Imerovigli

Imerovigli (Greek: Ημεροβίγλι) is a town just north of capital Thira on the largest island in the Santorini archipelago.

Understand
Imerovigli is a small village and is famous for its beautiful sunset that give it the nickname balcony of the Aegean. The name itself stems from the Greek word vigla which means 'view point'.

Imerovigli is built on the caldera ridge, which leads to an interesting divide. The eastern side of the town is built on a slope and facing adjacent town Vourvoulos as well as the sea, and consists of most of the original, residential part of the village. In contrast the western part of town is facing the volcano caldera, and this half of the town consists exclusively of tourist accommodation built side by side on the limited surface area available between the old town and the steep cliff.

When the Venetians occupied the island (see Santorini), they built 5 fortified castles, of which one was built in Imerovigli in 1207. Strategically located on Skaros Rock, the castle was continuously inhabited throughout the Medieval Age because it provided protection against pirates. Guard posts could spot marauders in the caldera from afar, offering early warning. From the early 19th century, the castle gradually lost its strategic importance and was abandoned. The structure fell in disrepair, and what was left of it was levelled by earthquakes. Little remains of the castle today, but Skaros Rock itself remains the most popular attraction of Imerovigli. The town also boasts architectural gems such as the Monastery of Saint Nikalaos and the Church of Ai-Stratis.

Get around
Imerovigli's streets are too narrow for anything other than pedestrians or the occasional motorcycle. Fortunately, the town is rather small, so getting around on foot isn't that difficult. However, the streets have many steps, which can be challenging to navigate for visitors with disabilities.

Go next

 * Finikia
 * Fira