Messaria village

The beautiful village of Messaria lies almost at the center of Santorini, about 3,5 kilometers southeast of Fira and it forms a node that provides access to the beaches and the rest of the settlements. Part of the village is built on the caldera offering an exclusive view to the volcano and the Aegean Sea. The extraordinary wild beauty of the caldera is mesmerizing any time of the day and from Messaria you can admire it in perfect surroundings.

The village dates back to the 17th century. In the 19th century it was the industrial center of the island, awash with cave houses and mansions. Today Messaria has a different sense of beauty as it exudes a classy atmosphere. The monumental manor houses of Argyros, Markezinis and Saliveros, which still stand on the village, are the landmarks of Messaria for their distinct architecture and style. The mansion of George Emmanuel Argyros, which was built in 1888 and was partly destroyed from an earthquake later on, has been restored and transformed into a museum that holds furniture and items from the 19th century. It is considered a work of art and is the only mansion that is available for visits. Its ground floor operates as a five-star guest house whose aura will transfer you back to that era.

Other than this lordly accommodation option, there are various hotels and apartments for every budget. This pretty lively and friendly village has also got many shops, super markets, restaurants, cafes and other amenities. What adds to its beauty is the fact that it is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Lastly, a visit in one of the two wineries is highly recommended for an ultimate wine tasting experience, as Santorini holds a long wine-making tradition and fine wine varieties thanks to the volcanic soil. The wineries promise memorable flavors and aromas.