeah, this village has a fame for its iconic sunsets that probably stretches globally, in a way, turning it into the spot on Santorini to capture that ideal snapshot. So, I found myself squeezed among crowds waiting for that moment, where the sky turns lots of vibrant shades. Still, that feeling is all really part of the Oia thing.

Yet, Oia gives you way more than sunsets, of course, as a matter of fact. So, early mornings provide a perfect chance for exploring before, basically, tourists flock in, that is when you may discover peaceful backstreets and, very truly, local stores. The town’s architecture, I mean it’s nearly postcard-worthy, alright, thanks to blue-domed churches and, arguably, whitewashed houses decorated along the cliff edges. It’s certainly, incredibly easy to pass quite some time rambling and simply drinking up the environment. Plus, it doesn’t hurt at all, basically, that several shops also sell handcrafts and artworks, as that helps find some souvenirs to recall that vacation in Santorini, correct? Overall, Oia’s charm has a grip over you, no matter if that visit has the magic of sunset included or it’s purely soaking up that unique atmosphere during the morning.

Touring Tips and Recommendations

After looking into this specific tour of Santorini with visits in Mesa Gonia, Pyrgos, Imerovigli, and also Oia, are there tips I’d share to assist anyone thinking about doing this for themselves? Well, absolutely.

I’d almost always advise you bring walking shoes, or more to the point, trainers. There’ll be lots of walking, more or less, around all destinations mentioned previously. Next? Okay, water. Take enough of it so that dehydration might never actually be something that needs addressing, especially if checking Santorini out at the height of summer time. Furthermore, you know, remember how tour lengths are distinct, though planning accordingly is quite wise to avoid ever feeling rushed somewhere you were eager about staying longer, by any chance. Moreover, make use of what photo possibilities come at those sites, that, more or less, each carry very distinguishable appeals, thus ensuring shots stay lasting vacation memories that, in a way, can very realistically depict it as experienced through the photographer’s senses. Lastly, I’m rather for respecting that all destinations are exclusive – letting tourists stay open-minded that might permit grasping them while appreciating more than merely seeing them!