Essentials
• Location: On the caldera in Imerovigli village
• A map is provided at Map • Hotel website: altana.gr
• Hotel phone: +30 22860 23240
• Check prices for Altana Heritage Suites & Villas
Hotel Review
Altana Heritage Suites – Luxurious boutique hotel located in a restored 18th century mansion boasting spectacular panoramic views of caldera sunrises and sunsets from its highest swimming pool positioned along the caldera cliff.
This high-end boutique hotel features carefully renovated cave-like suites, a shared pool with sweeping views, and a traditional Greek coffeehouse and bar called a kafeneion. All suites and villas include private terraces, most with private, outdoor, heated pools or hot tubs. Situated in an eighteenth-century sea captain’s mansion and adjacent 19th-century buildings, Altana Heritage Suites has been lovingly restored with guidance from the local archaeological commission. Many of the items found in the excavations have been reused or incorporated into the decor. Located 400 meters above the caldera at the highest point in Imerovigli village near Skaros Rock, amazing restaurants, and the heart of the village.
See Also
- The Top Accommodations in Santorini
- Where to Lodge in Santorini
- Top activities and experiences in Santorini
Altana Heritage Suites – Location
• Area: Charming location at the highest point on the caldera and in Imerovigli for unrivaled sunset views. From Altana, it`s just a brief walk to the Skaros Rock hiking trail, many of the island`s best fine and casual dining spots, and the picturesque heart of the village. But expect to do some climbing getting back up to the hotel.
• How to Get There: The hotel rises above the caldera near the village center, not far off the main road connecting Oia and Fira, making it easily accessible by taxi, rental car, or bus. It is approximately 8km from the Santorini Airport to Altana, and 12km from the ferry port.
Vehicles are always waiting at the ferry port for every ferry arrival, as well as vehicles departing hourly from Santorini Airport. There are no direct vehicles from the port or airport to Imerovigli, however; vehicles from both locations go to Fira, where one must then board a different vehicle to Imerovigli – the entire trip from the port or airport to Imerovigli will take around an hour and cost about €5 in total. Fares are purchased aboard the vehicles, in cash only. The vehicle stop in Imerovigli is only a 4-minute walk from Altana Heritage Suites, but the pathway to the hotel is a maze of stairways. If arriving by vehicle, arranging for someone to meet nearby and guide to the hotel is recommended.
Vehicle transport like taxis can also be obtained going from the harbor or airport, though there are only about 25 taxis to serve the complete island, so there may be a long delay; scheduling in advance can help bypass this (I utilize and suggest Welcome Pickups). Taxis on Santorini do not have meters, so be sure to agree on a cost with the driver before departing. A taxi from the airport to Altana should be about €25 to €30, and a taxi from the ferry port to Altana around €30.
For those preferring to self-drive, we suggest renting a vehicle either at the airport upon arrival or in Fira. The road from the ferry port is steep and narrow, with many tricky turns, large trucks, and buses navigating. Leave that route for the locals to take. We strongly advise reserving transportation ahead of time, particularly if an automatic transmission is needed. There is free parking a short walk from the hotel, near the Imerovigli Basketball Court, and another lot near the bus station. Imerovigli has some of the hardest parking available in Santorini, so circling around several times may be needed to find a space.
• Nearby: The Oia-Fira Hiking Trail, Anastasi Church, Skaros Rock.
Map of Altana Heritage Suites
Altana Heritage Suites – The Basics
- Guest Ages: Altana Heritage Suites welcomes guests 13 and older throughout the main hotel complex (comprising 9 suites). Guests of all ages are allowed in their villas (7 villas on the property). There are no specific amenities or facilities for children, but families will appreciate kitchenettes in the suites and fully equipped kitchens in the spacious 1 and 2-bedroom villas accommodating up to 5 guests.
- 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: Panoramic sunset caldera views from their advantageous vantage point; most suites also have Aegean sunrise views from their balconies.
- Kitchen: Most suites have kitchenettes; all villas have fully equipped kitchens.
- Private Pools/Jacuzzis: Studios, Private Studios, VIP Suites, Cave Villas, Superior Cave Villas, and Premium Cave Villas have heated, outdoor plunge pools; Honeymoon Suites have indoor hot tubs.
- Vehicle Parking: The primary parking area in Imerovigli is near the Basketball Court, and a small lot close to Sunbird Rent-A-Car; both of these spaces are free of charge. Imerovigli has some of the toughest vehicle parking in Santorini, so you may need to drive around a couple of times to find an empty spot.
- Additional Services: Upon arrival, guests will receive a platter of fresh fruit accompanied by a 20-year-old vinsanto wine, yoga retreats (usually occurring in October), private dining experiences, cooking classes, wine tastings, event planning and hosting services such as weddings, renewal of vows ceremonies, and proposals, but also barbeques, cocktail gatherings, and team building activities.
- When to Book: The hotel is open from mid-April to November 1st. Reserve at least 3 months in advance (5 months is better) for stays during peak season from June through September, and about 2 months in advance for the low and shoulder seasons.
- Booking Option: Booking.com typically offers the best rates.
- Phone: +30 30 22860 23240
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: altana.gr
Altana Heritage Suites – Amenities
- Pool: Guests staying in suites can access the highest infinity pool in the caldera offering panoramic views of the volcanoes, Skaros Rock, Thirassia island, and Aspronisi, and spanning from the tip of the Akrotiri Peninsula to Oia. Villa guests have exclusive pools or hot tubs. The main pool has no heating, whereas all private pools and hot tubs are temperature controlled.
- Spa: No spa is on location, but treatments are offered in guest quarters.
- Fitness Center: No gym.
- For Guests with Impaired Mobility: This is a caldera hotel with lots of steps and no elevator. Not suitable for wheelchairs. But people with gentle mobility issues have the option of booking one of the higher floor rooms with no stairs and easier access to the main footpath to town.
- For Families: Visitors over 13 years are accepted in the suites; all ages are welcome in the villas. There are no specific amenities or facilities for children. Most guests seem to be couples on a romantic escape.
- Activities: Altana offers cooking experiences, wine tastings, and private dining opportunities. They are working on incorporating tours of their own organic Altana Farm into their culinary programming. Yoga retreats are frequently held in October. Private events can be arranged at their scenic view terrace.
Altana Heritage Suites – Food and Drink
- Dining: Altana Bistro and Bar is a traditional gathering place, serving breakfast exclusively to guests along with light fare and artfully crafted drinks to all. The establishment is renowned for its extensive assortment of local wines. The menu emphasizes organic Greek dishes, with many plant-based and vegetarian choices dependant on what`s fresh from their organic farm. While casual is the vibe, the hotel also arranges gourmet experiences like a tasting focusing on regional flavors, cooking classes, wine tastings, and private sunsetside serving to each suite or villa. • $$.
- Breakfast is usually included for suite guests or €15 per individual for villa guests. Each morning from 8:30 until noon, breakfast is served buffet-style at the kafeneion (though room service delivery is also available until 2:00 p.m. with prior arrangement). All jams, spreads, breads, pastries, pies, and sweets are homemade on site.
- Room Service: Meals can be delivered to guest rooms during operating hours, usually from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Altana Heritage Suites – Rooms
- Room Types: Studio – Standard Apartment – Superior Apartment – Junior Suite – Superior Cave House Suite – VIP Suite – Honeymoon Suite – Private Studio – Superior Studio – Superior Cave House – Superior Cave Villa – Premium Cave Villa
- Smoking Rooms: The hotel does not permit smoking inside any of its room varieties. It is permitted on the private outside terraces and in the outside common regions.
- Preferred Accommodation: For couples, the best choice is the VIP Suite. This 2-level, 1-bedroom suite provides 2 living rooms, a kitchenette, a cave-like bedroom and bathroom, and a private, heated outdoor plunge pool on its sun terrace with expansive caldera views.
- For Families: Families seeking the full amenities of the hotel should opt for accommodations in the suite section instead of the villas. The Superior Cave House Suite allows up to 5 guests with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living room, a dining area and a kitchenette as well as a terrace including an outdoor, heated private plunge pool. Families interested in the self-catering villas should book the Premium Cave Villa, offering the most spacious lodging here with 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a full kitchen, living room, dining room and an outdoor terrace along with a private heated plunge pool.
Altana Heritage Suites – Local Transport
- Walking: Altana is situated in the heart of Imerovigli village at the highest point of the caldera just south of Skaros Rock. The village’s top restaurants, shops, and sights are all within a short 2 to 6-minute stroll. The nightlife and shopping in Fira is just a 25-minute walk south through charming Firostefani village.
- Public transportation: The closest bus stop is in the village of Imerovigli, near a car rental location and restaurant called Posidonia Tavern, a 5-minute walk from the hotel. Buses that travel here go north to Oia and south to Firostefani and Fira. A transfer is needed in Fira to go to the airport, port, or beaches. Tickets can be purchased on board and cost around €1.80 to €2.50 per traveler during daylight hours, contingent on the route. Night buses (12:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.) run less often and are a little pricier, from €2.30 to €3.10. Buses can get very congested, particularly in high season, so much so that they regularly fill up and can`t take on more riders. Only 23 public buses serve the island.
- Taxis: The closest taxi stand is down in Fira at Stathmos Taxi, so not very practical. Plus, there is often a wait as only 25 taxis serve the entire island. Book taxis in advance to avoid waiting. The average rate from Imerovigli to Fira is roughly €10, and from Imerovigli to the airport or port is around €25 to €35.
- 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.
Altana Heritage 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.
- Anogi: Al fresco dining with local specialties and classic Greek dishes. Rich flavors and large portions, so come hungry.
- La Maison: Contemporary Greek fine dining with expansive caldera perspectives. Cuisine, wines, and service are all outstanding.
- 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.
- Da Vinci: Fantastic Italian dining with spectacular caldera views.
- Means of Reservation: Booking.com is expected to feature the most competitive rates.
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.
Best Dorsoduro Hotel: Ca Maria Adele
Best Nearby Cafes
- A Local Bakery and Cafe: Good coffee, simple pastries, and sandwiches. Not exceptional quality but inexpensive with delivery service too (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
- The Supermarket Nissi is said to offer the friendliest service and most reasonable prices in the Imerovigli area.
- 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).
