The “balcony of Santorini”
Imerovigli, the “balcony of Santorini”, is the next stop on Caldera’s rim after Fira and Firostefani.
The largest part of the village had been destroyed by the earthquake of 1956 and its residents either built houses outside the Caldera or moved to Athens. Its intense tourist development began in the early ‘90s when it started to become the ideal place for couples in love.
Only 3 km away from Fira, there are numerous lodgings featuring traditional architecture along with the best views of the caldera and the endless blue of the sea and sky. Many civil weddings or vow renewals take place on their balconies and terraces. The magnificent view combined with the tranquillity that Imerovigli has managed to keep creates an absolute romantic atmosphere.
As the sun sets, the neighboring islands of Ios, Sikinos, and Folegandros are being revealed, making Imerovigli’s sunset as captivating as the one of Oia.
Imerovigli doesn’t offer a late nightlife and has only a handful of shops scattered around the village. It has plenty of very good places to eat, all within walking distance of the hotels in the village. Fira is only five minutes away by car or 30-40 minutes walking.
The caldera path that connects Fira with Oia passes right through Imerovigli. If you are planning to hike, we suggest starting from Imerovigli as it is located on the highest point of the caldera, making the hike a less challenging experience.
It is worth visiting the church of Panagia Maltese with the old wooden iconostasis and the monastery of Aghios Nikolaos.