Megalochori

The Community of Megalochori belongs to the Municipal Unit of Thira and houses 594 inhabitants, according to the 2011 census. Its main settlement is Megalochori. The Megalo Chorio (Large or Grand Village) of Santorini is mentioned in written sources beginning in the mid 17th century. The many vineyards surrounding the village are a sign of the fertile soil, which its inhabitants utilized for centuries, producing fine wine. In the village there are two wineries open to visitors (Venetsanos and Gavala). The center of the village is dominated by the churches of the Presentation of the Virgin (Eisodion tis Theotoku) and of the Saints (Agii) Anargyri. The settlement extends west to the caldera, where a very nice experience is the descent by footpath to the church of the Virgin Mary in Plaka and a visit to Thermi Beach with the little cave church of Christ.