Tsitouras Collection Hotel in Firostefani, Santorini

Essentials
• Situation: On the caldera in Firostefani, a brief walk to Fira.
• Map
• Hotel site: tsitouras.com
• Hotel phone: +30 22680 23747
• Examine prices for Tsitouras Collection

Hotel Review

The Tsitouras Collection – A polished boutique hotel located in an 18th-century mansion providing graciously decorated rooms, considerate service, and an infinity pool appearing to hover above the caldera.

The Tsitouras Collection provides lodging in five artful suites and one grand villa, each featuring refined decoration, stellar perspectives, and an exceptional design hand-crafted into the cliffside. A transformed home once belonging to a sea captain, this hotel presents its guests a private, luxurious retreat while its thoughtfully designed communal areas give the space a welcoming atmosphere. The infinity pool and Maria Callas Terrace are among the finest in Santorini, situated on the hotel’s highest floor and boasting panoramic views over the caldera of the volcanoes, Thirassia, Skaros Rock, and Akrotiri, all the way out to Christiana and Askania Islands on a clear day. As one of the few family-friendly hotels in the caldera, Tsitouras offers babysitting services, baby cots, and spacious suites. Service is attentive, hands-on, and highly personalized.

See Also

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

The Tsitouras Collection – Location

• Area: Having a gorgeous location in Firostefani offers spectacular scenic views over the caldera toward the volcanoes, Thirassia and Aspronisi islands, and Akrotiri. The hotel is positioned in a tranquil neighborhood including several excellent dining places nearby, and just a brief walk to the romantic Imerovigli and the capital Fira.

• How to Get There:
The Tsitouras Collection offers round trip travel from airports or ferry ports along with all of their bookings. The hotel sits above the caldera in Firostefani, not far from the main road linking Fira and Oia, additionally making it easy to reach by bus, taxi, or self-driving. It is approximately 8km from the Athinios ferry port and the Santorini Airport to the hotel, though they are in opposing directions

Transportation is always waiting at the ferry port and airport for every arrival, as well as buses departing hourly from Santorini Airport. There are no direct routes from the port or airport to Firostefani; buses from both locations go to Fira, where passengers must then board another bus traveling to Firostefani – the entire journey from the port or airport to Firostefani will take at minimum one hour and cost approximately €5 in total. Tickets are purchased on the bus using cash only. The stop is just a short distance away on foot near St. Gerasimos Church, and the walk from there to the hotel entrance is mainly flat, easy to navigate with luggage.

Rides can also be obtained from the harbor or airport by taxi, though only about 25 cabs serve the entire island, so waiting is common; privately arrange transport ahead of time through the hotel or car rental company to avoid delays (I have used and endorse Welcome Pickups). Taxis on Santorini do not use meters, so agree on a cost with the driver before departing. The fare from the airport or ferry dock to The Tsitouras Collection is roughly €25. Booking through a private transportation service will be a bit more expensive – around $45 (or €37), but is worth it to avoid waiting and for the convenience of prepaying.

For those preferring to drive themselves, we recommend 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. Locals are best to navigate that. We strongly advise reserving a car in advance, especially if an automatic transmission is needed. The Tsitouras Collection is very near a free parking lot, located next to St. Gerasimos Church.

• Nearby attractions: The Oia-Fira Hiking Trail, nightlife in Fira, Skaros Rock).

Map of The Tsitouras Collection

The Tsitouras Collection – The Basics

• Age Range: All ages permitted at the hotel. Guests tend to be couples celebrating a special occasion, often a honeymoon, anniversary, or birthday.
• Beach: The nearest beach is Exo Gialos, a tranquil, black sand beach with intriguing wind-crafted cliffs at its southern end. The best beach bar and restaurant there is East Breeze, just a few meters from the cliffs. The northern end has a small harbor and another excellent beach bar and restaurant called Yalos. From the lodging, it’s a brief 4 km drive to the northern end or 6 km to the southern end, where the cliffs are located.
• View: Most suites and the villa offer direct perspectives of the sea from their terraces or interior spaces. The House of Sea is the lone suite with a partial perspective of the sea.
• Kitchen: The TC Private Villa has a fully equipped food preparation area.
• Private Pools/Jacuzzis: The TC Private Villa boasts a private infinity pool with breathtaking caldera views.
• Parking site: The hotel is very near to a complimentary parking lot.
• Extras: Complimentary arrival and departure transfers, complimentary sunset refreshments, welcome drink, twice daily room cleaning, customized pre-arrival services, wedding coordination, private dining, complimentary shoe shine, wine tasting, private hair and spa sessions, babysitting, on-call doctor, helicopter service, concierge assistance, honeymoon packages, complimentary mini-bar items.
• When to Book: Hotel operations run from mid-April to late October. Reserve at least 4 months in advance (6 months is preferred) for stays during the peak season from June through September, and about 3 months in advance for the low and shoulder seasons.
• Best Bed and Breakfast: Rachael’s Dowry Bed & Breakfast
• Phone: +30 22680 23747
• Contact details: [email protected],[email protected]
• Website address: tsitouras.com

The Tsitouras Collection – Amenities

• Stunning infinity pool with stunning panoramic views of the caldera.
• Wellness Center: No on-site spa, but the hotel offers a full menu of massage, wellness therapies, hair, and nail treatments in-room or on guests’ terraces.

Fitness Center: No gym on site, but personal trainers or gym memberships can be arranged upon request.

• For Guests with Disabilities or Mobility Issues: This historic hotel unfortunately lacks an elevator, but there are fewer steps here compared to most other hotels in the area. Due to the age of the building, facilities such as roll-in showers are not available for wheelchair users. However, the accommodation goes above and beyond to help all guests regardless of ability. This establishment is suitable for travelers with mild to moderate mobility limitations, and is workable for those with more severe difficulties. Contact them in advance to arrange assistance.
• For Families: This property welcomes all age groups and offers babysitting upon request. The pool offers broad views over the caldera but is set back from the edge, making it safer for young children. VIP Suites are suitable for groups of up to 4 individuals.
• Activities: The hotel`s highly knowledgeable concierge team is ready to make any custom arrangements tailored for their guests. On-site options encompass wine sampling, private dining experiences, wedding/honeymoon celebrations, and spa therapies. Beyond the grounds, they can arrange anything from helicopter excursions to riding horses, wine journies, caldera yachting, scuba diving, limousine tours, and much more.

The Tsitouras Collection – Food and Drink

• Restaurant: There are no standalone restaurants on site, but there is a fully equipped gourmet kitchen and bar specializing in contemporary Mediterranean and Santorinian cuisine, serving meals all day at the Maria Callas Terrace or in the suites. Prominently featured on the menu is fresh seafood, local wines, and seasonal produce. Private candlelit dining can be arranged and involves a 6 to 7 course spread. Tastings of food and wine are always available, highlighting the best traditional Santorinian ingredients and flavors. All dietary requests can be accommodated, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and more.
• Lounge/Bar: Creative and classic cocktails, local wines, and beer are served all day by the pool on the Maria Callas Terrace or to the suites.
• Complimentary a la carte breakfast is served in each suite based on guest preferences. Options feature Greek and international dishes in generous portions with rich flavors.
• Room Service: Available all day for every meal.

The Tsitouras Collection – Rooms

• Room Types: The House of Sea • The House of Winds • The House of Portraits • The House of Porcelain • The House of Nureyev • The TC Private Villa
• Smoking Areas: Smoking is allowed in the private terraces and outdoor common areas of the hotel but not permitted in any of the rooms.
• Preferred Accommodation: While all rooms are exceptionally delightful, the ideal room for couples is The House of Nureyev. This one-bedroom suite is the lone unit on site with a private caldera-view balcony. Positioned above the others, it features a separate living and dining area and lavish bathroom, along with its namesake collection of sketches of Rudolf Nureyev.
• For Family Units: This lodging is suitable for all ages and offers childcare services, portable cribs, and spacious suites and a villa that can accommodate up to six guests. The House of Winds and The TC Private Villa provide the best options for family units. The two-floor House of Winds suite allows for up to five guests and is the largest on location, providing 80 square meters of interior space with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, separate living and dining areas, and an upright piano. The TC Private Villa provides even more space at 90 square meters indoors along with a 100 square meter terrace containing a private infinity pool. This three-bedroom, three-bathroom villa also includes a fully equipped kitchen, separate living and dining rooms, and unobstructed views of the caldera.

The Tsitouras Collection – Local Transport

• Walking: The hotel is situated near the central square of Firostefani, above the caldera, and along the Oia-Fira hiking trail, with fantastic restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions just a brief distance away. Easy access to all dining and attractions in romantic Imerovigli as well as the nightlife and shopping in busy Fira; both villages are within 15 minutes of the hotel.
• Bus: The closest bus stop is about a 3-minute walk from the hotel, near the parking area at St. Gerasimos. Buses here serve all of the major villages and beaches across the island, often requiring a transfer in Fira if headed to the airport, port, or beaches. Tickets are purchased on board and range from €1.80 to €2.50 per person during the day, based on the route. Night buses (12:30 am to 5 am) run less frequently and cost a little more, from €2.30 to €3.10. Buses can become very crowded, especially during peak season, so much so that they regularly fill to capacity and cannot take on more passengers. There are only 23 public buses serving the entire island.
• Taxis: The nearest taxi stand is located at Stathmos Taxi in Fira, approximately 15 minutes south by foot. There tends to be quite a wait here since there are only 25 taxis serving the entire island. It is advised to make a reservation ahead of time to avoid the wait, and request that the driver meet you near the hotel instead. Generally, the average cost from Firostefani to the airport or port is between €25 to €30 euro.
• 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.

The Tsitouras Collection – What’s Nearby?

Best Nearby Restaurants

• Da Vinci Restaurant: Highly regarded Italian restaurant with views facing eastward (though not of the caldera itself).
• Aktaion: The oldest eatery on the island has been catering authentic Santorinian flavors since 1922.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.

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.
• 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.
• Tango Champagne and Cocktail Bar: Refined lounge with an elegant atmosphere and scenic views of sunsets.
• 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

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

Hotel Website and Check prices for Hotel Zed

Nearby Shopping & Cool Shops

• Under a Fig Tree: Upscale boutique showcasing Greek-designed fashion, accessories, and swimwear situated directly on the trail connecting Oia and Fira.
• Bicycle trip through downtown Amsterdam
• Little Dot: Retail outlet providing men’s and women’s casual, beach, and swimwear.
• 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.
• 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 Mark the Evangelist: One of the few Catholic churches in Santorini prominently marked by its colorful belfry near The Tsitouras Collection.
• 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.
• 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 structure housing ruins of a medieval castle and town from 1207. The monastery at its base, Panagia Theoskepasti, is the sole part of Skaros still active. 18-minute walk to the trail; 10 more to reach the top.

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.

The Tsitouras Collection – The Hotel