Cori Rigas Suites in Fira, Santorini

Essentials
• Location: On the caldera in Fira
• Hotel website: coririgasuites.com
• Hotel phone: +30 22860 25251
• Check prices for Cori Rigas Suites

Hotel Review

Cori Rigas Suites – This charming collection of suites is centrally located on the cliffs overlooking the iconic caldera of Fira within easy walking distance to shops, restaurants, and nightlife. A former Captain’s home with a 250-year history, it has been expertly renovated using traditional methods and local materials creating 12 elegant suites offering beautiful views of the volcano and Aegean Sea.

See Also

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

Cori Rigas Suites – Location

The hotel sits in a quiet section down the side of the caldera in Fira, with unblocked caldera views spanning from Oia to Akrotiri over the volcanoes and toward the island of Thirassia. Conveniently near Fira’s top shopping, dining, and nightlife areas.

• How to Get There:
Cori Rigas Suites is situated midway down the caldera in Fira, very near the main walking path and just a little further to the main road connecting Fira with the remainder of the island, making it easy to reach by bus, taxi, or driving yourself. The hotel is in a pedestrian-only area, full of winding paths that can be difficult terrain with luggage, and challenging to navigate. However you choose to arrive, ask the hotel to have someone meet you on the pedestrian path facing the cathedral to help you the rest of the way. It is approximately 8km from the Athinios ferry port and 5km from the Santorini Airport to the hotel.

Transportation is always available at the ferry terminal for each arrival, as well as hourly buses from Santorini Airport. All buses stop in Fira. The whole trip from port or airport to Fira generally takes around 25 minutes (longer if traffic occurs) and costs about €2. Tickets are purchased on the bus using cash only. From the Fira Bus Terminal, it’s only a 6-minute walk to Cori Rigas Suites.

Taxis are also available from the harbor or airport, though there are approximately 25 taxis catering to the entire island, so waits are common; it is advisable to schedule transport in advance through a private car service to circumvent this (I myself use and endorse Welcome Pickups). Taxis on Santorini do not utilize meters, so be sure to agree on a fee with the driver before departing. A taxi from the airport to Cori Rigas Suites will cost roughly €25. A taxi from the ferry dock to the hotel will cost around €25-€35. Booking through a private car service will cost only slightly more – about $45 (or €37), but is worth it to bypass the wait and for the convenience of pre-payment.

For travelers preferring self-driving, we recommend booking a rental car either at the airport upon arrival or in Fira. The port road involves steep inclines and tight turns alongside large vehicles. Locals are best handling that route. Advance reservations, especially for an automatic, are strongly advised. If renting a vehicle, various free parking lots are within a 5-10 minutes` walk from here.

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Cori Rigas Suites – The Basics

• Ages: Suites sleep 2-5 persons making this place family-friendly.
• Beach: The closest beach is Exo Gialos, a tranquil, black sand beach with naturally sculpted cliffs at its southern end. The top beach bar and restaurant located there is East Breeze, just a brief walk from the cliffs. The north end has a small harbor and another highly rated beach bar and restaurant called Yalos. From the hotel, it’s a short 4 km drive to either end, where scenic cliffs can be found.
• View: Whether from your balcony or the terrace at the Art Cafe, you are treated to a stunning vista of the caldera and the beautiful Aegean Sea.
• Private Pools/Jacuzzis: All but two rooms feature private jacuzzis and all registered guests may enjoy the outdoor cave pool and lounge area.
• Parking: Free parking is accessible in the nearby public lot.
• Extras: Services available through the concierge include car/motorbike/ATV rentals, bicycle rentals, airport and port transfers, sailboat cruises, reservations and suggestions to local restaurants, dry cleaning/laundry services, spa services, and child care services.
• Best Time to Book: Reserve at least 4 months in advance (6 months is preferable) for stays during the peak season from June through September, and about 3 months in advance for the off-peak and shoulder seasons.
• To Reserve: Booking their accommodations through an online lodging marketplace is likely to procure the most competitive rates.
• Phone: +30 22860 25251
• Contact Option: [email protected]
• Website Address: coririgasuites.com

Cori Rigas Suites – Food and Drink

• Restaurant: The Art Cafe, situated on the terrace by reception is open all day and offers homemade breakfast items like Greek cheese pies (tiropita) made using local ingredients, coffee, beverages, snacks, cocktails, and local white and red wines from the owner’s private vineyards.
• Breakfast: Delicious made-to-order breakfast is included in the price and served from 8 am to 11 am. You may have it as room service or on the terrace of the Art Cafe.
• Kitchen & Dining Space: All suites feature a small kitchen area with modest counter space, a sink, dishes, fridge and kettle as well as a small dining table.

Cori Rigas Suites – Rooms

• Room Types: Petit Suite – Junior Suite – Senior Suite – Two-bedroom Suite – Superior Suite – Exclusive 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.
• Best Room: The premier lodging for couples is the Exclusive Suite, spread across two levels with private exterior space including a hot tub and panoramic views of the caldera.
• For Families: Cori Rigas has numerous suites that are great for families, like the Two-Bedroom Suite that sleeps 4 and the Exclusive Suite that sleeps 5. Infant cots can be provided at additional cost, by prior request.

Cori Rigas Suites – Local Transport

• Walking: The hotel is located in the heart of Fira, directly above the large crater and on the mountain path between Oia and Fira. The island`s finest restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions can be reached within just a few meters. Fira is excellent for walking, as nearly everything anyone could want can be found within 5 minutes no matter the direction.
• Bus: The Central Bus Terminal in Fira, a 6-minute walk from the hotel, is Santorini’s bus hub. All routes to the port, airport, beaches, and other towns travel through Fira, making this an extremely convenient spot for exploring the entire island. Tickets can be purchased on board and range from €1.80 to €2.50 per traveler during the daytime hours depending on the route. Night buses (12:30 am to 5 am) run less often and cost a little more, from €2.30 to €3.10. Buses can become very crowded particularly during peak season, so much so they regularly reach full capacity and are unable to take on additional passengers. There are only 23 public buses serving the island.
• Public Transportation: The closest public transportation stop is the Stathmos station in Fira, approximately 5 minutes away on foot. There is typically a wait here as only 25 vehicles provide transportation across the whole island (with visitors from about 1,000 lodging establishments). Booking in advance avoids delays, and having the driver meet closer to the hotel. A small supplemental charge applies for reservations and baggage handling, usually just a couple Euros. Typical rates from Fira to the port range from €10 to €15, and from Fira to the airport is around €25.
• 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.

Cori Rigas Suites – What’s Nearby?

Best Nearby Restaurants

The venue serving small plates offers innovative regional dishes and Mediterranean options
• 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).
• Aktaion: The oldest restaurant on the island, Aktaion has been serving authentic Santorinian dishes since 1922.

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• 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.
• Falafeland: Top-tier plant-based street cuisine establishment with truly excellent falafel and veggie burgers, and a cozy outdoor area for dining. A handful of dishes containing meat are also available here but are made separately from the vegetarian/vegan options.
• Aktaion: The oldest eatery on the island has been catering authentic Santorinian flavors since 1922.
• Mylos Bar Restaurant: Contemporary Greek restaurant with an innovative menu and many vegetarian choices located in a picturesque windmill with caldera views.

Best Nearby Bars and Breweries

• Pike Brewing Tour & Tasting – Outstanding brewery tour of this famous Pike Place Market establishment. (Regrettably, temporarily suspended as of October, 2023.)
• Casablanca Soul Bar: Offering house and deep house DJs or a live band nightly, tasty cocktails, and truly friendly staff, Casablanca is consistently popular among locals and travelers.
• Two Brothers: Open almost all day, from 10 am to 6 am the next day, Two Brothers is nearly 2 different bars in the daytime versus the nighttime. During the day, the bar is tranquil and relaxed, with basic drinks and a solid 2-for-1 happy hour. Late nights, it becomes the wildest bar in Santorini: crowded, crazy, loud, and enjoyable.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Tango Champagne and Cocktail Bar: Refined lounge with an elegant atmosphere and scenic views of sunsets.
• Enigma Club: Oldest dance club in Santorini since 1979, Enigma opens late and parties on until 7 AM. A destination for visiting famous DJs playing top tracks from Greek and international musicians.
• Franco’s Bar: Well known for its stunning views and tasty beverages, Franco’s is considered one of the top places to watch the sunsets in Fira.
• Outdoor cinema and views at Volkan on the Rocks brewpub: Great brewpub in Firostefani with amazing views and an outdoor cinema.

Nearby Shopping & Cool Shops

• 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.
• Drakkar Santorini: International and Greek style-brand clothing for women.
• The store Ammos has 2 locations in Fira, 1 in Kamari, and 1 in Oia selling a wide variety of international and Greek brands. The Fira locations are within quick walking distance.
• 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.
• Isia: High-end, women’s clothing and accessories store with unique pieces inspired by traditional Greek designs. You can find it on the footpath between Diesel and Cava Mejjo.
• 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.
• Little Dot: Retail outlet providing men’s and women’s casual, beach, and swimwear.

Nearby Attractions

• The scenic trail connecting Oia and Fira: One of top attractions on the island is this picturesque 10.5 km route connecting Oia and Fira. Consisting of sidewalks, cobblestones, and dirt paths, this path offers gorgeous perspectives throughout. Hiking northwest, the complete distance of the path from the hotel to Oia Castle takes from 2 to 5 hours (allow about an additional hour for a detour at Skaros Rock when traveling north). Starting point is the Atlantis Hotel.
• 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.
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• Catholic Church of St. John the Baptist: Often referred to simply as the Catholic Church, St. John’s is recognizable by its brilliant yellow and blue exterior and clock tower.
• Skaros Rock: Striking volcanic stone arrangement housing the ruins of a medieval fortress and town, dating to 1207. The monastery at its base, Panagia Theoskepasti, is the only portion of Skaros that remains active. The trail guiding to Skaros starts at Agios Georgios Church in Imerovigli.

Cori Rigas Suites – The Hotel