Belvedere Hotel in Firostefani, Santorini

Greece › Santorini › Hotels › Belvedere Review
By Santorini Dave

Essentials
• Location: Wonderful location in quiet Firostefani, with spectacular caldera views.
• Map
• Hotel website: belvederesantorini.com
• Hotel phone: +30 22860 25496
• Check prices for Belvedere

The shared pool and sweeping caldera views at Belvedere.

Belvedere – Upscale, family-friendly hotel in a quiet neighborhood with a pool and unobstructed views over the volcanoes to Thirassia and Skaros Rock.

A casual luxury hotel, Belvedere is perfectly situated on the caldera’s edge overlooking the volcanoes in a tranquil yet accessible neighborhood. Its large pool is fronted by a sundeck with sweeping views, and boasts poolside service for drinks and snacks all day. Contemporary rooms and suites are well-appointed in neutrals and white to emphasize the blue shades of the Mediterranean. Several amazing restaurants, bars, and attractions sit steps away from the hotel, though the immediate area remains quiet at night.

See Also

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

Belvedere – Location

Absolutely gorgeous location in Firostefani, with spectacular views over the caldera to the volcanoes, Thirassia and Aspronisi islands, and Akrotiri. The hotel sits in a quiet neighborhood with several excellent restaurants nearby, and is just a short walk to romantic Imerovigli and the capital Fira.

• How to Get There:
The hotel sits above the caldera in Firostefani, not far off the main road connecting Fira and Oia, making it easy to reach by bus, taxi, or driving yourself. It is approximately 8km from the Athinios ferry port and the Santorini Airport to the hotel, though they are in different directions.

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 Firostefani, however; buses from both locations go to Fira, where you must then board the Fira-Imerovigli bus, which stops at Firostefani – the entire trip from the port or airport to Firostefani will take at least an hour and cost about €5 in total. Tickets are purchased on the bus, in cash only. The bus stop is just 3 minutes away on foot near St. Gerasimos Church, and the walk from there to the hotel entrance is mostly flat, easy to navigate with luggage.

Taxis are also available from the port or airport, though there are only about 25 taxis serving the whole island, so there is often a wait; schedule a ride through a private car service in advance 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 or ferry port to Belvedere will both cost roughly €25. Booking through a private car service will cost only a bit more – about $45 (or €37), but is worth it to avoid the wait and for the convenience of paying ahead.

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. Upon arrival in Firostafani, there is free parking in the lot at Belvedere’s sister property, Santorini Palace (a major perk).

• Handy to: The Oia-Fira Hiking Trail, nightlife in Fira, and Skaros Rock.

Map of Belvedere

Belvedere – The Basics

• Ages: All ages are allowed at the hotel. Guests tend to be couples celebrating a romantic occasion; usually a honeymoon, anniversary, or birthday.
• 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 there is East Breeze, just a few meters from the cliffs (12-minute drive). The north end has a small harbor and another great beach bar and restaurant called Yalos (9-minute drive). From the hotel, it’s a short 4 km drive to the north end or 6 km to the south end, where the cliffs are.
• View: Most rooms and suites have sweeping caldera views over the volcanoes and toward the sunset. 5 of their 31 units have interior views of the hotel.
• Private Pools/Jacuzzis: No private pools or jacuzzis.
• Parking: Free parking nearby at their sister property, Santorini Palace, about 5 minutes away on foot.
• Extras: Wine cellar.
• When to Book: The hotel is open from April 1 to November 1. Reserve at least 4 months in advance (6 months is better) for stays during high season from June through September, and about 3 months in advance for the low and shoulder seasons.
• How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
• Phone: +30 22860 25496
• Email: info@belvederesantorini.com
• Website: belvederesantorini.com

Belvedere – Amenities

• Pool: Large, unheated pool with a sundeck and plenty of loungers that overlook the caldera.
• Spa: No spa onsite, but guests have access and free transfers to and from Lotus Spa at their sister property El Greco.
• Fitness Center: No gym onsite, but guests have access to the fitness center at their sister property El Greco, less than 2 km away.
• For Disabled Guests: This is a caldera hotel with lots of steps and no elevator. Not suitable for guests with mobility issues.
• For Families: This is an all-ages property and offers babysitting service on request. The pool offers a wide view over the caldera but is set back from the edge, so it’s safer for little ones. VIP Suites are suitable for groups of up to 4.
• Activities: The concierge is happy to arrange boat tours and excursions to nearby islands, wine tours and tastings, and visits to the ruins at Akrotiri.

Belvedere – Food and Drink

• Lounge/Bar: The Pool Bar is open all day, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., serving fantastic cocktails, a full breakfast, and a wide selection of light bites. The wine list emphasizes the best labels from Santorini, Greece, and beyond.
• Breakfast: A complimentary buffet breakfast is served at the pool bar every morning from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. with a wide range of pastries, cereals, fruit, meats, and coffee.
• Room Service: Available all day from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.

Belvedere – Rooms

• Room Types: Superior Room • Junior Suite • VIP Suite
• Smoking Rooms: The hotel does not allow smoking in any of their rooms. Smoking is allowed on the private terraces and in the outdoor common areas.
• Best Room: The VIP Suite is the best room category. Divided over 2 levels, these 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom suites offer a queen bed upstairs and a sofa bed downstairs with a living room, a bathroom with a rain shower, panoramic views from the balcony, and an entrance near the wine cellar.
• For Families: This is an all-ages hotel with babysitting services and suites for up to 4 guests. The VIP Suite, described above, is the best option for families of 4. Larger groups will need to book an additional room.

Belvedere – Local Transport

• Walking: The hotel is located near the main square of Firostefani, above the caldera, and on the Oia-Fira hiking trail, with amazing restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions just a few meters away. Easy access to all dining and attractions in romantic Imerovigli as well as the nightlife and shopping in bustling Fira; both villages are within 15 minutes of the hotel.
• Bus: The nearest bus stop is a 3-minute walk from the hotel, near the parking lot at St. Gerasimos. 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 in Fira. There is often a wait here as there are only 25 taxis serving the entire island (with guests from about 1,000 hotels, villas, and Airbnbs). Book ahead to avoid the wait, and have the driver meet you near the hotel instead. There will be a small surcharge for advance reservations and for carrying luggage, usually just a couple of Euros. The average rate from Firostefani to the airport or port is around €25.
• 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.

Belvedere – What’s Nearby?

Best Nearby Restaurants

• Aktaion: The oldest taverna on the island, Aktaion has been serving authentic Santorinian flavors since 1922.
• Da Vinci Restaurant: Fantastic Italian restaurant with spectacular caldera views.
• Pelican Kipos: Stellar, wine-centric restaurant with over 600 varieties of local and international wines in a charming garden setting. Wine tastings and cellar tours available daily.
• Argo Restaurant: Argo features a rich menu of Santorinian and Mediterranean flavors with modern, international influences. With amazing views over the caldera, this is a popular spot for sunset dining. Reserve in advance to ensure a view table.
• Lucky’s Souvlakis: Hands-down the very best gyros in Santorini. Eating at Lucky’s is an absolute must when in Santorini. Authentic, filling, and affordable.
• La Maison: Contemporary, Greek fine dining with sweeping caldera views. Food, wine, and service are all phenomenal.
• 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.

Best Nearby Bars and Breweries

• Volkan on the Rocks: 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.
• Tango Champagne and Cocktail Bar: Refined lounge with a romantic vibe and picture-perfect sunset views.
• Tropical Bar: Great cocktails and a magnificent view make this a popular spot for catching the sunset. The drinks menu strips down to basic offerings after sundown, but at happy hours (9:00 to 11:00p.m.), all cocktails are half price. Aussies take note: they sell VB here.
• MoMix: Half bar, half mad science lab, MoMix (short for Molecular Mixology) creates wild cocktails served in test tubes, as edible bites, or in bubble form.
• PK Cocktail Bar: The best bar in Santorini, PK Cocktail Bar offers superb sunset views, creative cocktails, and 3 levels of seating in the caldera.
• Buddha Bar Beach: Upscale cocktail bar, restaurant, and shisha lounge with views over Skaros Rock to the caldera. Pricey but on point.

Best Nearby Cafes

• Galini Café: Super friendly, all-day café with superb coffee and amazing views. Best loved for their breakfasts and brunch, especially the crepes, bennies, and French toast.
• 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

• Under a Fig Tree: Upscale boutique featuring Greek-designed fashion, accessories, and swimwear right on the Oia-Fira trail.
• Little Dot: Trendy boutique offering men’s and women’s street, surf, and swim wear.
• Pegasus Boutique: Next to the hotel of the same name, this little boutique offers clothing, shoes, swimwear, and accessories by Greek designers.
• White House Santorini: Specialty shop for all-white summer garb for men, women, and children. Located across the walking path from Idol Restaurant in Fira.
• Ammos: This shop has 2 locations in Fira, 1 in Kamari, and 1 in Oia. All offer a wide selection of international and Greek brands.
• Noi: Upscale women’s boutique offering elegant summer clothing, shoes, and accessories on Santorini’s famous Gold Street.
• Caldera Jewelry/Golden Santorini: Right across from Noi, Golden Santorini/Caldera Jewelry has offered fine gold and precious stone jewelry since 1976.
• Spicy Boutique and The Lace: These sister boutiques are located right next door to each other in the heart of Fira. Both shops sell Greek-designed women’s clothing and accessories. Spicy offers edgier styles, while The Lace caters toward a femme crowd.
• The White: Across from Spicy, The White is a luxury boutique selling hand-crafted clothing and footwear by Santorinian designer Sophia H.
• Drakkar Santorini: International and Greek designer-brand clothing for women.
• Nick the Greek: One of the oldest jewelry shops in Santorini, Nick the Greek sells fine gold jewelry and luxury watches from Greek and international brands.
• Koukla: Eclectic, artsy jewelry in a range of styles and prices.

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 5 hours (add about an hour for a detour at Skaros Rock when you head north); heading south to the trail’s end in Fira, near Keti Hotel, takes about 20 minutes. 1-minute walk from the hotel.
• 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.
• St Mark the Evangelist: One of only a few Catholic churches in Santorini, St. Mark is recognizable by its colorful bell tower. It’s right next to The Tsitouras Collection.
• Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral: This imposing cathedral dominates the main square in Fira. Fully renovated after the ’56 earthquake, this landmark church is surrounded by a series of grand archways, and is adorned with frescoed walls and ceilings inside in gold and vivid colors.
• 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

• Mini Market Sigalas: Small market with a good selection of staples, snacks, and wine near St. Gerasimos Church.
• Creta Alpha Market: Convenience store with a decent range of drinks, food, and sundries.
• Green Market Organics: Small but well-stocked grocery store in Fira with specialty items (gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan, etc.), organic, and local products.

Belvedere – The Hotel

Belvedere is perched on the edge of the caldera in Firostefani and boasts exceptional views of the volcanoes, Aspronisi and Thirassia Islands, and Akrotiri to the southwest.

Facing due west, the hotel offers unobstructed views to Thirassia Island. Skaros Rock and the very tip of Oia can be seen to the northwest.

Turning a little further, Firostefani seems to blend into Imerovigli village behind Skaros Rock.

Check-in is often done on the terrace in front of the reception office here. In the background, the blue-domed church is St. Gerasimos, marking the main square of Firostefani.

The sun deck, pool, and bar are on the lower floors, built into the side of the cliff. Like most caldera hotels, Belvedere has no elevator, just stairs (seen here, crisscrossing in the foreground).

The main sun deck is 1 floor up from the pool.

The pool and terrace overlook the caldera, with a few dining tables, a wraparound glass railing, and unobstructed views.

The breakfast buffet is set up daily at the Pool Bar in the covered area adjacent to the pool.

The Belvedere offers 3 room categories with private balconies or patios. Seen here is the balcony for a Superior Room.

Most balconies face toward the caldera, with a glass railing in front and concrete dividers in between.

Superior Rooms can have either 1 queen bed or 2 single beds.

All rooms feature traditional Cycladic design elements with contemporary décor.

The walls, floors, and furnishings keep to a neutral palette.

The bathroom is adjacent to the bedroom…

…and features a natural stone sink…

…and a traditional, open-style shower.

The top tier VIP Suites have their entrances off the wine cellar.

The VIP Suites open up to a living room with a sofa bed on the bottom floor.

The living room leads to a private terrace…

…with clear blue views over the caldera and volcanoes.

Along with the living room and balcony, the bathroom is located on the suite’s lower level.

The bedroom is on the upper floor, and features a queen bed and small sitting area.

Best of all is this gorgeous view right in front of the bed. Check rates and availability: Belvedere