SUGGESTED ROUTES
An archaeological stroll
The archaeological site of Ancient Thira is located in Akrotiri. You can get there by walking the path from the monastery of Prophet Elias or by car, but it is good to start in the morning because otherwise it will get too hot because of the rocks and the lack of shade. There are, also, paths from Perissa and Kamari, but the latter starts from Askitario, the edge of the mountain and it is not in a very good condition. On the way you will encounter the small church of Zoodohos Pigi (Life Giving Fountain) which also has its natural spring. If you choose the path of Perissa you will see the amazing church of Panagia Katefiani that is literally built into the rock. It is recommended to wear sneakers otherwise the pumice might scratch your feet. When reaching the highest point you will be rewarded for the route as the view is breathtaking. Nice options to walk and swim near Pyrgos are the Thermal Baths or Thermi in Megalochori, otherwise the usual options are Perissa, Perivolos and Pyrgos.
Horseback riding
The first option is to go to Monolithos and take a ride that lasts for two and a half hours, but if you do not like the big crowds it would be good to start early in the morning. Otherwise, seek to follow a shorter route to the beach Exo Gonia, lasting one hour. After, you can visit Panagia Episkopi, which is the most important Byzantine monument on the island. Go swimming at Kamari and when the sun starts to go down wander a little around at Mesa Gonia, where there are the ruins of the houses that the residents abandoned in 1956. If you have more time you can go to Faros (the lighthouse) at Akrotiri, to see the sunset. In order to do this, go to the crossroad at Pyrgos at the other side of the island and take the road to Akrotiri, but instead of turning left to the village, go straight and follow the strobe lights and you have arrived.
The rim of Caldera
One of the paths worth following on the island is the path of Caldera from Imerovigli to Oia, which lasts about two hours. The best time is either early in the morning when it will not have much heat or late in the afternoon to enjoy the sunset at the same time. If you are willing to take a little more time there, it would be nice to stop at Prophet Elias, Katholika, Firostefani and Skaros. Katholika is the most beautiful district of Fira with its picturesque old houses on the hill, one of which is called Big Gyzi, built in the 17th century and sustained by the Catholic Church. Next to Megaro the Dominican monastery has still survived, which also functioned as a guest house for artists. Going to the Caldera pass the Catholic church of St. John the Baptist and the Catholic Diocesan residence, where you can find Saint Stylianos (you'll recognize it by the blue and pink colours). Moving to Firostefani and Imerovigli you can visit the Monastery of St. Nicholas and after the castle in Imerovigli, Skaros. There, the Venetians had built their fortification with conical formation that allowed them to see afar the pirates and also was used for protection. At the entrance of the castle the church of St. Theodosia,the protector of the castle, used to stand. However, the chapel that still survives, Theoskepasti, is behind the castle. Marching to the main road to Oia begins the climbing to the small monastery of Prophet Elias. From there you can admire the Caldera and the plain of Oia. Afterwards, you will meet many small churches, coupled with the view, like that of St. Anthony which is one of the oldest.
Looking at Caldera from the sea
A scene you must witness is the view of Caldera from the sea. This can be done by sailing with a yacht from the marina of Vlyhada and going to Akrotiri where you will see the red beach (Kokkini Paralia). You will become speechless by the view of the unique white beach and then Mavro Vouno (Black Mountain) or as it is, also, known The Indian, because of its shape. Divers have the opportunity to roam to the underwater caves. Behind the lighthouse is a small cove, which is beautiful and peaceful. If you do not like the black colour of the Caldera, you can go to Aspronisi, which has white pebbles.
At the entrance of Thirassia there is a cave with tunnels. One of the best places for swimming is Melani and Mouzakia, but they can only be reached by boats. Finally, the whitewashed church "Saint Epta Pedes” stands in the middle of nowhere imposing and adding beauty to the landscape.
