Astra Suites in Imerovigli, Santorini

Greece › Santorini › Hotels › Astra Suites Review
By Santorini Dave

Essentials
• Location: The highest point of the caldera, in the heart of Imerovigli village.
• Map
• Hotel website: astrasuites.com
• Hotel phone: +30 22860 23641
• Check prices for Astra Suites

The spectacular views of the caldera and Oia (at the tip of the island, in the distance) from Astra Suites in Imerovigli.

Astra Suites – Award-winning, all-suite hotel in Imerovigli with an infinity pool, romantic dining, and panoramic caldera views.

Astra Suites offers unparalleled caldera views from each suite and villa, from the dining terrace and bar, and from the clifftop infinity pool (heated in the spring and fall). All suites include a kitchenette, a private balcony, and a complimentary bottle of Santorinian wine. Luxury suites are more spacious and secluded than standard suites, and many offer outdoor jacuzzis or private pools. Dining is fantastic, with a focus on modern interpretations of traditional recipes, local ingredients, and great wines. Astra’s staff is incredibly service-oriented, catering to each guest’s individual needs. Expect to feel pampered here.

See Also

• The Best Hotels in Santorini
• Where to Stay in Santorini
• Best Tours & Things to Do in Santorini

Astra Suites – Location

Absolutely gorgeous location in the heart of Imerovigli village, with amazing dining and attractions all within a couple of minutes from the hotel. Imerovigli sits at the highest elevation on the caldera, and the views are stellar throughout the hotel and at most of the restaurants here.

• How to Get There:
The hotel sits above the caldera in the center of Imerovigli village, not far off the main road connecting Fira and Oia, making it easy to reach by bus, taxi, or rental car. It is approximately 8km from the Santorini Airport to Astra Suites, and 12km from the ferry port.

There are always buses waiting at the ferry port for every ferry arrival, as well as buses departing hourly from Santorini Airport. There are no direct buses from the port or airport to Imerovigli, however; buses from both locations go to Fira, where you must then board a different bus to Imerovigli – the entire trip from the port or airport to Imerovigli will take around an hour and cost about €5 in total. Tickets are purchased on the bus, in cash only. The bus stop in Imerovigli is 7 minutes from the hotel on foot.

Taxis are also available from the port or airport, though there are only about 25 taxis in total serving the whole island, so there can be a long wait; schedule ahead to avoid this (I use and recommend Welcome Pickups). Taxis on Santorini are not metered, so be sure to agree on a price with the driver before setting out. A taxi from the airport to Astra Suites should be about €25 to €30, and a taxi from the ferry port to Astra Suites around €30.

For those who prefer to drive themselves, we recommend renting a car either at the airport on arrival, or in Fira. The road from the ferry port is steep and narrow, with many tricky switchbacks, large trucks, and buses. Leave that for the locals to navigate. We strongly recommend reserving a vehicle in advance, especially if you require automatic transmission. There is free parking a short walk from the hotel, near the Imerovigli Basketball Court, and another parking lot near the bus station. Imerovigli has the hardest-to-find parking in Santorini, so you may have to circle around a couple of times to find a spot.

• Handy to: The Oia-Fira Hiking Trail, Anastasi Church, Skaros Rock.

Map of Astra Suites

Astra Suites – The Basics

• Ages: The hotel is mostly geared towards adults, though children of all ages are allowed. Guests tend to be American or British couples celebrating honeymoons or anniversaries.
• Beach: The nearest beach is Exo Gialos, a quiet, black sand beach with intriguing wind-sculpted cliffs at its southern end. The best beach bar and restaurant is East Breeze, just a few meters from the cliffs. The north end has a small harbor, and another great beach bar and restaurant called Yalos. From the hotel, it’s a short 5 km drive to the north end, or 7 km to the south end, where the cliffs are.
• View: Panoramic caldera views throughout the hotel with Skaros Rock dominating the center, Oia to the northwest, Thirassia to the west, and the volcanoes to the southwest.
• Kitchen: All suites include a fully-equipped kitchenette with hot plates available on request. The Astra Private Villa has a full kitchen and separate dining room.
• Private Pools/Jacuzzis: Several room categories offer private pools or jacuzzis, namely the Astra Pool Suite, Astra Infinity Pool Suite, Astra Suite with Outdoor Jacuzzi, and the Astra Deluxe Indoor Pool Suite (with a cave-style pool). The Astra Private Villa offers an outdoor jacuzzi and an infinity pool. Jacuzzis are heated year-round, while the pools are heated in spring and fall only.
• Parking: There is free street parking in front of the hotel, but parking is often full there. The village’s main parking area is all around the Imerovigli Basketball Court, and there is a small parking lot near Sunbird Rent-A-Car. Imerovigli has the hardest-to-find parking in Santorini, so you may have to circle around a couple of times to find a spot.
• Extras: Wedding packages for small parties.
• When to Book: The hotel is open from early April to late October. Reserve at least 4 months in advance (6 months is better) for stays during the high season from June through September, and about 2 months in advance for the low and shoulder seasons.
• How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
• Phone: +30 22860 23641
• Email: info@astrasuites.com
• Website: astrasuites.com

Astra Suites – Amenities

• Pool: Infinity pool with bar service overlooking the caldera with breathtaking views. Heated during the spring and fall; refreshingly cool in the summer.
• Spa: There is a massage room for body treatments, as well as a relaxation area (available by appointment only) with a jacuzzi and a steam room.
• Fitness Center: No gym.
• For Disabled Guests: This is a caldera hotel with lots of steps and no elevator. Many of the smaller suites have loft bedrooms. Not suitable for guests with mobility issues.
• For Families: Most suites are designed for couples only, though children of all ages are allowed. The Family Suite offers 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a private terrace located on the same floor as the main pool. The Astra Private Villa offers 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, an outdoor jacuzzi, and a pool.
• Activities: Astra’s experienced concierge team can book caldera yacht cruises and customizable island tours for couples or groups.

Astra Suites – Food and Drink

• Restaurant: Five Senses Restaurant and Bar offers Greek and Mediterranean dishes for lunch (12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and dinner (7:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.) The dining terrace overlooks the caldera, and is the ideal perch for a sunset view. Lunch service is casual, while dinner is an elegant fine dining experience. Open to the public.
• Lounge/Bar: The Pool Bar offers tailor-made and signature cocktails, alongside familiar favorites and excellent local wines with sweeping caldera views. Light bites and snacks are available throughout the day. Open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Breakfast: A complimentary, a la carte breakfast is served to each suite daily at the time of your choosing. Guests have their choice from an extensive menu of freshly baked pastries, homemade jams, freshly squeezed juices, and great coffee.
• Room Service: Always for breakfast and available for meals, snacks, and drinks from 12:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Private candlelight dinners can also be arranged on the suite balconies.

Astra Suites – Rooms

• Room Types: Studio • Classic Junior Suite • Premier Junior Suite • Senior Suite • Family Suite • Superior Suite • Astra Pool Suite • Astra Infinity Pool Suite • Astra Suite with Outdoor Jacuzzi • Astra Deluxe Indoor Pool Suite • Astra Private Villa
• Smoking Rooms: The hotel does not allow smoking in any of their room categories. It is allowed on the private outdoor terraces and in the outdoor common areas.
• Best Room: The best suites for couples are the Astra Infinity Pool Suite and the Astra Suite with Outdoor Jacuzzi. Both of these suites offer 60-70 sqm interior space, a bedroom with a king bed, a separate living room, and a kitchenette, and are located on a higher floor for more privacy. The outdoor jacuzzi is heated year-round, while the infinity pool is heated in the spring and fall only.
• For Families: Children of all ages are welcome at the hotel. The best options for families are the Family Suite (sleeps up to 4 guests) and the Astra Private Villa (sleeps up to 6 guests). The Astra Private Villa offers 160 sqm interior space plus 160 sqm outdoor space, with a heated jacuzzi and an infinity pool (heated in spring and fall) overlooking the caldera. The villa offers a master bedroom with a king bed and ensuite bathroom, a second bedroom with 1 king or 2 twin beds and an ensuite bathroom, a third bathroom, full-sized kitchen, living room, and dining room. The villa is located about 500m from the main hotel for ultimate privacy. The Family Suite has a private terrace and is located on the same floor as the main pool. With 55 sqm interior space, it offers 1 master bedroom with a king bed and ensuite bathroom, a smaller bedroom with a double bed and ensuite bathroom, and a single-sized sofa bed, plus a kitchenette and living room.

Astra Suites – Local Transport

• Walking: The hotel is located in the center of Imerovigli, above the caldera, and on the Oia-Fira hiking trail, with the village’s best restaurants, shops, and attractions just a few meters away. Easy access to all dining and attractions in Imerovigli, as well as the nightlife and shopping in Fira, just a 30-minute walk south.
• Bus: The nearest bus stop is in Imerovigli village, near Sunbird car rental and Posidonia Tavern, a 7-minute walk from the hotel. Buses here serve all of the major villages and beaches on the island, often with a change in Fira if heading to the airport, port, or beaches. Tickets are bought on board, and range from €1.80 to €2.50 per person in the daytime, depending on the route. Night buses (12:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.) run less frequently and cost a little more, from €2.30 to €3.10. Buses can get very crowded, especially during the high season, so much so that they often fill to capacity and are unable to take on more passengers. There are only 23 public buses serving the island.
• Taxis: The nearest taxi stand is at Stathmos Taxi, all the way down in Fira, so not very practical. Plus, there is often a wait as there are only 25 taxis serving the entire island. Book taxis in advance ahead to avoid the wait, and have them meet you directly at the hotel. The average rate from Imerovigli to Fira is roughly €10, and from Imerovigli to the airport or port is around €25 and €35.
• Scooters/Motorcycles: Scooters are the main mode of transportation for the locals, but if you’re unfamiliar with the terrain, it can be very dangerous. The roads here are zigzagging, hilly, narrow, and have sheer drop-offs with no guardrails and no street lights in most areas. Lots of dirt roads and potholes.
• ATVs/Quads: ATVs are a fun and popular mode of transportation with tourists, but for the locals stuck driving behind them, they move too slowly and hold up traffic in an area where getting around is already a hassle. For those who don’t ride quads regularly (i.e. most people), they can be dangerous at high speeds and on turns. Crashing your ATV is a sure-fire way to ruin your vacation.

Astra Suites – What’s Nearby?

Best Nearby Restaurants

• The Athenian House: Elegant fine dining with spectacular sunset views. Contemporary and imaginative Greek dishes incorporate modern gastronomic techniques and locally-sourced ingredients. Most of all, they’re delicious.
• La Maison: Contemporary, Greek fine dining with sweeping caldera views. Food, wine, and service are all phenomenal.
• Avocado: Traditional Greek menu, charming space, super friendly staff. Cycladic recipes and a fantastic selection of Santorinian wines.
• Le Moustache: Elevated Greek and Mediterranean dining and excellent cocktails with panoramic sunset views over the caldera.
• Anogi: Al fresco dining with local specialties and classic Greek dishes. Rich flavors and large portions, so come hungry.
• Vezené: Mediterranean-Asian fusion with spectacular sunset views and a romantic ambiance. Stupidly expensive, but everything on the menu is absolute perfection.

Best Nearby Bars and Breweries

• Buddha Bar Beach: Upscale cocktail bar, restaurant, and shisha lounge with views over Skaros Rock to the caldera. Pricey but on point.
• Volkan on the Rocks: Great brewpub in Firostefani with amazing views and an outdoor cinema.

Best Nearby Cafes

• Hlios Bakery: Good coffee, basic pastries, and deli sandwiches. Not exceptional, but they’re cheap and they deliver (cash only for deliveries).
• To Briki: Fantastic café, the best place to try traditional Greek coffee. Breakfasts are superb and the sunset views are gorgeous.

Nearby Shopping & Cool Shops

• Pegasus Boutique: Next to the hotel of the same name, this little boutique offers clothing, shoes, swimwear, and accessories by Greek designers.
• Under a Fig Tree: Upscale boutique featuring Greek-designed fashion, accessories, and swimwear right on the Oia-Fira trail.

Nearby Attractions

• Oia-Fira Hiking Trail: One of the top attractions on the island is this scenic 10.5 km hiking trail connecting Oia and Fira. A mix of sidewalk, cobblestones, and dirt trail, this route boasts gorgeous vistas the entire way. Hiking northwest, the full length of the path from the hotel to Oia Castle takes from 2 to 4 hours; heading south to the trail’s end in Fira, near Keti Hotel, takes about 30-40 minutes. Add about an hour for a detour at Skaros Rock either way. 1-minute walk from the hotel.
• Agios Georgios Church: Small white church on a platform over the caldera, marking the start of the trail to Skaros Rock. Gorgeous, panoramic views from here.
• Anastasi Church: The most picturesque, blue-domed church in Imerovigli offers gorgeous caldera views overlooking Skaros Rock. Popular for weddings and photo shoots.
• Imerovigli Basketball Court: Not an attraction, but good to know. This is the main parking area in Imerovigli.
• Skaros Rock: Impressive volcanic rock formation housing the ruins of a medieval castle and town, dating to 1207. The monastery at its base, Panagia Theoskepasti, is the only part of Skaros that is still active.

Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores

• Jimmy’s Market Cava: Market and deli with a great selection (especially the wines) plus great coffee and breakfast sandwiches (more consistent and better quality breakfasts than Hlios, but they don’t deliver).

Astra Suites – The Hotel

Outside of Astra Suites. The hotel sits in the heart of Imerovigli village, overlooking the caldera directly in front of Skaros Rock. In the back left is Akrotiri village; in the front left are the old and new volcanoes; in the center left is the tiny island Aspronisi; and on the back right is Thirassia Island.

View from the main floor, where the pool, restaurant, and relaxation area are located.

View from the bottom floor.

The resort is designed in traditional, Santorinian cave style, and is spread over 7 levels. This is the main floor, with the pool and pool bar visible in the back. On the left in the distance is Oia village.

The infinity pool and bar, both with spectacular caldera views. The pool serves cocktails, wine, and light bites until 9:00 p.m. Many suites have their own private pools or jacuzzis, so the main pool is not usually crowded.

The Astra Restaurant terrace is on the same floor as the pool and bar. This is a fantastic spot for romantic sunset dining and drinks, with views over the volcanoes and to Akrotiri.

Astra also offers a cave-style relaxation area with a massage room, steam room, and an indoor jacuzzi (covered here to keep the heat in). This room is available to all guests by appointment only.

Private, outdoor jacuzzis are available in the Villa and Astra Suite with Outdoor Jacuzzi, as seen here.

Several suite categories offer private plunge pools or infinity pools. Seen here is the Astra Pool Suite.

Astra Pool Suites offer a spacious terrace with an al fresco dining table and 2 sun loungers.

Generous interiors measure 60-70 sqm and feature traditional, cave-style design.

These 1-bedroom suites offer a separate living room and a small kitchenette.

The bedroom is adjacent to the living room, and features a king-sized bed.

Another view of the bedroom.

The ensuite bathroom offers a large, open-style shower.

About 500m from the main hotel area is the 2-bedroom Astra Private Villa, which boasts an infinity pool and outdoor jacuzzi. This is the view from its rooftop terrace which directly faces Oia and Thirassia.

The main floor features a private infinity pool with 2 floating sun loungers, seen here (cushions have been removed due to a brief rain shower).

View of the caldera from the Astra Private Villa’s infinity pool. As with the main pool, the private pools are heated in the spring and fall only.

The veranda also offers an al fresco dining table. The outdoor jacuzzi is visible on the center right.

A closer look at the outdoor jacuzzi, which is heated year-round.

The villa includes a full kitchen…

…with a 4-burner stove, oven, a full sized refrigerator, and an espresso maker.

The living room is adjacent to the kitchen and features contemporary, Cycladic design with natural elements.

Its large sofa can be made up for an extra guest.

Facing the opposite direction, there is a sleek dining area and a bedroom behind.

The guest bathroom is also on this floor.

The master bedroom plays up the local, cave-style design in a contemporary style.

It features a king-sized bed with an ensuite bathroom.

The master bathroom is decorated with natural elements, including a stone sink and rich wood vanity. The open-style shower is on the other side of the tailor-made screen wall.

The second bedroom features a king-sized bed that can be split into 2 singles on request.

It also offers a generous ensuite bathroom.

Its cave-style shower accommodates the natural geography of the caldera in its shape, and is lit with small, pinpoint lights.

The bottom floor of the villa features a private gym and sauna. This floor is also where the staff’s quarters are located. Check prices and availability: Astra Suites