The village of Megalochori on the southwestern side of Santorini was once a center for winemaking. Old mansions served not only as homes but also as facilities for wine production. Although the village saw a decline in the 1950s, recent decades have brought about careful restoration, preserving its historic atmosphere.
Records indicate that Megalochori has been inhabited since the 17th century. Wandering through its narrow, car-free cobblestone alleys offers a sense of stepping back in time. The historic houses, now repurposed as villas, shops, restaurants, and bars, feature high walls that were originally a defense against pirates. Unlike the more famous villages on the island that boast sea views and luxury resorts, Megalochori receives a much smaller number of visitors. This quieter environment contributes to its relaxed and appealing atmosphere, with growing interest from travelers.
Discovering Megalochori’s Charm
For those seeking a more tranquil experience away from the crowds of Oia or Fira, basing yourself in Megalochori is an excellent choice. The village offers a genuine glimpse into Santorini’s past, away from the peak tourist trails. Its unique character and unhurried pace make it a compelling alternative for a peaceful stay on the island.
Where to Stay
One of the key establishments that brought Megalochori to wider attention is Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort. This property, opened in 1993, was transformed from a 400-year-old winery into a resort with 59 suites. At the time of its opening, it was a primary draw for visitors to the village. Vedema is known for its classic luxury, featuring dome-topped, whitewashed suites surrounding a pool. The resort also includes Alati, a Mediterranean restaurant set within the atmospheric caves of the former winery.
For a more intimate accommodation experience, consider the Ducato Wine Hotel & Villas. This is less of a conventional hotel and more a collection of historic mansions and buildings thoughtfully converted into villas. These accommodations vary in size and are spread throughout the village. Similar to Vedema, some of these properties were once wineries and retain their original cellars. Others were private residences or local businesses. Villa Jasmine, for example, was historically the village bakery and still features its original oven in the courtyard. All villas generally offer private pools, with some having unique features like waterfalls, and select villas boast rooftops with views over the vineyards.
Planning a trip with young children requires considering the amenities and location of accommodations. When looking at villas, especially those with private pools, it’s important to verify safety features for your little ones. If I were planning a family trip for Sofia, I’d prioritize accommodations that offer both beauty and peace of mind, ensuring safe access to any water features.
Dining Experiences
Staying in one of the Ducato villas often includes breakfast at Raki, located in Megalochori’s main square. This offers a chance to experience the village waking up. You can enjoy iced coffee, Greek yogurt with granola, and “peinirli,” a boat-shaped calzone topped with fried eggs. For lunch and dinner, Raki provides a lively atmosphere with options like grilled lamb souvlaki and fresh salads with feta.
Enjoying sunset views while exploring local wines can be done at Alisachni Art & Wine Gallery. From its rooftop seating, you can take in the scenery while learning about winemaking from a cellar that houses 500 different wines. Many of these are from Greece, particularly Santorini, including rosé, organic skin-contact wines, and mineral-forward whites, which pair well with the fresh fish and seafood served.
Further along the same street, Traditional Kafeneio Megalochori offers a cozy cafe setting. It serves a selection of local dishes, such as fresh vegetable salads and marinated octopus, alongside grilled sardines. The outdoor patio is a pleasant spot for an afternoon freddo espresso and people-watching, with views of the village’s iconic belfry.
Activities in Megalochori
Megalochori continues its heritage of winemaking through three local wineries. Gavalas winery stands out as one of the island’s best, having been family-owned for five generations. It is recognized for being one of Santorini’s oldest and is unique for producing wine from Katsano, a native white grape variety, with some vines harvested from vineyards within the village. A tasting of their Assyrtiko wines is also recommended. Assyrtiko is Santorini’s renowned white grape, known for its salinity and high alcohol content, and Gavalas offers several Assyrtiko wines, including blends, to showcase its distinctive profile.
For a cultural experience, Symposium is a center dedicated to music and mythology. Housed in a building that was once a winery, its caves, which previously fermented and aged grapes, now serve as spaces for art presentations and musical performances. The venue features a rotating schedule of concerts during the season, often celebrating Greek history. Past performances have included traditional songs from Crete accompanied by the bulgari, an 18th-century string instrument, and vocalists performing works by the renowned poet Odysseas Elytis.
Later in 2026, Ducato Wine plans to open a spa offering Greek-inspired deep-tissue massages and facials using products made with local ingredients like olive oil, raki, orange extract, avocado, and various herbs. Additionally, visitors can engage in pottery making with ceramicist Andreas Makaris at his workshop and gallery, Earth & Water Studio, located near the entrance of Megalochori. For handcrafted leather goods, such as sandals and bags, Transit Mask offers a selection made by owner Stelios Drosos, whose 30 years of experience inform his creations.
When considering travel plans for 2026, exploring villages like Megalochori offers a different perspective on Santorini than the typical postcard views. These locations often provide a more authentic experience and a chance to connect with the island’s rich history and traditions.
To get a broader sense of the island’s offerings, you might find it helpful to explore the main Santorini page for more details on accommodations and activities across the island.
For a deeper dive into the island’s renowned wines, visiting the Santorni wineries is a must. You can find information on wine tasting opportunities and vineyard tours to enhance your culinary exploration.
When planning your visit, it is always advisable to verify operational hours and booking requirements for specific activities and venues, as details can change.
Megalochori provides a charming and less crowded alternative for experiencing Santorini’s unique beauty and heritage, offering a memorable stay.
