Homeric Poems Hotel in Firostefani, Santorini

Essentials
• Situation: Tranquil hillside in Firostefani with caldera perspectives
• Schematic
• Hotel website: homericpoems.gr
• Hotel phone: +30 22680 24661
• Check prices for Homeric Poems

Hotel Review

Homeric Writings – Luxury, boutique hotel on the caldera in Firostefani with an infinity pool, all-day pool bar, and elegant suites offering spectacular sunset views.

This small, family owned lodging offers amazing perspectives from all through the property, including every room and suite, and particularly the seaside pool. Areas and suites are roomy, with customized furnishings and underground style showers. Cave Suites sleep around 4 in a loft style, and Grand Suites boast indoor hot tubs and exterior plunge pools. A wealthy, a la carte breakfast is provided to each room daily without any time limitations, while the pool bar serves excellent Mediterranean dishes. Fantastic setting in Firostefani just steps from eating and attractions, and just a brief walk to the nightlife in Fira.

See Also

• The Top Accommodations in Santorini
• Where to Lodge in Santorini
• Top activities and experiences in Santorini

Homeric Poems – Location

• Area: Marvelous setting in Firostefani offers spectacular perspectives overlooking the caldera to the volcanoes, Thirassia and Aspronisi islands, and Akrotiri. The hotel sits at the bottom of the caldera pathway, allowing for entirely unblocked perspectives over the volcanoes; this also implies there are quite a few stairways to return up to the main route. Pleasant, tranquil area only steps from great eateries, and just a brief stroll to charming Imerovigli and the capital Fira.

• How to Get There: The place of stay is on top of the caldera in Firostefani, not far off the primary road connecting Fira and Oia, letting it to be easily accessible by bus, taxi, or personally. It is approximately 8km from the Athinios ferry port and the Santorini Airport to the hotel, though they are in contrasting directions.

Public transportation is consistently waiting at the ferry terminal for all ferry arrivals, as well as buses departing each hour from Santorini Airport. There are no direct buses however between either location and Firostefani; buses from both the port and airport travel to Fira, where a connection must then be made onto the Fira-Imerovigli bus that stops in Firostefani – the entire journey from the port or airport to Firostefani will take at least an hour and cost approximately €5 total. Tickets are purchased in cash only aboard the bus. The stop is merely 4 minutes away on foot near St. Gerasimos Church, and the walk thence to the hotel entrance is mostly level and easy to navigate with luggage.

Ride services are available from the port or airport on Santorini, though there are only around 25 taxis serving the whole island, so waiting may be necessary; scheduling pick up beforehand through a private car company can prevent delays (I utilize and advocate Welcome Pickups). Taxis on Santorini do not use meters, so agreeing on a cost with the driver in advance is important. A taxi ride from the airport or ferry terminal to Homeric Poems will both cost roughly €25. Arranging transportation ahead through a private service will cost just a bit more – about $45 (or €37) but is worth it to avoid waiting and for the convenience of pre-payment.

For those preferring self-driving, we recommend reserving a vehicle either at the airport upon arrival, or in Fira. The road from the ferry dock is steep and narrow, with many tricky turns, large trucks, and buses. We strongly advocate leaving the traversing of that route to locals. We strongly advise booking a vehicle in advance, particularly if you require automatic transmission. Upon arrival in Firostefani, there is free parking in the nearby lot.

• Close to: The walking path between Oia and Fira, the cable car to Fira’s old port, nightlife in Fira).

Map of Homeric Poems

Homeric Poems – The Basics

• Ages: While families with young children are not accommodated at this luxurious adult-only hotel located on the Homeric site, guests over 12 years of age are welcomed. Most patrons tending to be couples marking a romantic milestone or families with teenage company.
• Coastline: The nearest coast is Exo Gialos, a tranquil, black sand beach with intriguing wind-carved cliffs at its southern end. One of the best beach bars and restaurants located there is East Breeze, just a few meters from the cliffs ( 12-minute drive). The northern end has a small harbor and another excellent beach bar and restaurant called Yalos ( 9-minute drive). From the hotel, it’s a brief 4 km drive to the north end or 5 km to the south end, where the cliffs are.
• View: Stunning, unblocked perspectives of the volcanoes, Thirassia and Aspronisi islands, Skaros Rock, and Akrotiri. Beautiful sunrises.
• Private Pools/Jacuzzis: Grand Suites comprise indoor hot tubs and outdoor dipping pools.
• Parking: There is a large public parking area at St. Gerasimos Church a 4-minute walk away.
• Extras: Front desk service available 24 hours a day, room service, concierge assistance, massage therapy options, hypoallergenic pillows available.
• Timing Reservations: Lodging is available from April 1 through October 31. Book at least 4 months in advance (6 is preferable) for peak season stays from June to September and about 3 months ahead for shoulder and low season periods.
• Method of Booking:Booking.com will have the most competitive rates.
• Phone: +30 22680 24661
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website: homericpoems.gr

Homeric Poems – Amenities

• Pool: Breathtaking infinity pool on the caldera’s edge with unblocked, wide-ranging views.
• Massage services: There is a massage room onsite.
• Fitness Center: No gym.
• For Disabled Guests: This is a crater hotel with lots of steps to get to and from the rooms as well as the main footpath. Not suitable for guests with mobility issues.
• For Families: As an adult-only hotel, Homeric Poems welcomes guests over 12 years old. There is no childcare or amenities. Only the Cave Suite can sleep up to 4 people.
• Activities: The on-site staff are pleased to coordinate optional excursions and diversions, such as archaeological escorted tours, ocean sunsets by boat, underwater exploring, wine region visits, and additional choices.

Homeric Poems – Food and Drink

• Restaurant: The Pool Bar is open from 10 am to 10 pm, and offers an excellent selection of casually elegant Mediterranean dishes for lunch, dinner, and snacks.
• Lounge/Bar: The poolside bar offers an extensive selection of local wines, Greek beers and tasty cocktails, staying open until 22:00.
• Breakfast: A complimentary breakfast is available daily for each room and suite at the time of your choosing.
• Room Service: Available for all meals and drinks until 9:30 pm.

Homeric Poems – Rooms

• Room Types: Double Room – Deluxe Double – Honeymoon Suite – Cave Suite – Grand Suite
• Smoking Areas: Smoking is allowed in the private terraces and outdoor common areas of the hotel but not permitted in any of the rooms.
• Best Room: The Grand Suite is the top tier suite, offering a generous area, amazing sunset caldera views, an indoor hot tub, and an outdoor plunge pool.
• For Families: An adults-only hotel, Homeric Poems is open for guests over 12 years. There are no amenities or facilities for children. Only 1 room type, the Cave Suite, can sleep up to 4 guests. These elegant loft-style suites set in a former captain’s mansion offer 1 bedroom in the loft with a queen bed and a separate living area with sofa beds.

Homeric Poems – Local Transport

Of course, if you don’t mind visiting during the wet season, consider traveling at the end of October or November. You shouldn’t have a problem finding budget-friendly vacation packages during this time. By November, most roadways will have already reopened after the heavy rains, which is an important factor to consider if you want to lease a vehicle in Costa Rica.

• Bus: The nearest bus stop is a 4-minute walk from the hotel, near the parking lot at St. Gerasimos. Public transportation here serves all of the major villages and beaches on the island, often with a transfer in Fira if traveling to the airport, port, or beaches. Tickets are purchased on board and range from €1.80 to €2.50 per person during the daytime, depending on the route. Night buses (12:30 am to 5 am) run less frequently and cost somewhat more, from €2.30 to €3.10. Buses can become very crowded, especially during peak season, frequently filling to maximum capacity and unable to accept additional passengers. There are only 23 public buses providing transport across the island.
• Cabs: The closest taxi stand is at Stathmos Taxi in Fira, about a 16-minute walk south. There is often a wait here as only 25 taxis serve the whole island (with guests from around 1,000 hotels, villas, and Airbnbs). It is best to book ahead to avoid waiting, and have the driver meet you near the hotel instead. There will be a small additional charge for advance reservations and for luggage, usually just a couple Euros. Typically the rate from Firostefani to the airport or port is around €25.
• Motorbikes: Locals commonly use motor scooters as transport, but unfamiliar roads present hazards. Thoroughfares zigzag steeply upwards and downwards on narrow paths sometimes without guardrails or nighttime illumination. Unpaved trails and potholes are common.
• ATVs/Quads: ATVs are an enjoyable and popular method of transportation with visitors, but for the locals required to drive behind them, they maneuver too gradually and hold up traffic in an area where moving around is already challenging. For individuals who don’t routinely ride quads (i.e. most people), they can be risky at high speeds and on turns. Crashed your ATV is a guaranteed way to ruin your vacation.

Homeric Poems – What’s Nearby?

Best Nearby Restaurants

• Aktaion: The oldest eatery on the island has been catering authentic Santorinian flavors since 1922.
• Da Vinci Restaurant: An excellent Italian restaurant with amazing caldera views, located in Santorini here.
• Mikrolimano Marina – Another, smaller, scenic marina filled with small fishing boats and luxury yachts. The boardwalk is lined with pricey fish restaurants that cater to visitors (such as the Michelin star restaurant Varoulko by the Sea).
• Pelican Kipos: Stellar restaurant specializing in wine with over 600 varieties of local and imported wines served in a charming garden atmosphere. Wine tastings and cellar tours are offered daily.
• Lucky’s Souvlakis: Without question the finest gyro sandwiches available in Santorini. Eating at Lucky’s is absolutely essential for any visitor to Santorini. Authentic, filling meals at affordable prices.
• La Maison: Contemporary fine dining with excellent Greek cuisine and sweeping caldera views. Both the food and wine, as well as the service, are exceptional.

Best Nearby Bars and Breweries

• Outdoor cinema and views at Volkan on the Rocks brewpub: Great brewpub in Firostefani with amazing views and an outdoor cinema.
• Kira Thira Jazz Bar: A Santorinian standby since 1976, Kira Thira is a cozy, casual bar with fantastic sangria, strong drinks, and an eclectic selection of music.
• Tango Champagne and Cocktail Bar: Refined lounge with an elegant atmosphere and scenic views of sunsets.
• Tropical Bar: With great cocktails and magnificent views, this is a popular spot for sunset watching. The drink selection is basic after dark, but happy hours (9 pm to 11 pm) offer half-price cocktails. Australians may note they sell VB here.
• MoMix: Half lounge, half scientific laboratory, MoMix (short for Molecular Mixology) develops wild drinks served in test tubes, as edible bits, or in spherical form.
• Pike Brewing Tour & Tasting – Outstanding brewery tour of this famous Pike Place Market establishment. (Regrettably, temporarily suspended as of October, 2023.)
• Buddha Bar Beach: Upmarket cocktail bar, restaurant, and shisha lounge with scenic views over Skaros Rock to the caldera. Rather expensive but suitable.

Best Nearby Cafes

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• To Briki: Exceptional café known for traditional Greek coffee. Breakfast is superb with stunning sunset views.

Nearby Shopping & Cool Shops

• Little Dot: Retail outlet providing men’s and women’s casual, beach, and swimwear.
• Under a Fig Tree: Upscale boutique showcasing Greek-designed fashion, accessories, and swimwear situated directly on the trail connecting Oia and Fira.
• White House Santorini: Specialty boutique for all-white summer clothing for men, women, and children. Situated across the walking path from Idol Restaurant in Fira.
• Pegasus Boutique: Neighboring the hotel of an identical name, this small boutique offers garments, shoes, swimwear, and accessories by Greek designers.
• Ammos: This shop maintains 2 locations in Fira, 1 in Kamari, and 1 in Oia. All provide a wide selection of international and Greek brand names.
• Noi: Upscale women`s boutique offering summer clothing, shoes, and accessories on Santorini’s famous Gold Street.
• Caldera Jewelry/Golden Santorini: Situated opposite Noi, Golden Santorini/Caldera Jewelry has provided customers with quality gold and gemstone adornments since 1976.
• Spicy Boutique and The Lace: These nearby boutiques situated in the heart of Fira. Both stores sell Greek-designed women’s apparel and accessories created in the area. Spicy offers trendier styles, while The Lace caters toward a more feminine customer base.
• Arranging Accommodations: Booking.com will likely provide the most cost-effective rates.
• Drakkar Santorini: International and Greek style-brand clothing for women.
• Nick the Greek: One of the oldest jewelry retailers in Santorini, Nick the Greek sells fine gold jewelry and luxury watches from Greek and international brands.
• Koukla: Creative jewelry in a variety of designs and cost ranges.

Nearby Attractions

• Scenic Hiking Trail between Oia and Fira: This beautiful 10.5 km path connecting the villages of Oia and Fira offers gorgeous ocean views the entire way. Comprised of sidewalks, cobblestones, and dirt trails, it can take 2 to 5 hours to hike the full route from the hotel to Oia Castle if going northwest, with an optional detour to Skaros Rock adding about an hour. Heading southeast to the trail`s end near Keti Hotel in Fira takes around 20 minutes. Located a 1-minute walk from the hotel.
• St. Gerasimos Church: This blue-domed church is the most recognizable landmark in Firostefani. Many tours meet here as their starting point, and the village’s main parking lot is here.
• St Mark the Evangelist: One of the few Catholic churches in Santorini prominently marked by its colorful belfry near The Tsitouras Collection.
• Old Port of Fira: Otherwise called Fira Skala, the Old Port has a few tavernas, shops, and attractive sea views. The only links from the port to the village are the cable cars, donkeys, or walking up the 587 steps. Nowadays, the Old Port is mostly used by cruise ship travelers, arriving daily by the many thousands in the high season. To circumvent the largest crowds, plan excursions around the cruise ship calendar. The beginning of the stairway down is a 15-minute walk away, plus 16 more minutes to hike down. The cable car to the bottom is closer than the stairway.
• Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral: This imposing cathedral controls the main square in Fira. Fully restored after the ’56 earthquake, this landmark church is surrounded by a series of grand archways, and is embellished with frescoed walls and ceilings within in gold and vivid colors.
• Skaros Rock: Impressive volcanic formation housing ruins of a medieval castle and town dating back to 1207. The monastery at its base, Panagia Theoskepasti, represents the sole still active part of Skaros .

Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores

• Mini Market Sigalas: Small grocer carrying staples, snacks, and wines near St. Gerasimos Church.
• Creta Alpha Market: Convenience shop with a decent selection of beverages, groceries, and sundries.
• Galini Café: Super friendly, all-day café with superb coffee and amazing perspectives. Best beloved for their breakfasts and brunch, particularly the crepes, bennies, and French toast.

Homeric Poems – The Hotel