The village is amphitheatrically built on the hill, providing stunning vineyard, meadow, and Aegean Sea views and spectacular sunrises to its guests, just perfect for that secluded getaway away from the touristic areas.
Vourvoulos is a perfect place to stay when you want to experience nature! From walking through its quaint streets to admiring the beautiful scenery, here are the top things to experience in the village:
1. Take a Scenic Walk around the village
![Saint Efstratios Church]( "Saint Efstratios Church")
Saint Efstratios Church in Vourvoulos village
Walking through its quiet streets will allow you to appreciate the picturesque charm of the Cycladic architecture with whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and narrow alleys. As you walk, you will discover the village's central square, featuring the church of Saint Efstratios, one of the most significant religious monuments of the village, while you'll meet friendly villagers and stumble upon hidden spots that offer very nice views of the Aegean Sea.
2. Discover Saint Panteleimonas Church
Saint Panteleimonas Church is another splendid church of the village, located at the cemetery between the Upper and Lower Vourvoulos. Its beautiful, whitewashed walls set against the deep blue sky make it a picturesque and serene location, while when searching the interior one can find a set of imposing frescoes and artifacts. It is a peaceful area where one can take a glimpse into the local traditions of the island.
3. Explore the Small Fishing Port
On the eastern side of the village, there is a small but beautiful fishing harbor, ideal for people who want to experience real coastal life. There, one can see the fishermen unloading their fresh catch, patching up their nets, or leaving the dock to sail into the Aegean waters. A traditional seaside tavern called "To Limanaki", can also be found there, serving some of the freshest seafood on the island. With delicious dishes like grilled octopus, fried calamari, and freshly caught fish, people will enjoy their meals along the serene coast with beautiful views over the Aegean Sea.
4. Visit Vassaltis Winery
![Vassaltis Winery in Vourvoulos]( "Vassaltis Winery in Vourvoulos")
Experience the modern side of Santorini winemaking at Vassaltis Winery
For wine lovers, a visit to the Vassaltis Winery will totally be worth it. This sophisticated winery is situated near Vourvoulos and offers a lavish wine-tasting experience, featuring some of the best Assyrtiko wines from Santorini. Besides that, tourists can also tour the winery to learn about the island's distinctive volcanic terroir as well as the winemaking procedures while tasting the best wines accompanied by local specialties. This winery’s design and its serene atmosphere make it the prime place to unwind and savor the Greek winemaking at its best.
![Vourvoulos beach]( "Vourvoulos beach")
Vourvoulos beach, the perfect spot for a relaxing seaside retreat
(credit:
santorini-more.com)
Near the village lies Vourvoulos Beach, an unpopulated beach, where sand and pebbles combined with clear blue waters, form the ideal setting for a swim and relaxation. Vourvoulos Beach is less crowded than the more popular Santorini beaches, offering a refuge of tranquility while providing a few sunbeds and a tavern nearby for drinks and Greek cuisine. Right next to Vourvoulos is Pori Beach, famous for its stunning black volcanic sand, another great quiet spot where one could bask in the beautiful Aegean waters. For total privacy, Xiropigado Beach is an untouched, secret paradise that has a pebbly beach and crystalline waters. Coloumpos Beach nearby should also be mentioned for its impressive volcanic rock formations and very quiet ambiance.
![To Limanaki Tavern in Vourvoulos]( "To Limanaki Tavern in Vourvoulos")
Enjoy delicious local dishes at To Limanaki Tavern in Vourvoulos
The town of Vourvoulos is peaceful therefore it only has a few dining options. There, tourists can take in the tranquil ambiance at "To Limanaki", a hidden restaurant serving fresh fish and traditional Greek food close to Vourvoulos Beach. Dining in this location is a memorable experience, coupled with stunning views of the Aegean Sea, making every meal soothing and memorable. Additionally, Roza's Restaurant, which serves a variety of Mediterranean cuisine skillfully crafted with the freshest local ingredients, is another delightful option in the village.
Bars & Nightlife in Vourvoulos
Vourvoulos doesn’t have any options for vibrant nightlife. However, just 4 kilometers away, lies the capital of Santorini, Fira. There, one can find bars and clubs that cater to all tastes, from sophisticated wine bars where you sample the island's famous world-class wines to lively dance clubs with their own vibrant rhythms. Fira's nightlife completes the soft, relaxing charm of Vourvoulos.
![Anema Boutique Hotel & Villas in Vourvoulos]( "Anema Boutique Hotel & Villas in Vourvoulos")
Escape to luxury and tranquility at Anema Boutique Hotel & Villas
The accommodations in Vourvoulos combine traditional Greek architecture with today's modern comforts. From a private luxury villa to a small guest house with incredible sea views, or a boutique hotel, there is something for every kind of traveler. Most of the accommodations in Vourvoulos also remain true to the traditional Cycladic style featuring whitewashed walls, small terraces, and a very tranquil ambiance for relaxing and enjoying life.
Below you will find all transportation options from the major locations on the island:
1. Santorini Airport (JTR) to Vourvoulos
Vourvoulos is just 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from Santorini’s airport. The following means of transport can be used to visit it:
• By Taxi or Private Transfer: The taxi ride to the village takes about 15 minutes, while taxis can be found outside the airport. The entire route is very easy, plus the rugged beauty of the scenery around the island is phenomenal. For extra convenience and If you wish for everything to be arranged in advance, the best choice is to pre-arrange a Private transfer.
• By Bus: There is no straight bus from Santorini Airport to Vourvoulos. Therefore, you will first need to ride the bus to Fira Town, which takes 15-20 minutes. From Fira, you can take a taxi for a short drive or the bus to Oia, since it approaches near Vourvoulos. Then, there is a bus stop close to Vourvoulos Beach, but it's advisable to check the bus timetable beforehand so you can be sure the bus you want to use stops there. Keep in mind that the beach is not right next to the village, therefore, you will need to cover some walking distance to reach it.
2. Santorini Port (Athinios Port) to Vourvoulos
Vourvoulos is around 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from Athinios Ferry Port. You can find your way to the village via the following options:
• By Taxi or Private Transfer: The quickest way to reach Vourvoulos from Athinios Port is by taxi, getting you there in approximately 30 minutes, while taxis are readily available at the port, offering a picturesque and smooth ride to the village. For added convenience, you can also pre-book a private transfer, enjoying a hassle-free arrival with everything taken care of in advance. This is an excellent option for those with limited time or requiring additional comfort.
• By Bus: Although it is not a direct bus ride from Athinios Port to Vourvoulos, you can take a bus to Fira Town. From there, you can take a taxi for a short ride to Vourvoulos, or take another bus with direction to Oia, which occasionally stops at Vourvoulos beach. A bus ride from the port to Fira typically takes 30-40 minutes, and it is cheaper but requires some additional time and effort.
3. Fira (Santorini's Capital) to Vourvoulos
Fira is just 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from Vourvoulos, and therefore it is one of the easiest and quickest routes to the village. Here are the ways to reach the village from Fira:
• By Taxi or Private Transfer: A 10-minute taxi ride from Fira to Vourvoulos is an extremely convenient and quick option. Taxis are available in Fira, and the trip is comfortable. Prearranging a private transfer is also a good alternative for anyone wanting extra convenience and comfort.
• By Bus: There is a bus to Oia, which makes a stop at Vourvoulos Beach, but the itinerary needs to be double-checked in advance as there are certain buses that make a stop there. What is more, some walking distance needs to be covered in order to get to the village from the bus stop near the beach.
4. Car Rental in Santorini
Car rental is a convenient and flexible way of getting to Vourvoulos. There are car rental companies at Athinios Port, Santorini Airport, and Fira, or you may pre-book the vehicle of your preference online. This option allows you to reach the village effortlessly and has the added advantage of allowing you to visit other beautiful parts of the island at your convenience and without needing taxis or buses.
Vourvoulos offers a glimpse of the true, serene Santorini, and therefore it is an excellent option for tourists looking to unwind and enjoy the local ambiance.
