Karterados is one of Santorini’s most traditional villages. A footpath from Fira leads to Karterados. Check the condition of the path and the signposting before setting out; both can change. Karterados is 1.5 kilometers southeast of Fira.
Village history and church architecture
The captains’ houses that have survived to this day bear witness to the village’s heyday in the 19th century. Two churches add to this historical connection with their typical local architecture: St. Nicholas and Virgin Mary in the Temple (Glykogalousa). For visitors interested in culture, they offer two distinct ways to explore: the village’s 19th-century history and its typical local church architecture. A specific event in 2026 adds to these architectural themes: during the celebration of the Αναλήψεως, the icon of the Αναλήψεως was carried through the streets of Karterados.
Santorini: volcanic landscape and hiking trails
Beyond Karterados, Santorini is the southernmost island of the Cyclades. The island group is characterized by a landscape of active volcanoes; Santorini’s caldera was formed by a massive eruption around 1600 BC. This geological perspective on Santorini complements the local history of Karterados.
A path along the edge of the caldera leads from Imerovigli to Oia and offers views of the sea, the caldera, and the volcano. Other hiking trails connect Pyrgos with Profitis Ilias, Emporio, and Ancient Thera. The descriptions vary according to what you are looking for when planning a hike: the first trail focuses on the views, while the trails from Pyrgos connect several named destinations.
Regional cuisine and events on Santorini
Santorini also has distinctive regional produce. Santorini Fava is a PDO product made from the cotyledons of the legume Lathyrus clymenum L.; the legume grows exclusively in the volcanic soil of Thera. Santorini tomatoes are also a PDO product and have 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 in very limited quantities on Santorini. Local cooks prepare tomato fritters called Tomatokeftedes with PDO cherry tomatoes.
The Ifestia Festival is also a useful reference when planning your dates on Santorini: it takes place on the third Saturday in September and depicts the volcanic eruption with fireworks. Check the program for your chosen year before traveling.
Choose your accommodation location based on your travel interests
Consider whether your focus is on the history and architecture of this particular village or on the island’s many attractions. This can help you choose a location that suits your travel interests.
Discover more destinations: Psathi, Oía, Thira, Vourvoulos, Alopronoia, Thirasia, Agkali, Akrotírion
For the broader travel overview: Santorini.
