Island Bus Tour: The Majestic Spots Of Santorini -

Prophet Elias Monastery

Profitis Ilias (Prophet Elias) Monastery is one of the oldest on the island and an important Greek Orthodox landmark.It is located on the top of Mount Profitias Ilias on the southeast side of Pyrgos, about 3-4 km from the town center. Mount Profitis Ilias sits 567m above sea level and is the highest peak of the island. To get here, drive up from the main road in Pyrgos heading southeast. There is also a 2.5 km trail up to the Monastery from the main square in Pyrgos.

Pyrgos Village

Pyrgos is a typical Fortress Settlement of the Cyclades. On the hilltop you can find ruins of Kasteli Castle, one of the five ‘kastelia’ on the island. Although there are many reports that Pyrgos was the capital of Santorini in the mid 18th century, the truth is that Pyrgos has never been the island’s capital.There is a memorial plaque near the entrance to the castle, commemorating those who died in the Second World War. Traditional architecture, remains of neo-classical mansions, narrow winding paths leading up the hillside, small white houses, galleries, vineyards, churches, breathtaking sunsets … Pyrgos is truly magical.

Akrotiri Excavations
The prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri on the island of Santorini (Thíra) is one of the most important sites in the Aegean. In prehistory it was a well connected Minoan port town, with connections to mainland Greece and as far afield as Egypt and Syria. As the town was covered in ash following a volcanic eruption on the island, preservation of the settlement is exceptional, making this one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece.

Red Beach
The red beach is arguably the most famous and beautiful beaches of Santorini. It is also considered as one of the most spectacular beaches of Greece. It is located in the area of Akrotiri and only some steps away from the ancient city of Akrotiri. The small size of the beach creates a much crowded atmosphere and there are many days where most of the visitors choose not to make it all the way down to the beach and instead admire this unique landscape of red and black volcanic rocks from the headland.

Fira Town
Fira is the capital of Santorini. On the caldera side you get one of the best views of the island and the activity level is enough to keep you entertained for hours. There are cafes, bars, restaurants, all with views and some with several levels of patios and balconies to make the most of the space they have and the fact that when there are several cruise ships sitting below the town is packed with tourists. Just walking down the street is laborious.

Oia Village
Oia is a traditional settlement in the north of Santorini. It is also known as ‘Apano Meria’ or ‘Anomeria’ and the inhabitants are called ‘Apanomerites’. The village is approximately 150 meters above sea level. Oia was severely damaged in the 1956 earthquake and much work has been involved to implement its restoration. The Community of Oia consists of following settlements: Oia village, Finikia, Kolumbo, Baxedes and Paradisos to the east and Tholos to the west. Tholos is the second farming village of Apano Meria (Oia). Also included are the bays of Ammoudi and Armeni. The island of Thirassia comes under the jurisdiction of the Community of Oia.