Things To Do in Pyrgos

Pyrgos has supermarkets and little shops selling handicrafts, though if you’re having a day in Thira it’s worth fitting in some retail therapy. The streets and alleys are spilling over with places selling clothes, ceramics, leather goods and artwork. And if you’re in the market for some jewellery, have a browse in Ypapantis Street – AKA Gold Street – for the latest designs.

Sunset views and plenty of Assyrtiko wine from the local vineyards mean nobody is in a hurry to leave Pyrgos’ tavernas. For a livelier time, it’s only 10 minutes’ drive to Kamari, which comes with cocktail bars, clubs, discos and an open-air cinema. Or there’s the buzzing capital, Thiras, with its high-energy bars and clubs playing everything from classical and jazz to R’n’B and Greek pop.

Eating wise, Pyrgos prides itself on using the best of its local produce so a meal should definitely include tomatokeftes – delicious rissoles cooked up with Santorini’s famous cherry tomatoes – and a salad made with sweet white aubergines. The food is just part of the story, though – eat while the sun sets then take in the twinkling lights of Thira and Oia as you savour the island’s Vinsanto dessert wine.

The aptly named Red Beach is on the south coast near Akrotiri, about 15 to 20 minutes’ drive away. It’s set in a small cove, with reddish shingle and a backdrop of red cliffs towering above the crystal-clear blue water. You’ll need to tackle a few rocks to reach it from the car park – while you’re there, stock up on snacks of roasted corn on the cob to bring with you.

The Santo Winery is just on the outskirts of Pyrgos. You can take a guided tour around the place then get onto the real business of tasting your chosen samples, which come with a platter of cheese and olives. The best time to go is around sunset, when you can sit on the terrace with a glass of dry white Nykteri and take in the view across the sea.