The place name, the nearby settlement destroyed on Skaros Rock, and the caldera path to Oia reveal different sides of Imerovigli. Choosing a destination brings together two perspectives: the history and sights of the village, and other aspects of Santorini. If you are looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether Imerovigli’s own connections or the island’s variety should shape your stay.
The Caldera Path and the History of the Name
The path along the caldera rim leads from Imerovigli to Oia and offers views of the sea, the caldera, and the volcano. The landscape along the route is therefore a tangible point of reference when choosing a destination. The name itself offers another perspective: Imerovigli is explained as combining the Latin word “vigilare,” meaning “to watch,” and the Greek word “imera,” meaning “day.” This explanation links the name to the days when pirate ships sailed through the Aegean.
Skaros Rock and the Churches
A fortified settlement once stood near Imerovigli on Skaros Rock; it is now destroyed. It included around 200 houses, as well as churches and monasteries. Thus, alongside the history of the name, there is also a local history connected to a settlement in the immediate vicinity. Skaros Rock is the site of the former settlement, not a part of that settlement within Imerovigli.
The churches also give Imerovigli recognizable architectural and historical connections. The Church of the Resurrection has a distinctive blue dome. Panagia Malteza was built in 1972 to replace an earlier church; the Church of St. George dates from 1960. These details offer two different points of interest: the Resurrection Church stands out for an architectural feature, while the construction dates and predecessor church help place the other two churches in time.
Santorini in a Broader Context
For a broader perspective, it is worth looking at Santorini as a whole. Santorini is the southernmost island in the Cyclades. Its caldera was formed by a massive eruption around 1600 BC, and the island group is also characterized by a landscape with active volcanoes. The path from Imerovigli to Oia offers views of this landscape. This connects the local route with the island’s broader geological context without equating the two perspectives.
Other walking routes on Santorini connect Pyrgos with Profitis Ilias, Emporio, and Ancient Thera. Historical points of interest also extend beyond Imerovigli: Pyrgos was designated a protected settlement in 1995. The ecclesiastical collection of Pyrgos opened as a permanent exhibition at the Profitis Ilias Monastery in August 1997. In Akrotiri, Minoan frescoes and buildings buried under volcanic ash have been preserved. These places and routes broaden the view of Santorini, while the named churches and the path to Oia are local points of reference for Imerovigli.
Culinary interests also have a regional connection. Santorini Fava is a product with a protected designation of origin, made from the cotyledons of the legume Lathyrus clymenum L., which grows exclusively in the volcanic soil of Thera. The Santorini tomato is also a product with a protected designation of origin and has been cultivated since the early 19th century. The white Santorini eggplant has a sweet aroma and juicy flesh that does not absorb oil when fried. Chloro is a creamy goat’s cheese produced on Santorini in very limited quantities.
If an event date affects your travel plans, you can also consider the Ifestia Festival: it takes place on the third Saturday in September and recreates the volcanic eruption with fireworks. Check the dates for your travel year in advance, as the annual schedule should be confirmed again.
Discover more destinations: Vlychada, Agia Theodoti, Vourvoulos, Pyrgos, Vothonas, Ano Meria, Agios Georgios, AkrotĂrion
For the broader travel overview: Santorini.
