Canava Santorini: Where Distillation Meets History

In the heart of Messaria, in a space filled with aromas of anise and grapes, Canava Santorini continues to tell the story of the island through flavors, memories, and the dedication of a family tradition that spans more than half a century.

The distillery was founded in 1974 by Evangelos Lygnos, a man driven by passion, knowledge, and a deep love for the art of distillation. A native of Santorini with experience working at the Venetsanos Winery, he was inspired by an old ouzo recipe he learned in Smyrna. From that inspiration, he created the first Santorini ouzo under the name “Canava.” Since then, this name has become synonymous with authenticity and quality.

Today, his son Loukas Lygnos carries the family torch. Raised among stills and vineyards, he crafted his first ouzo at the age of just eleven and has devoted his life not only to production but also to preserving the cultural heritage of Santorini. With care, expertise, and a personal collection built over decades, he expanded his father’s vision and infused it with new life.

Canava Santorini continues to produce ouzo in various packaging options, including its signature Santorini-map bottles that make unique gifts and collectible souvenirs. The distillery also creates tsikoudia, aged tsikoudia with exceptional character, and a delightful range of liqueurs in flavors like prickly pear, coffee, mastiha, and pistachio. Every product is crafted with dedication and respect for tradition, preserving its strong local identity.

Select Canava Santorini products are available through the Santorini.net shop.

Beyond production, Canava offers visitors a unique chance to connect with the spirit of the island through its one-of-a-kind exhibition space. Housed in traditional cave-style rooms, it recreates a neighborhood from old Santorini, complete with tools, furniture, everyday items, and long-forgotten trades. This living folklore museum is constantly growing with new discoveries and contributions.

Canava Santorini is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. Admission is €15 and includes a guided tour of both the distillery and the museum, as well as a tasting of two spirits and two liqueurs.