Hiking activity through the volcanic land of wonder

While we admire the breathtaking view from the cliff and leave behind us the village of Firostefani, and on our way to Imerovigli village, we will see the monastery of Agios Nikolaos. Once we cross this settlement and reach Agios Georgios church, it would be good to stop to admire the volcano from its courtyard. You will walk up to the town of Imerovigli.

Imerovigli has a unique location in Santorini. It is situated at about the caldera’s center and at its highest point. It allows for a panoramic view. Imerovigli owes its name to this position because it was the daytime observatory when the pirates infested the Aegean Sea. It is a gorgeous, picturesque cosmopolitan ‘village’ built-in with complete aesthetic harmony with the environment. In addition, its central church of Panagia Malteza takes its name from an icon. It seems that they found it in the Sea of Malta.
The first small part of a clear path outside Imerovigli is magical as it offers evocative views.

We will start walking from Fira, taking the road towards the island’s northern part. Then, we walk up the narrow street with the steps. On this street, there are many souvenirs or jewelry shops. Meanwhile, follow the signs for the cable car. Once we pass in front of it, we continue to Petros Nomikos Conference Center. The locals call this spot ” Patsouli.” As a matter of fact, the view from there is astounding. For many people, it is the most beautiful place on the island. It is undoubtedly the most romantic, with its incomparable view down over the road to the Yialos. The town of Fira lies to our left, merging into the village of Firostefani, whose square we reach after 800 meters.

We will continue until we arrive at Stavros, a small white church; this is an excellent time to relax and take photos. Before leaving the church, we can follow a small path that leads to a red hill. The route is covered with volcanic ash and white rocks that create a lunar landscape. The view above the mountains is fantastic, unquestionably beautiful, and breathtaking scenery. After the end of the white road, the hiking is over, but another chapter of photography of the magical landscape begins.

Once we arrive in Oia village, we will walk through the traditional village to discover the way of life of its inhabitants during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Firostefani is an extension of Fira and, on a different scale, could be thought of as the northern suburbs of the capital. The village is long and narrow, standing on the edge of the precipice. It has its square, restaurant, hotels, coffee shop, and a large and impressive church of St. Gerasimos, which- unusually for the island- is surrounded by tall cypresses. Firostefani has a deeper cliff. The view of the path with its steps and the little harbor at Mesa Yialos is picturesque. As we walk north from the square, we enter the central part of the village. To the left is the island’s most elegant and splendid rock mass, Skaros. This section of the town has now been completely restored. During the hiking tour, you will notice that the courtyards, roofs, and protruding portions of the “skafta” houses (cave houses) create a beautiful variety of shapes, masses, and colors as we see them from above. At the same time, we will follow the inner road that crosses the beautiful settlement.