Sophia Luxury Suites in Imerovigli, Santorini

by Santorini Dave • Updated: January 24, 2022

Essentials
• ・ Location: In the tranquil Imerovigli village, with spectacular caldera views.
• Hotel website address: sophiasuites-santorini.com
• Hotel phone: +30 22860 21181
• Hotel San Francesco (Trastevere, $$) – Community essence; vivid rooms.

Hotel Review

• Hatzidakis Winery: Hatzidakis Winery: Large vineyard famous for excellent wines and traditional wine storage areas called canavas (caves). The vineyard begins near the village of Vedema, while their tasting room is located at the other end, close to the village of Pyrgos.

Sophia Luxury Suites is an upscale boutique hotel with distinctive living quarters and larger living spaces spread across the cliffside in Imerovigli, the highest village in the caldera. Though each living space is entirely unique, built to incorporate the natural landscape of the caldera, all feature private plunge pools, traditional architecture, and modern luxury amenities and furnishings. The layout is decentralized, without shared facilities; instead, each living space is treated as a private residence with in-suite spa services and meals served directly to their private terraces. The only communal area is the reception office, which is staffed twenty-four hours daily with a helpful, polished, friendly staff ready to assist guests in every way.

See Also

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

Sophia Luxury Suites – Location

Absolutely gorgeous setting in the heart of Imerovigli village, with fabulous dining and attractions all within a couple of minutes from the hotel. Imerovigli sits at the highest elevation of the caldera, and the perspectives are incredible from all of Sophia’s suites and from most of the restaurants here.

• How to Get There:
The hotel sits above the caldera in the center of Imerovigli village, on a walkway not much off the principal road through town, making it easy to reach by coach, taxi, or driving yourself. It is approximately 8km from the Santorini Airport to Sophia Luxury Suites, and 12km from the harbor.

There will always be transportation waiting at the ferry port for every ferry`s arrival, as well as transportation departing regularly from Santorini Airport. There will be no direct transportation from the port or airport to Imerovigli, though; transportation from both locations go to Fira, where you must then board a different mode of transportation to Imerovigli – the entire trip from the port or airport to Imerovigli will take approximately one hour and cost about €5 in total. Tickets will be purchased on the transportation, in cash only. The transportation stop is just 8 minutes away on foot, and the walk from there to the hotel is mostly flat or downhill.

Vehicles for hire are also accessible from the port or airport, though there are only about 25 taxis in total catering to the entire island, so there can be a long wait; schedule a ride ahead of time through a private transportation service to avoid this (I use and recommend Welcome Pickups). Vehicles for hire on Santorini do not use meters, so be sure to agree on a cost with the driver before departing. A vehicle for hire from the airport to Sophia Luxury Suites should be about €25 to €30, and a vehicle for hire from the ferry port to the hotel around €30. Booking through a private transportation service will cost only a bit more – about $45 (or €37), but is worth it to avoid the wait and for the convenience of paying ahead.

For those preferring to drive themselves, we advise renting a vehicle either upon arrival at the airport, or in Fira. The road from the ferry port is steep and narrow, with many tricky switchbacks, large trucks, and buses. Leave that navigation to the locals. We strongly suggest reserving a vehicle in advance, especially if you need automatic transmission. In Imerovigli, there are small, free parking lots near the Imerovigli Basketball Court, near Buddha Bar Beach, and near Sunbird Rent-A-Car. Imerovigli has the most difficult parking to locate in Santorini, so you may have to circle around a couple times to find a spot.

• Nearby: Oia-Fira Hiking Trail, Anastasi Church, Skaros Rock

Sophia Luxury Suites – The Basics

• Ages: Sophia Luxury Suites is an grown-ups just lodging, which in this case implies anyone over 12 years. The strategy is adaptable however. They likewise allow pets. Visitors tend to be couples celebrating a sentimental event, normally a wedding anniversary or anniversary.
• Coastline: The nearest shore is Exo Gialos beach, a tranquil stretch of black sand with intriguing cliff formations at its southern end. The top beach bar and eatery is East Breeze, merely meters from the cliffs. The northern shore has a small harbor, and another highly-rated beachside bar and restaurant called Yalos. From the hotel, it’s a brief 5 km drive north, or 7 km south, where the cliffs are most prominent.
• View: All rooms and suites offer panoramic, direct views of the caldera and sunsets over Skaros Rock toward Thirassia, from the tip of Akrotiri to the tip of Oia.
• Private Pools: All rooms and suites include either interior or exterior private plunge pools. The Character Cave Room boasts an indoor cave pool, while the Aroma Cave Rooms, Enigma Cave Suites, and Efhari Exclusive Suites offer al fresco, outdoor plunge pools. The Aurora Cave Suites feature cave-style exterior plunge pools. Additionally, the Crypt Exclusive Suites, Utopia Exclusive Suites, Sophia Honeymoon Suites, and Superior Honeymoon Suites provide both indoor cave pools and exterior plunge pools.
• Parking: A few free parking areas near Sophia Luxury Suites, but they are small and often full. Check near the Imerovigli Basketball Court, near Buddha Bar Beach, and near Sunbird Rent-A-Car. Imerovigli has some of the hardest parking to find in Santorini, so you may have to drive around a couple times to find a spot.
• Additional offerings: Reception available 24 hours a day, twice daily room cleaning services, concierge assistance, evening bed turning-down service, pet-friendly, welcome drinks, complimentary gift package, airport/port shuttle (fee required), complimentary fruit basket (except Character Room), honeymoon packages, proposals, weddings, private dining; record player and records in Aurora Cave Suites, Enigma Cave Suites, Crypt Exclusive Suites, Sophia Honeymoon Suites, and Superior Honeymoon Suites.
• When to Reserve: The hotel is open from the beginning of April to early or mid-November. Make a reservation at minimum 4 months ahead (6 months is preferable) for remains throughout peak season from June through September, and about 2 months beforehand for the lower and shoulder seasons.
• How to Book: Booking.com will have the most competitive rates.
• Phone: +30 22860 21181, +30 69432 18923
• Email: [email protected],[email protected]
• Website: sophiasuites-santorini.com

Sophia Luxury Suites – Amenities

• Pool: No shared pool. All rooms and suites have their own private swimming areas.
• Spa: No central spa. All spa treatments, salon services, and private yoga sessions are conducted in-suite or on the private terraces. For groups, there is a cluster of 3 rooms that all have adjacent pools.
• Physical Fitness Facilities: No gymnasium, but private yoga and personal training can be arranged.
• For Disabled Guests: This caldera hotel has numerous steps and no elevator, and many rooms are split-level. Not suitable for guests with mobility issues.
• For Family Units: Sophia Luxury Suites is a lodging exclusively for adult guests, which in this context refers to anyone over 12 years old, though some flexibility exists with this policy. They also allow pets if requested.
• Activities: The concierge team is available around the clock to arrange activities either on-site (private candlelit dinners or spa services), or off-site (photography and wine tours, trips to the caldera, pottery classes, and customized excursions).

Sophia Luxury Suites – Food and Drink

• Dining: On-site dining is not available, but there is a full kitchen open from 8 am until 10:30 pm that delivers meals, drinks, and snacks directly to each room and suite. The menu highlights flavorful, modern Greek dishes, an excellent wine selection, and quality cocktails. Private dining can also be arranged on their exclusive rooftop terrace, a popular spot at sunset and for marriage proposals.
• Breakfast: A complimentary breakfast is offered each morning directly to guests` suites or private terraces, usually from 8 am to 11:30 am, though times are flexible.
• Room Service: Meals, drinks, and snacks can be delivered to rooms, terraces, or poolside from 8 am until 10:30 pm.

Sophia Luxury Suites – Rooms

• Room Types: Character Room • Aroma Room • Aurora Cave Suite • Enigma Cave Suite • Crypt Exclusive Suite • Efhari Exlcusive Suite • Utopia Exclusive Suite • Sophia Honeymoon Suite • Superior Honeymoon Suite
• Smoking Rooms: The hotel does not allow smoking in any of their room categories. It is permitted on the private outdoor terraces and in the outdoor common areas.
• Finest Apartment: The Sophia and Superior Honeymoon Suites are considered the most delightful places to stay for couples. These 1-bedroom apartments are the biggest on site and feature king-sized beds, separate living rooms, record players, huge terraces, rainfall showers, subterranean cave pools, and outdoor plunge pools with breathtaking caldera perspectives. The Superior Honeymoon Suite is somewhat more spacious than the Sophia Honeymoon Suites and features a more extensive cave pool.
• For Families: Sophia Luxury Suites is designated for adults only, meaning guests must be over 12 years of age. Pets are also permitted. For families with older children, the Enigma Cave Suites provide the best options. These are the sole suites accommodating up to 4 guests, with 1 bedroom incorporating a king-sized bed and 2 single-sized sofa beds, record players, rain showers, and private outdoor plunge pools.

Sophia Luxury Suites – Local Transport

• Ambulating: The lodging is arranged in the focal point of Imerovigli over the caldera and on the Oia-Fira trekking course, with the town’s best eateries, shops, and fascinations simply a couple meters away. Easy admission to all supping and fascinations in Imerovigli as well as the nightlife and shopping in Fira, only a 30-minute walk southward.”
• Coach: The closest bus station is located in the Imerovigli village, near the Sunbird car rental agency and Posidonia Tavern dining establishment, an 8-minute walk from the hotel. Coaches here serve all the primary villages and beaches across the island. Direct routes are available to Oia, Firostefani, and Fira while trips to the airport, port, ruins, or beaches may require changing buses in Fira. Tickets can be purchased onboard and range from €1.80 to €2.50 per traveler during daytime hours, contingent on the route. Night buses (12:30 am to 5 am) operate less regularly and cost a little more, from €2.30 to €3.10. Coaches can become very crowded, particularly in high season, to such an extent they frequently reach full capacity and are unable to take on additional passengers. Only 23 public coaches provide service to the island.
• Taxis: The nearest taxi location is at Stathmos Taxi, all the way down in Fira, so it is not very practical to walk or bus to. Additionally, there is often a wait here as there are only 25 taxis serving the entire island (with guests from approximately 1,000 hotels, villas, and Airbnbs). Book ahead to avoid the wait, and have them meet you directly at the hotel. There will be a small additional charge for advanced reservations and for carrying luggage, usually just a couple of Euros. The average rate from Imerovigli to Fira is roughly €15, and from Imerovigli to the airport or port is around €25 to €30.
• 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.

Sophia Luxury Suites – What’s Nearby?

Best Nearby Restaurants

• The Athenian Home: Stylish fine dining with breathtaking sunset views. Contemporary and imaginative Greek meals incorporate modern culinary techniques and locally-sourced ingredients. Most of all, they’re delightful.
• Avocado: Traditional Greek cuisine is served in a charming space, with very welcoming staff. Local Cycladic recipes and an excellent selection of Santorinian wines are offered.
• Le Moustache: Providing elevated Greek and Mediterranean dishes alongside quality cocktails while spectators appreciate stunning sundown vistas above the caldera.
• La Maison: Contemporary Greek fine dining with expansive caldera perspectives. Cuisine, wines, and service are all outstanding.
• Anogi: Al fresco dining with local specialties and classic Greek dishes. Rich flavors and large portions, so come hungry.

Best Nearby Bars and Breweries

• Buddha Bar Beach: Upmarket cocktail bar, restaurant, and shisha lounge with scenic views over Skaros Rock to the caldera. Rather expensive but suitable.
• Outdoor cinema and views at Volkan on the Rocks brewpub: Great brewpub in Firostefani with amazing views and an outdoor cinema.

Best Nearby Cafes

• Hlios Bakery: Good coffee, basic pastries, and deli sandwiches. Not exceptional value, but they’re inexpensive and provide delivery service (cash only for deliveries).
• To Briki: Fantastic café, the best location to sample traditional Greek coffee. Breakfast items are superb with stunning sunset views.

Nearby Shopping & Cool Shops

• Bicycle trip through downtown Amsterdam
• Under a Fig Tree: Upscale boutique showcasing Greek-designed fashion, accessories, and swimwear situated directly on the trail connecting Oia and Fira.

Nearby Attractions

• Trail Connecting the Cities of Oia and Fira: One of the top destinations on the island is this scenic 10.5 km hiking route linking Oia and Fira. Composed of sidewalk, cobblestones, and dirt path, this course boasts gorgeous views the full stretch. Hiking northwest, the entire length of the path from the hotel to Oia Castle occupies from 2 to 4 hours; heading south to where the trail ends in Fira, near Keti Hotel, consumes about 30-40 minutes. Add roughly an hour for a diversion at Skaros Rock either way. Only a 1-minute walk from the hotel.
• Agios Georgios Church: Small white church on a platform over the caldera, denoting the starting point of the path to Skaros Rock. Stunning, panoramic perspectives from here.
• The most picturesque church with blue domes in Imerovigli is Anastasi Church, which offers gorgeous views of the caldera overlooking Skaros Rock. It is a popular venue for weddings and photographs.
• Imerovigli Basketball Court: Not an attraction of note, but useful to be aware of. This serves as the primary parking area in Imerovigli village.
• 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

• Jimmy’s Market Cava: Store and take-away spot featuring a wide array of goods (wines stood out), along with quality coffees and morning meal sandwiches (higher regularity and better grade breakfasts than Hlios, yet won`t deliver).
• The Supermarket Nissi is said to offer the friendliest service and most reasonable prices in the Imerovigli area.

Sophia Luxury Suites – The Hotel