Exo Gonia is a quiet, authentic hillside village near Pyrgos in central-eastern Santorini, with old houses and churches, the ancient Panagia Episkopi church nearby, surrounding vineyards and the celebrated Metaxi Mas taverna. This guide covers the village, the church, the food and how to visit.
Exo Gonia is an off-the-beaten-track gem in the wider Santorini travel guide. It sits inland near Pyrgos. The sections below cover the village.
What is Exo Gonia like?
Exo Gonia is a quiet, traditional village about 8 kilometres south-east of Fira, near Pyrgos, built on a hillside with old whitewashed houses, beautiful churches and surrounding vineyards. Far from the tourist crowds, it offers authentic island life, lovely views and one of Santorini’s most acclaimed restaurants.
Exo Gonia is one of Santorini’s most genuine and peaceful villages. Set about 8 kilometres south-east of Fira on a hillside close to the medieval village of Pyrgos and the Episkopi Gonia area, it is a traditional settlement of old whitewashed houses, narrow lanes and handsome churches, wrapped in the vineyards that produce some of the island’s best wines. Almost untouched by mass tourism, it gives a real sense of everyday Santorini, with fine views over the surrounding countryside towards the sea. Despite its quiet, it draws food lovers from across the island and rewards anyone seeking an authentic, unhurried stop, set within the wider Santorini villages. Its great landmark is an ancient church.
What is the Panagia Episkopi church?
The Panagia Episkopi is the oldest church on Santorini, built in the 11th century and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, reached by a quiet lane near Exo Gonia. Having survived earthquakes, fires and lootings over the centuries, this Byzantine church is a major historic and spiritual landmark in the area.
The area’s standout sight is the Panagia Episkopi, the island’s oldest surviving church. Built in the 11th century and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it stands a short distance from Exo Gonia, in the Episkopi Gonia district, reached by a quiet lane south of the village. Over its long history it has survived repeated earthquakes, fires and raids, yet endures as a precious example of Byzantine architecture and a place of deep local devotion, its age and atmosphere quite different from the island’s famous blue-domed churches. Nearby, the monastery of Agios Charalambos, founded around 1705, adds to the area’s religious heritage, making this a rewarding corner for history and culture, set out alongside the guides to Santorini churches and history. The food here is famous.
Why is Exo Gonia known for food and wine?
Exo Gonia is known for Metaxi Mas, regarded as one of the best restaurants on Santorini, serving a mix of Cretan and Santorinian cuisine with fine views and an excellent wine list. The village is also surrounded by vineyards producing some of the island’s best Assyrtiko wines.
For its size, Exo Gonia punches far above its weight on food and wine. The village is home to Metaxi Mas, widely rated among the very best restaurants on the island, a beloved taverna serving an exquisite blend of Cretan and Santorinian cooking with wonderful views and a large, well-chosen selection of local wines, so popular that booking ahead is essential. Beyond the table, Exo Gonia is wrapped in vineyards that yield some of Santorini’s finest Assyrtiko, making it a natural stop for wine lovers exploring the island’s volcanic terroir. This combination of outstanding food, good wine and authentic village calm is its great draw, set out alongside the guides to restaurants and Santorini wine. Getting there is easy.
How do you get to Exo Gonia?
You reach Exo Gonia in about 15 minutes by car or taxi from Fira, around 8 kilometres south-east, near Pyrgos. KTEL buses on the Fira-to-Kamari and Pyrgos routes stop nearby, a short walk from the village, and car or quad hire makes it easy to combine with Pyrgos and the south of the island.
Exo Gonia is straightforward to reach despite its quiet setting. Lying about 8 kilometres south-east of Fira near Pyrgos, it is roughly a 15-minute drive or taxi ride from the capital. By public transport, KTEL buses running between Fira, Pyrgos and Kamari stop close by, leaving a short five-minute walk into the village once you follow the signs. Hiring a car or quad is the most flexible option and lets you easily combine Exo Gonia with the beautiful medieval village of Pyrgos, the Profitis Ilias monastery and the wineries and beaches of the island’s south. Its central-eastern position makes it a handy and rewarding detour, set out alongside the guides to Pyrgos and the bus. The questions below cover the points travellers ask most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Exo Gonia in Santorini?
Exo Gonia is a quiet, traditional hillside village about 8 kilometres south-east of Fira, near Pyrgos, with old whitewashed houses, beautiful churches and surrounding vineyards. Far from the crowds, it offers authentic island life, the ancient Panagia Episkopi church nearby and acclaimed food.
What is the Panagia Episkopi church?
The Panagia Episkopi is the oldest church on Santorini, built in the 11th century and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, near Exo Gonia. A Byzantine church that has endured earthquakes, fires and raids over the centuries, it is a major historic and spiritual landmark.
Why is Exo Gonia famous for food?
Exo Gonia is famous for Metaxi Mas, regarded as one of the best restaurants on Santorini, serving a mix of Cretan and Santorinian cuisine with fine views and an excellent wine list. The village is also surrounded by vineyards producing some of the island’s best Assyrtiko wines.