Santorini Pyrgos Car Rental
Pyrgos village is found in a high location (higher than any other village) in the center of Santorini island. Located at the base of Profitis Elias mountain, offers panoramic views all the way to the sea. A few years ago it was hardly developed, and was mainly a local people’s residence area. This has changed a lot recently with many new modern complexes of luxury villas being built, and many traditional old houses in the main part of the village renovated and used as airBnB’s. The village recently has also become very popular among cruise ship passengers, with groups arriving daily for a few hours. Someone might think that development has side effects that usually changes a places characteristics, and influences the much coveted authenticity, but surprisingly this wasn’t an issue here. On the contrary, what happened is that many abandoned and half destroyed old buildings, were renovated to their original condition, and every little path and alley were reconstructed in the traditional way. Walking along the old part of the village will unveil some sofisticated restaurants and small cafe’s, interesting old churches, and tiny shops selling hand made souvenirs and jewelry. Getting lost here is rather excpected, as the village is built in such a way (like a castle) on purpose, as in the past centuries all the islands suffered pirate raids. Up to now, the name of the old part of Pyrgos is Casteli ( Greek old word for castle ). In the main square of Pyrgos you might even see local farmers with their donkeys (!), selling their products. There is one ATM available, and 2 free parking spaces. It is not allowed to park in the square, as the road is not wide enough.
