The Old Castle (Casteli)

The medieval Castelis of Santorini were born of the need to protect the locals from corsair attacks. Villages were built as fortified citadels, with sturdy walls and narrow, winding alleys to hinder enemy advances, saving their inhabitants on more than one occasion. Such is the Casteli of Pyrgos, one of the best-preserved and most recent on Santorini and by far the most imposing one. Within its evocative walls, you will discover remarkable churches – including Theotokaki, the oldest on the island, quaint restaurants and bars, and of course, breathtaking panoramas as far as the eye can see.