Description of the attraction
Imerovili, or Imerovigli, is a small picturesque town located on the edge of a giant caldera in the northwestern part of Santorini, just a few kilometers from the administrative center of Fira. Imerovili is often referred to as the “balcony of the Aegean Sea” and is perhaps one of the most beautiful places in Santorini that you should definitely visit.
Imerovili is a traditional Cycladic settlement, built in the architecture characteristic of the region, with labyrinths of narrow streets climbing stone slopes, many snow-white temples with blue domes (Panagia Malteza, Ai-Stratis, Agios Ioanis, etc.) and excellent viewing platforms where you can watch one of the most beautiful sunsets on the island.
After wandering the streets of the city and enjoying the local flavor, you should definitely take a walk to the Skaros rock, where a well-fortified settlement, known as Castro, was once located and was the capital of the island until the 18th century. The settlement was thoroughly damaged as a result of several devastating earthquakes (including during the powerful eruption of the underwater volcano Colombo in 1650), and by the beginning of the 19th century it was completely abandoned. Unfortunately, to this day, only the ruins of a medieval castle built at the beginning of the 13th century, lying on the top of a cliff, have survived from the once prosperous city. True, this is not the only attraction of the Skaros rock, here you will also find a small cozy chapel of Panagia Theoskepasti, perched on a small rocky ledge overlooking the caldera. Near Imerovili (on the way to Firostefani) is located one of the most important shrines of the island - the monastery of Agios Nikolaos.
You can get to Imerovili from Fira by bus that goes to Oia. However, given the relatively small distance between settlements, this path can be easily overcome on foot, enjoying the incredible beauty of the landscapes and fantastic panoramic views.
