Katikies Chromata Hotel in Imerovigli, Santorini

Essentials
• The location is on the caldera, in the heart of Imerovigli.
• Map
• Hotel website: katikies.com/chromatasantorini
• Hotel phone: +30 22860 23227
• Check rates at the Katikies Chromata Hotel in Santorini, Greece

Hotel Review

Katikies Chromata – A contemporary, luxury hotel situated on the edge of the caldera with excellent dining and drinks offerings, a trendy ambience, and an infinity pool.

This stylish hotel blends Santorinian cave-style design with a modern twist. Rooms, suites, and villas are all whitewashed, presenting hand-carved, cave-style architecture with subtle pops of color, all intended to enhance their expansive, caldera views over the volcano. Most categories have private jacuzzis or pools. The shared infinity pool overlooks the caldera, and is open to the sun for most of its length, with a portion covered in a cave. Amazing dining choices include an all-day Mediterranean restaurant, a sushi bar, and a pool bar. A 1:2 staff to guest ratio ensures impeccable service, and their Katikies Club, which all guests become part of just by staying, offers exclusive experiences like sailing, wine tasting to VIP archaeological site access, and more).

See Also

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

Katikies Chromata – Location

Absolutely gorgeous location in the heart of Imerovigli village, with amazing dining and attractions within 1 to 10 minutes of the hotel. Imerovigli is the highest elevation on the caldera; views are spectacular throughout the hotel and at most of the restaurants here.

• Accessibility: The accommodation is perched above the caldera in the center of Imerovigli village and on the main road joining Fira and Oia, making it convenient to arrive whether by coach, taxi, or private vehicle. It is roughly 8km from the Santorini Airport to Chromata Hotel, and 12km from the port of departure.

Public transportation is readily available for visitors arriving and departing from the ferry port and airport on Santorini. Coaches constantly wait at the ferry dock for each ferry`s arrival and leave the airport on a consistent schedule. While there are no direct coaches from either location to Imerovigli, the vehicles from both places head to Fira first, where travelers must board a different coach for the final leg to Imerovigli – the entire excursion from the port or airport takes about an hour and expenses approximately €5 in total. Fares are paid using cash directly on the coach. The stop is merely a short walk of 3 minutes away, and the route from there to the accommodation is a leisurely downhill stroll made easy despite luggage.

Travelers arriving at the harbor or airport on Santorini have the option of taking taxis, although there are only about 25 serving the whole island, resulting in potential lengthy waits; to avoid this, it is recommended to pre-arrange transportation through a private car service like Welcome Pickups. Taxis on Santorini do not use meters, so be sure to agree on a cost with the driver before departing. A taxi from the airport to Chromata should cost around €25 to €30, while one from the ferry port would be approximately €30. Booking through a private car service will be only somewhat more expensive – about $45 (or €37) – but removes the burden of waiting and allows pre-payment for added convenience.

For those who prefer to drive themselves, we recommend taking a rental vehicle either at the airport on arrival, or in Fira. The road from the ferry port is elevated and narrow, with many sharp turns, large trucks, and buses often passing through. Locals are used to navigating it. We strongly advise reserving a vehicle ahead of time, especially if you require an automatic transmission. There are a few free lots near the hotel, and the staff will assist with parking upon arrival.

• Near to: The trail between Oia and Fira, Anastasi Church, Skaros Rock).

Map of Katikies Chromata

Katikies Chromata – The Basics

• Ages: This adults-only hotel only allows guests ages 13 and older. Couples usually visit to celebrate occasions like honeymoons, anniversaries, or weddings held at the location.
• Coastal Areas: The nearest shoreline is Exo Gialos, a tranquil, black sand beach with intriguing cliff formations sculpted by wind at its southern end. One of the best beach bars and eateries is East Breeze, just a short distance from the cliffs. The northern section has a small harbor and another excellent beach bar and restaurant called Yalos. From the hotel, it’s a brief 5 km drive to the north end or 7 km to the south end, where the cliffs are.
• View: Overlooking the caldera with excellent sunset perspectives from the rooms and throughout the hotel.
• Kitchenette: The Saint Nicholas Cave House Villa has a full kitchenette.
• Private Pools/Jacuzzis: Many suites and the villa have private hot tubs or heated shallow pools for soaking. The Superior Jetted Tub Suite, Honeymoon Jetted Tub Suite, and Chromata Jetted Tub Suite have indoor hot tubs. The Master Suite, Chromata Infinity Pool Suite, and the Saint Nicholas Cave House Villa have heated, outdoor shallow pools for relaxing.
• Vehicle Parking: There are a few free parking areas nearby, and the staff will assist with vehicle parking.
• Extras: Butler service upon request, turndown service, choice of luxury in-room amenities, Katikies Club exclusive experiences, weddings and events.
• When to Reserve: The hotel is available from April 1st until November 15th. Make a reservation at minimum 4 months beforehand (6 months is preferable) for stays during the high season from June through September, and about 2 months ahead of time for the low and shoulder seasons.
• How to Make a Reservation: Booking.com will likely offer the best rates.
• Phone: +30 22860 23227
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: katikies.com/chromatasantorini

Katikies Chromata – Amenities

• Pool: Infinity pool (without heating) boasting spectacular caldera vistas, and a small shaded section.
• Spa: Access to the spa (with complimentary transportation) at their sister property Kirini in Oia.
• Gym: Access to the health club at their sister hotel Katikies Kirini in Oia.
• For Disabled Guests: This caldera hotel has numerous steps and no elevator. It is unsuitable for guests in wheelchairs or with mobility issues.
• For Families: Being an adults-only hotel, only guests aged 13 and above are permitted. There are no special amenities or facilities tailored for children. Many suites can accommodate up to 3 guests, but only the villa can accommodate up to 5.
• Activities: Exclusive activities are available through the Katikies Club for an additional charge: wine tasting, caldera cruises (catamaran, speed boat, or Riva boat), VIP access to the archaeological sites, car tours of the island, private dining, exclusive spa treatments, private transfers with champagne.

Katikies Chromata – Food and Drink

• Restaurant: Chroma Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks all day. The Mediterranean-inspired menu highlights seafood with special attention and an excellent selection of local and international wines. Sunset dining offers amazing views.
• Lounge/Bar: Katikies Lounge is available for lunch and dinner, serving traditional Greek small plates, sushi, and caviar.
• Evening Establishment: The Aperitivo Bar serves refreshments and wine throughout the evening, from 7:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.
• Breakfast: Complimentary breakfast is served every day from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The buffet is supplemented by an a la carte menu and is served at Chroma. Or guests can order a la carte the night before, and have it delivered to their room at their time of choice at no extra cost.
• Room Service: Available around the clock.

Katikies Chromata – Rooms

• Room Types: Double Room – Junior Suite – Senior Suite – Superior Jetted Tub Suite – Honeymoon Jetted Tub Suite – Chromata Jetted Tub Suite – Master Pool Suite – Chromata Infinity Pool Suite – Saint Nicholas Cave House Villa with Private Pool
• Smoking Rooms: The hotel does not permit smoking in any of their room categories. It is allowed on the private outdoor terraces, and in the outdoor common areas.
• Best Room: The Chromata Infinity Pool Suite provides a spacious 86 sqm open plan living area with a king-sized bed. Its generously sized bathroom includes an open-style shower and a deep soaking tub with jacuzzi jets. A large veranda boasts a private, heated plunge pool and an outdoor dining space with panoramic views of the caldera over the volcano. Located on the lower level, this is the most secluded suite in the hotel.
• For families with children: This hotel is only suitable for guests ages 13 and older as children under 13 are not permitted. The only accommodation that can host groups of 4-5 is the two-floor Sani Nicholas Cave House Villa measuring 165 square meters with 2 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms including one with a jacuzzi, separate living room, full kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining, 2 balconies, and a privately heated plunge pool.

Katikies Chromata – Local Transport

• Walking: The hotel is positioned in the center of Imerovigli, with the village`s best eateries, shops, and attractions just a few meters away along the Oia-Fira hiking trail. Convenient access to all dining and attractions in Imerovigli as well as the nightlife and shopping in Fira, only 25 minutes along the route.
• Bus: The nearest bus stop is located in the village of Imerovigli, a short walking distance from the hotel. Buses here serve all of the major communities and beaches across the island, often requiring a transfer in Fira. Tickets can be purchased onboard and range from €1.80 to €2.50 per traveler during daylight hours depending on the route. Night buses (12:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.) run less regularly and cost a little more, from €2.30 to €3.10. Buses can become very crowded especially during peak season to the point that they fill up and cannot accommodate any extra passengers. There are only 23 public coaches serving the island.
• Taxis: The closest taxi stand is located at Stathmos Taxi all the way in Fira, making it impractical to walk or take buses to reach it. Furthermore, with guests from approximately 1,000 hotels, villas, and Airbnbs on the island, there are usually only around 25 taxis serving the entire location (resulting in potential waits at this stand). It`s advisable to reserve a taxi ahead of time to avoid any delays, and arrange for them to meet you directly at your hotel. Small additional fees are commonly charged for advance reservations as well as for transporting luggage, typically just a few Euros. The average fare from Imerovigli to Fira is roughly €15, and from Imerovigli to the airport or port is around €25 to €35.
• Motorcycles and scooters: Scooters are mainly how locals get around, but if you`re unfamiliar with the layout, it can be very dangerous. The roads here zigzag up and down hills with narrow lanes and no guardrails or streetlights in most areas. A lot of dirt roads and potholes too.
• 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.

Katikies Chromata – What’s Nearby?

Best Nearby Restaurants

• 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.
• 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.
• The White: Located across from Spicy, The White is a high-end boutique selling custom clothing and footwear designed by Santorinian artist Sophia H.

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

• 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.
• Imerovigli Basketball Court: Not an attraction of note, but useful to be aware of. This serves as the primary parking area in Imerovigli village.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Katikies Chromata – The Hotel