Dana Villas & Infinity Suites in Firostefani, Santorini

Essentials
• Location: On the caldera in the heart of Firostefani village
• Layout
• Numeral • Website for the hotel: danavillas.com
• Hotel phone: +30 22860 22566
• Check rates for Dana Villas & Infinity Suites

Hotel Review

Dana Villas & Infinity Suites – A polished resort accommodated within cave-like structures including an outdoor swimming pool, luxury spa facilities, and vistas of the caldera and volcanoes during spectacular sunsets.

With sophisticated architecture, a volcano view pool, a selection of private pool suites, and an elevated culinary program, Dana Villas & Infinity Suites is an unforgettable retreat. The hotel contains two components, with the original rooms and suites of Dana Villas located on the lower level and featuring panoramic caldera views, private sun terraces, and double showers. Meanwhile, the newer Infinity Suites are positioned on the upper level and incorporate outdoor, heated, infinity pools (open-air, cave-style, or river-style) with caldera views; some additional include indoor jacuzzis. Orkos Restaurant serves upscale Greek-Mediterranean fare with Asian influences throughout the day, while the Infinity Pool Lounge provides light fare, meze, and refreshing drinks until midnight. The new Soma Spa boasts a hammam, jacuzzi, and a menu of treatments based on ancient Greek herbalism and therapeutics. It’s little wonder that in such a romantic setting, the hotel has become a popular location for proposals, honeymoons, and particularly weddings – over the past twenty years, this tiny, thirty-room hotel has hosted an impressive three thousand weddings.

See Also

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

Dana Villas & Infinity Suites – Location

The hotel is beautifully situated midway down the side of the caldera in Firostefani, affording panoramic perspectives over the volcanoes, Thirassia, Akrotiri, and Skaros Rock. It nestles quietly in a cozy nook of Firostefani, a compact village with a handful of classic tavernas and modern dining establishments and a landmark church. Though the nightlife, shopping, and bustling streets of Fira are within easy walking distance, the immediate locale encompassing the hotel feels worlds away.

• Reaching The Accommodation: Dana Villas & Infinity Suites sits on a footpath above the caldera in Firostefani, not far from the primary road connecting Fira and Oia, allowing easy access by bus, taxi, or private vehicle. It is approximately 9 km from the Athinios ferry terminal and 7 km from the Santorini Airport to the hotel.

Public transportation awaits at the ferry dock and airport for all arrivals, as well as buses departing hourly from Santorini Airport. However, there are no direct buses from those locations to Firostefani. Buses from both areas travel to Fira where one must then board the Fira-Imerovigli line stopping at Firostefani – the entire trip will take at minimum an hour and cost approximately €5 total. Tickets purchase onboard in cash. The stop sits just 4 minutes away on foot near St. Gerasimos Church, and the walk from there to the hotel consists primarily of flat terrain though considerable stairs descend from the pedestrian path reaching the main entrance halfway down the caldera`s side.

Taxis are also accessible from the port or airport, though there are approximately 25 taxis serving the entire island, so there is often a wait; schedule private transportation through the hotel or a private vehicle service in advance to avoid this (I use and recommend 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 or ferry port to Dana Villas & Infinity Suites will each cost roughly €25. Arranging transportation through a private vehicle service will cost a bit more – about $45 (or €37), but it’s worthwhile to avoid the wait and for the benefit of paying ahead.

For those who prefer to personally 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 winding turns, large trucks, and buses. Leave that route for the locals to navigate. We strongly advise reserving a vehicle in advance, especially if you require automatic transmission. Dana Villas & Infinity Suites is in near proximity to a free parking lot, situated adjacent to St. Gerasimos Church.

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

Map of Dana Villas & Infinity Suites

Dana Villas & Infinity Suites – The Basics

• Ages: Guests aged 16 and older are welcome. The hotel has no amenities specifically for children. Most visitors tend to be couples on romantic retreats; many are present for weddings.
• Beach: The closest beach is Exo Gialos, a quiet, black sand beach with intriguing wind-shaped cliffs at its southern end. The top beach bar and restaurant located there is East Breeze, just a few meters from the cliffs ( 10-minute drive). The northern end has a small harbor and another superb beach bar and restaurant called Yalos ( 8-minute drive). From the hotel, it’s a short 3.8 km drive to the north end or 6.1 km to the south end, where the cliffs are located.
• View: All rooms, suites, and villas feature spectacular sunset views of the caldera from private terraces as well as from inside bedrooms; most rooms even have small windows permitting caldera views within showers too.
• Private Pools/Jacuzzis: Suites and villas in the new Infinity Suites section all have exclusive, heated, al fresco, infinity pools of some description (cave pools, stream pools, or exposed swimming areas). Top ranked suites and villas (Cave Pool Villa, Honeymoon Pool Suite, Honeymoon Pool Villa, Grand Pool Villa, Master Pool Villa, Infinity Pool Suite, and Infinity Pool Villa) add indoor jacuzzis.
• Parking: The hotel is a brief 5-minute walk to the free parking area by St. Gerasimos Church.
• Extras: Welcome drink and amenity, complimentary wine or champagne for anniversary and honeymoon guests, room service, wedding and event planning/hosting.
• When to Book: The lodge is open from early March to late November. Reserve at least 6 months in advance (8 months is preferable) for stays during the peak season from June through September, and about 4 months in advance for the low and shoulder seasons.
• Booking Method: Booking.com will provide the most favorable rates.
• Phone: +30 22860 22566
• Email:[email protected]
• Website: danavillas.com

Dana Villas & Infinity Suites – Amenities

• Pool: There is a swimming area with accompanying sunbathing space attended to constantly by poolside service. Guests also have access to a communal hot tub. Given many rooms contain private dipping spots, the principal pool region is usually not too crowded.
• Spa: Beautiful cave-style spa with a steam room and jacuzzi and a treatment menu emphasizing Greek herbs and traditional therapies. In-room spa treatments are also available upon request.
• Fitness Center: No gym.
• For Guests with Disabilities: This is a caldera hotel with no elevator and many steps. Not suitable for guests with mobility issues.
• For Families: Visitors aged 16 and up are welcomed at the hotel. There are no amenities catering to small children. Homes containing older youth will get pleasure from the expansive apartments and villas, easily sleeping as many as 6 guests.
• Activities: The single most popular wedding venue on Santorini is here at the Dana Weddings event terrace, so count on joyful, bustling activity. The concierge here focuses on arranging romantic encounters, including private dining, wine excursions, sailing trips, and more.

Dana Villas & Infinity Suites – Food and Drink

• Restaurant: Orkos Restaurant specializes in Greek-Mediterranean favorites with slight pan-Asian influences made with local, seasonal ingredients and served al fresco on their caldera-view terrace. Lunch is served from 12:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and dinner from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Lounge/Bar: The infinity pool lounge provides creative classic cocktails, local wines, beers, and light snacks throughout the day until midnight with beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes.
• Breakfast: Complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily from 8-10:30 am in Orkos Restaurant. ‘Floating breakfast’ available for purchase, served directly by the private pool.
• Room service is available all day until midnight.

Dana Villas & Infinity Suites – Rooms

• Room Types: Dana Double Deluxe – Dana Junior Suite – Dana Superior Suite – Dana Superipr Villa – Junior Pool Suite – Cave Pool Suite – Superior Pool Suite – Cave Pool Villa – Honeymoon Pool Suite – Honeymoon Pool Villa – Grand Pool Villa – Master Pool Villa – Infinity Pool Suite – Infinity Pool Villa
• Smoking Rooms: The hotel does not allow smoking in any of its rooms. Smoking is permitted on the private terraces and in the outdoor common areas.
• Premier Accommodation: The finest suites and villas are in the Infinity Suites section, the newest addition to the lodging where all suites have private pools. Though all of these rooms are amazing, the absolute best for couples is the Infinity Pool Suite. This gorgeous suite boasts 125 square meters of living space with a heated, cave-style, infinity-edge river pool outdoors and a heated, indoor, waterfall jacuzzi (the jacuzzi alone is 23 square meters – as large as some hotel rooms on the island). The sun terrace is among the most secluded on the island and has a double-sized sunbed and dining table. The suite features a king-sized bed, a separate living room, 2 bathrooms with rain showers and jet systems, and a hammam. Of course, there is a direct view of the caldera and volcanoes here, too
• For Families: Dana Villas & Infinity Suites welcomes guests ages 16 and upwards. There are no facilities or amenities geared towards young children, though several excellent suites and villas are well-suited for families with older kids. The top selection for families here is the Infinity Pool Villa. This 170 square meter villa accommodating up to six guests comprises two interconnected suites – the Infinity Pool Suite described above plus the Honeymoon Pool Villa, adding a second indoor hot tub/jacuzzi, another outdoor, heated, cave-style infinity pool, a second king bedroom, second outdoor dining/sun terrace, and a second living room, third bathroom, and second steam room. Both living rooms contain sofa beds.

Dana Villas & Infinity Suites – Local Transport

• Walking: The hotel is situated roughly halfway along the sloping side of the caldera a brief stroll to the main square of Firostefani village and the Church of St. Gerasimos. The trail connecting Oia and Fira, exceptional restaurants, and charming sights are just a few meters away. Easy access to all dining and attractions in the romantic Imerovigli as well as the nightlife and shopping bustling Fira; both villages are within a 15-minute walk of the hotel.

For lower priced meal options, explore laid-back Remington, a compact neighborhood situated just north of Midtown. Recommended spots comprise Clavel, Lane Harlan and Carlos Raba’s acclaimed taqueria, and hip food hall R. House with ten distinct counters. We also admire PaperMoon Diner,Café Los Sueños, and the handcrafted biscuits at Blacksauce Kitchen.

• Taxis: The nearest taxi stand is at Stathmos Taxi in Fira, around 16 minutes on foot. There is regularly a wait here since only 25 taxis serve the whole island. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid waiting, and have the driver meet you near the hotel instead. On average, the rate from Firostefani to the airport or port is approximately €25.
• Motorized Transportation: Scooters are the primary mode of transportation for locals, yet unfamiliar terrain makes their operation risky. Roads zigzag and climb hills at steep angles with sheer drops lacking guardrails or nighttime lighting in most areas. Numerous dirt paths and sunken sections are present.
• 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.

Dana Villas & Infinity Suites – 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• PK Cocktail Bar: This acclaimed craft cocktail bar in Santorini offers superb sunset views from 3 levels of outdoor seating in the caldera along with creative libations.
• 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: An upmarket boutique selling Greek designed clothing, accessories, and swimwear right along the path linking Oia and Fira. 9 minute walk.
• Little Dot: Retail outlet providing men’s and women’s casual, beach, and swimwear.
• Bicycle trip through downtown Amsterdam
• 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 only a few Catholic churches in Santorini, St. Mark is identifiable by its colorful bell tower.
• 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. 20-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.

Dana Villas & Infinity Suites – The Hotel