Vothonas between Gorge and Rock Architecture

A steep gorge defines Vothonas. The landscape and settlement architecture give the village its distinctive character. For a broader travel perspective, the overarching destination of Santorini offers further themes related to landscape, culture and regional cuisine.

A Settlement with Houses Carved into the Rock

Vothonas is a settlement with houses carved into the rock, courtyards and narrow lanes. The architecture incorporates the rock into the village’s appearance; courtyards and lanes shape its spatial character. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Vothonas, you can consider whether this distinctive settlement form is what you want to define your stay.

Walk to Panagia Trypa

Panagia Trypa can only be reached on foot via a path that begins in the centre of Vothonas. The walk takes five to ten minutes and runs between volcanic rock and dry-stone walls. Check local conditions before setting out. You can take the short duration into account when planning your day, without equating it with the longer routes in the wider travel area.

Santorini: Landscape and Activities

Santorini is the southernmost island of the Cyclades, an island group characterised by a landscape of active volcanoes. The caldera was formed by a massive eruption around 1600 BC. The coast offers a different landscape: at Vlychada Beach, wild, pale cliffs create a distinctive lunar landscape. Geology and coastal formations thus offer different perspectives on Santorini.

A path along the rim of the caldera leads from Imerovigli to Oia and offers views of the sea, the caldera and the volcano. Hiking trails connect Pyrgos with Profitis Ilias, Emporio and Ancient Thera. On Santorini’s southeast coast, the surroundings are well suited to sailing and kitesurfing; parasailing and views of the Aegean are also on offer there. When planning, you can weigh up trails, coastal activities and scenic experiences.

Culture, History and Events

Akrotiri preserves remarkably well-preserved Minoan frescoes and buildings that were buried under volcanic ash. In 1995, the settlement of Pyrgos was designated as protected. The ecclesiastical collection of Pyrgos opened as a permanent exhibition in August 1997 at the Profitis Ilias Monastery in Pyrgos. Archaeological evidence and the history of a protected settlement offer different cultural highlights.

Santorini Experience takes place every year and is organised by the Municipality of Thira, its Department of Culture and Sport, and Active Media. The Ifestia Festival takes place on the third Saturday in September and presents a depiction of the volcanic eruption with fireworks. Check the dates for your travel year.

Products and Cuisine on Santorini

Santorini Fava is a product with a protected designation of origin. It is made from the cotyledons of the legume Lathyrus clymenum L., which grows exclusively in the volcanic soil of Thera. The Santorini tomato also has a protected designation of origin and has been cultivated since the early 19th century. The white Santorini aubergine has a sweet aroma and juicy flesh that does not absorb oil when fried. Chloro is a creamy goat’s cheese produced in very limited quantities on Santorini. Local cooks make tomato fritters called tomatokeftedes with PDO cherry tomatoes.

Getting There and Choosing a Location

The flight from Athens International Airport to Santorini Airport takes 50 minutes; check flight schedules and duration before travelling. When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to decide what role you want Vothonas to play in your holiday: should the character of the settlement itself be the deciding factor, or would you prefer to base your choice of location more on the other experiences offered by the overarching destination of Santorini?

Discover more destinations: Alopronoia, Akrotírion, Folegandros, Ano Meria, Imerovigli, Oía, Agia Theodoti, Mesariá

View the overview of the wider destination: Santorini.