Greece › Santorini › Imerovigli Hotels
Updated: April 27, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com

The view from our suite at Iconic Santorini.
Imerovigli Hotels – My Tips
- Best for: Honeymooners, couples, sunset views, caldera-view suites, quiet luxury, and travelers who want to be near Fira without staying in the middle of the crowds.
- Why stay here: Imerovigli sits at the highest point of the Santorini caldera and has some of the island’s best sunset and caldera views. It is quieter than Fira and less busy than Oia.
- Best Luxury Hotels in Imerovigli: Grace Hotel for design, service, and one of Santorini’s most dramatic pools; Astra Suites for classic Cycladic luxury, warm service, and a romantic village-center location.
- Best Value with a View: Absolute Bliss. It is not a budget hotel, but it offers excellent caldera views, private terraces, and strong overall value compared with the best-known luxury hotels nearby.
- Best Location: Central Imerovigli is best for most visitors. You’ll be close to restaurants, Skaros Rock, and the bus stop. Hotels north of the village are quieter and more private, but less convenient without a car.
- Walking to Fira: Fira is about 20 to 30 minutes away on foot along the caldera path. The walk south from Imerovigli is scenic and mostly downhill; the return walk is uphill, so many visitors take a taxi or bus back after dinner.
- Accessibility: Imerovigli is built into the cliff. Many caldera-view hotels require steep steps, and room location can matter as much as hotel choice. If mobility is a concern, ask the hotel how many steps are required from the road, reception, and breakfast area to your specific room.
- Wind: Because Imerovigli sits high on the caldera rim, it can be windier than Fira or Oia. This is often pleasant in July and August, but a light layer is useful for spring, fall, and breezy evenings.
See Also
Why Stay in Imerovigli
My wife and I in Imerovigli with Skaros Rock and the volcano behind us.
Imerovigli is my favorite village in Santorini and the place I recommend most often for couples and honeymooners. It has the island’s most elevated caldera position, giving many hotels wide-open views of the volcano, Thirassia, Oia, and the Aegean sunset.
The main reason to stay here is the balance. Imerovigli feels quieter, more romantic, and more private than Fira, but it is still close enough to Fira for restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and bus connections. Compared with Oia, it is less crowded, less theatrical, and often better value for a true caldera-view hotel.
The tradeoff is that Imerovigli is not a nightlife village. There are excellent restaurants and beautiful hotel terraces, but very little after-dark action. If you want bars, shopping, and constant movement outside your door, stay in Fira. If you want the caldera, sunset, and a peaceful hotel-focused stay, Imerovigli is one of the best choices on the island.
Best Things to Do in Imerovigli
- Hike Skaros Rock: The best short walk from Imerovigli. The path begins below Grace Hotel and leads down toward the large rock formation jutting into the caldera. Allow at least an hour round-trip, longer if you continue around to Theoskepasti Chapel or climb higher for the views. Wear proper shoes; there are steep steps, uneven surfaces, and exposed sections.
- Walk the Caldera Path: Imerovigli sits directly on the Fira-to-Oia walking trail. Firostefani is about 15 minutes south, Fira another 10 to 15 minutes beyond that, and Oia is roughly 2 hours north. The path is beautiful but not stroller-friendly, with a mix of pavement, cobblestone, steps, and dirt trail.
- Watch the Sunset: Imerovigli has some of Santorini’s best sunset views because you see the sun drop over the Aegean with the caldera, volcano, and Oia in the same panorama. A hotel terrace is the easiest place to enjoy it; otherwise, try a caldera-view bar, restaurant, or the area around Skaros Rock.
Best Restaurants in Imerovigli
- The Athenian House: Refined Greek cooking, romantic terraces, and one of the best caldera-view dining settings in Imerovigli. Reserve well ahead for sunset in high season.
- Avocado: A reliable, friendly, slightly more casual favorite on the main road above the caldera. Good for lunch or dinner, especially when you want excellent food without the full sunset-view fine-dining production.
- Anogi: A lively traditional restaurant in the upper, non-view part of the village. It is one of the best choices in Imerovigli for generous Greek dishes, fair prices, and a less polished but more local-feeling meal.
Getting Around Imerovigli
- Walking: The caldera side of Imerovigli is mostly pedestrian, with narrow paths, steps, and hotel entrances built into the cliff. Firostefani is about 15 minutes away on foot, and Fira is 20 to 30 minutes away, depending on your pace and exact hotel location.
- Bus: Imerovigli’s main bus stop is on the Fira-Oia road just inland from the caldera. There are no direct public buses from the airport or ferry port to Imerovigli; go first to Fira, then transfer to the Fira-Oia bus and ask for Imerovigli.
- Parking: Parking is limited and mostly located near the main road, not beside the caldera hotels. If you rent a car, expect to park and walk to your hotel.
- Airport & Ferry Port: Imerovigli is about 20 minutes by car from Santorini Airport and about 25 minutes from Athinios Ferry Port, depending on traffic. For most visitors, a hotel-arranged transfer or pre-booked private transfer is easier than trying to find a taxi on arrival.
- Shopping: Imerovigli has a few mini-markets and small shops, but it is not a major shopping village. For more choice, walk or take the bus to Fira.
Imerovigli vs Fira, Oia, and Firostefani
- Imerovigli vs Fira: Fira is better for nightlife, shopping, buses, and overall convenience, but Imerovigli is quieter, more romantic, and has some of the best caldera and sunset views on Santorini. Stay in Imerovigli if you want peace and views; stay in Fira if you want everything on your doorstep.
- Imerovigli vs Oia: Oia is more famous, prettier in a postcard sense, and better for boutique shopping, but it is also busier and often more expensive. Imerovigli feels calmer and more private, with wider caldera views and easier walking access to Fira.
- Imerovigli vs Firostefani: Firostefani is closer to Fira and more convenient for restaurants and nightlife, while Imerovigli is quieter, higher, and more hotel-focused. Firostefani is the better compromise for convenience; Imerovigli is better for honeymooners and sunset-view stays.

Looking south towards Fira, Firostefani, and the volcano from Honeymoon Petra Villas in Imerovigli.
Map of Imerovigli

Hotels on Map: Divine Cave Experience • Ethos (Epos) Vegan Retreat • Andronis Concept Wellness • White Pearl Cavalieri • Galaxy • Remezzo • Kasimatis • Absolute Bliss • Heliotopos • Above Blue • Merovigliosso • White • Kapari • Astra • Tholos • Sophia • Grace • Honeymoon Petra • Iconic • Chromata • Aeifos • Cocoon
The 5 Best Hotels in Imerovigli
See Also
• My Favorite Hotels in Santorini
• Best Towns & Villages in Santorini1. Grace Santorini
Home to the caldera’s most impressive swimming pool and deck, offering expansive views from every angle. Dining is exceptional at the restaurant, champagne lounge, and poolside bar. Suites are charming and unique, most featuring private heated plunge pools. While the hotel is primarily adults-only, the private villa with its own pool is a fantastic option for families.2. Astra Suites
Features a stunning clifftop infinity pool heated during spring and fall, providing unparalleled caldera views. Every suite includes a kitchenette, private balcony, and complimentary local wine. Luxury suites offer more seclusion and space, with many adding outdoor jacuzzis or private pools. The on-site restaurant serves excellent modern Greek cuisine using local ingredients. A top choice for pampering service.3. Aenaon Villas
A collection of six elegant villas showcasing minimalist Cycladic design and high-end furnishings. The property features a shared infinity pool on the caldera edge, with specific villas offering a private pool or outdoor jacuzzi. Located in a tranquil setting north of the main village, the views are astounding, covering both the caldera sunset and Aegean sunrise. A rental car is recommended for this secluded spot.4. Kivotos
A stylish luxury hotel in the village center distinguished by its striking glass-front infinity pool. Suites feature private terraces with heated plunge pools or jacuzzis, while the large villas offer full kitchens, cave pools, and hammams. Breakfast options range from poolside dining to champagne served in bed. The location is superb, surrounded by top restaurants, boutiques, and Skaros Rock.5. Iconic Santorini
A romantic boutique hotel famous for authentic cave-style suites carved into the caldera face. Private verandas offer sweeping views, with many rooms featuring indoor or outdoor heated plunge pools. The dining is outstanding, focusing on local specialties and wines. Amenities include a caldera-view infinity pool, a holistic spa, and exceptionally warm service.
More Great Imerovigli Hotels
Andronis Concept Wellness Resort
A top choice for wellness enthusiasts and families, featuring three distinct pools: a massive spa pool for laps, a shaded cave pool, and a heated infinity pool with caldera views. The resort excels at keeping all ages happy, offering kids’ yoga, cooking classes, and tennis, alongside incredible healthy dining options. Suites are spacious and loaded with amenities.Cavo Tagoo
Awesome glamorous property that is home to one of the island’s most famous fusion restaurants, blending Japanese and Mediterranean flavors with a high-end social vibe. The 13 posh suites all feature private jacuzzis or heated pools. The main heated infinity pool offers magnificent views stretching from Skaros Rock to Oia.White Pearl Cavalieri
Nestled on the quiet northern edge of Imerovigli, this exclusive hotel is repurposed from authentic wine caves. It features just six luxury suites, each named after a varietal and boasting a private heated pool. Guests enjoy a working vineyard, a private tasting room, and breathtaking caldera views from the renowned restaurant.Absolute Bliss
A romantic hotel offering cave-style suites and villas with stunning sunset views facing Oia. Almost every room category includes a private jacuzzi or heated pool. Breakfast is a highlight, served directly to the room, while other meals can be enjoyed poolside. The staff is consistently praised for being friendly and attentive.Honeymoon Petra Villas
A 5-star boutique hotel featuring one of the most iconic infinity pools on the caldera. Guests can choose between the Traditional Wing for privacy or the Petra Wing for proximity to the facilities. Located right in the heart of Imerovigli, it is just steps from the path to Skaros Rock.Divine Cave Experience
Elegant all-suite hotel where every suite has its own designated caldera viewpoint near the pool with a sunbed and dining table. Suites feature private terraces and outdoor jacuzzis. A floating breakfast in your private jacuzzi is a unique touch here. Located in the quiet north end, right behind the Fira-Oia hiking trail.Galaxy Suites
Luxe hotel known for its trendy Greek restaurant and two cliffside infinity pools. The 3-bedroom villas are ideal for families or groups of up to six, featuring indoor jacuzzis and outdoor plunge pools. The location is excellent, placing you in the center of Imerovigli village.Remezzo Villas
A family-run gem with an authentic, homey vibe that distinguishes it from corporate hotels. The property offers traditional cave-style suites, most with gorgeous sunset views. A four-course Greek breakfast is included, and many suites feature indoor/outdoor jacuzzis or private heated plunge pools.Kasimatis
An elegant midrange, adults-only hotel with cave-style rooms and suites. Most units feature outdoor hot tubs and caldera views. Amenities include an outdoor pool, a small library, free parking, and genuinely friendly service.Heliotopos Hotel
Family-run hotel with a popular wine bar and sunset terrace. It is one of the few all-ages hotels on the caldera, with traditional houses that can accommodate three to five guests. No two suites are alike, but most have kitchenettes and private balconies. With only 11 rooms, the service is exceptionally personal.Above Blue Suites
A tiny, intimate hotel high up in Imerovigli village. Dining is a standout experience, with champagne breakfast served daily to your suite and an intimate dinner terrace with only three tables. Most suites boast private jacuzzis, and the villa includes a private plunge pool.Merovigliosso
Located just across the small road from the caldera edge, offering excellent value for the location. Options range from budget studios to luxurious apartments with hot tubs and private balconies. All units have well-equipped kitchenettes. Includes an outdoor pool, sun deck, and free parking.White Santorini Suites and Spa
Fabulous boutique hotel with an infinity pool on the caldera edge and a full spa. The “White Suite” sleeps five people with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, making it a great find for groups. Most other suites feature a private jacuzzi or plunge pool. Excellent central location overlooking Skaros Rock.Kapari Natural Resort
A beautifully restored complex blending historic architecture with modern cave-style design. Most accommodations feature caldera views and jacuzzis. Facilities include an outdoor rooftop pool, a quality restaurant and wine bar, and 24-hour room service.Sophia Luxury Suites
Newer hotel with a magical vibe and a prime location directly in front of Skaros Rock. Most rooms feature private outdoor plunge pools and patios with sunset views. A rich breakfast with local products is served to each suite daily.Katikies Chromata
Contemporary hotel with a trendy, cosmopolitan vibe and exceptional dining. Options include a Mediterranean restaurant, a sushi bar, and a pool bar. The shared infinity pool is striking, overlooking the caldera with a portion covered in a cave. Most suites and villas include private jacuzzis or pools.Cocoon Suites
Cozy luxury hotel featuring nine posh suites, highlighting natural materials and cave-style design. Eight suites have open-air or cave-style jacuzzis, and one has a private plunge pool. Located in a quiet corner of Imerovigli, yet only a five-minute walk to the village center.Altana Heritage Suites & Villas
A renovated historic mansion that boasts the highest swimming pool on the caldera. Suites and villas feature cave-style design, private terraces, and direct sunset views. Most have private jacuzzis or pools. Well-situated near the heart of the village.Dreams Luxury Suites
Drop-dead gorgeous suites in a romantic, quiet location at the tail end of Imerovigli toward Firostefani. All rooms have private balconies and jacuzzis with incredible caldera views. Breakfast is delivered to your room every morning.Rocabella Santorini
A resort-style atmosphere with three pools, a spa, and a Greek-Mediterranean restaurant. Rooms and suites all offer private terraces, most with jacuzzis or heated plunge pools. Located in a quiet stretch north of Imerovigli; a free shuttle to Fira runs several times a day in high season.San Antonio
Designed for couples, this hotel is located in a secluded area on the northern edge of the caldera above a private bay. The Zen-like ambiance is complemented by a large infinity pool, an upscale restaurant, and a decadent spa. Most suites feature indoor or outdoor jacuzzis.Santorini Princess Spa Hotel
Intimate hotel with a strong focus on wellness and spa services. The full-service spa includes a jacuzzi, sauna, and cave-style treatment room, with massage services available on an outdoor terrace overlooking the caldera. Service is warm and welcoming.Ethos (Epos) Vegan Retreat
An eco-friendly, all-vegan sanctuary featuring four spacious villas with private heated plunge pools. Perks include vegan minibars, Cocomat bedding, and a complimentary vegan breakfast served daily. The property is plastic-free and uses biodegradable amenities. Located in a peaceful spot north of the village.Aeifos
Cosmopolitan boutique hotel offering rare accessibility features for Imerovigli, including wheelchair-accessible rooms, an elevator, and on-site covered parking. Guests enjoy a large infinity pool, a gym, and a central location steps from restaurants. A rich buffet breakfast is included.Tholos Resort
Luxury sunset-view hotel featuring spacious suites and villas that accommodate 4 to 5 guests. Units boast kitchenettes and private outdoor jacuzzis. An a la carte breakfast is delivered daily. Located in the heart of Imerovigli near Skaros Rock.Vora Villas
An exclusive collection of just three private villas blending contemporary and Cycladic style. All villas feature heated infinity jacuzzis and expansive caldera views; two have full kitchens. Breakfast is delivered to your private terrace daily.West East Suites
All-suite hotel with a fantastic Mediterranean restaurant and a heated pool overlooking the caldera. All suites boast private terraces with jacuzzis, plunge pools, or infinity pools. Situated about a 15-minute walk north of Imerovigli in a quiet area.The Vasilicos
Tranquil hotel with seven cave-style suites and a strong focus on gastronomy and wine. The owners’ nearby winery provides exceptional local wines for tastings. High-end local Greek fare is served for breakfast (complimentary) and private dinners.Eteoro Suites
Luxury collection of four spacious suites designed specifically for couples. Every suite features a private, spacious balcony with an outdoor jacuzzi or private pool and caldera views. Excellent a la carte breakfast is included and delivered daily.
Imerovigli FAQ
Why stay in Imerovigli instead of Oia or Fira?
In my opinion, Imerovigli offers the best balance on the island. It’s quieter and more private than Fira, but sits at the highest point of the caldera, providing wider, more elevated views than Oia. It is the perfect choice for a peaceful, hotel-focused stay that is still within walking distance (20 to 30 minutes) of Fira’s nightlife and shopping.
Should I stay in Imerovigli or Firostefani?
Stay in Imerovigli if you want the most dramatic views, a quieter atmosphere, and a more resort-focused stay. Stay in Firostefani if you want to be closer to the restaurants and shops of Fira but still want a bit of a buffer from the heaviest crowds.
Does Imerovigli have the best caldera views in Santorini?
Yes. Because it is the highest village on the caldera rim, Imerovigli provides a massive panoramic view that includes the volcano, Thirassia island, the village of Oia to the north, and the southern stretch of the island toward Akrotiri. You can see many of these caldera views from the main walking path.
Is Imerovigli the quietest town on the caldera?
Among the main caldera villages, Imerovigli is certainly the most peaceful. While it has world-class restaurants, it lacks the heavy foot traffic of Oia and the late-night clubs of Fira, making it my top pick for travelers who want quiet luxury.
Which Imerovigli hotels have the best views of Skaros Rock?
Grace Hotel, Astra Suites, Kivotos, and Tholos Resort all offer exceptional, direct views of Skaros Rock.
Can you see the sunset from Imerovigli hotels?
Most hotels in Imerovigli face west or northwest, providing some of the best sunset views on the island. Unlike Oia, where crowds gather in specific spots, most people sit on their private balcony to watch the sunset.
What are the best honeymoon hotels in Imerovigli?
Grace Hotel and Astra Suites are the traditional favorites for honeymoons due to their privacy and service. Eteoro Suites is designed specifically for couples, and Iconic Santorini offers an intimate, romantic boutique atmosphere.
Which Imerovigli hotels have private plunge pools?
Many luxury properties here feature private pools. Grace Hotel, Kivotos, Sophia Luxury Suites, and Chromata have numerous suites with private heated plunge pools. White Pearl Cavalieri and Ethos (Epos) Vegan Retreat feature private pools for every single suite or villa.
How long is the walk from Imerovigli to Fira?
It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to walk to Fira via the scenic caldera path. The walk is mostly downhill when heading toward Fira and passes through the charming village of Firostefani.
How far is Imerovigli from the airport and ferry port?
Imerovigli is about a 20-minute drive from Santorini Airport and 25 minutes from the Athinios Ferry Port. I recommend booking a private transfer, as finding a taxi at the port or airport can be difficult.
Is Imerovigli a good location for families?
While Imerovigli is very popular with couples, it can be great for families who want a quiet base. Andronis Concept Wellness Resort is specifically family-friendly with kids’ yoga and large pools. Galaxy Suites has 2 and 3-bedroom villas that are perfect for groups or families.
Are there grocery stores near hotels in Imerovigli?
Yes. There are several mini-markets for essentials and good bakeries for early treats. Most are located just back from the caldera, about a 5 minute walk from most hotels in Imerovigli proper. They’ll be a 10 to 15 minute walk from the hotels (like Cavo Tagoo) located on the strip north of Imerovigli.



































About Santorini Dave