Amity Suites in Mesaria, Santorini

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

Essentials
• Location: On the caldera in Mesaria, 2.5 km south of Fira.
• Hotel website: amitysuites.gr
• Hotel phone: +30 22860 36778
• Check prices for Amity Suites

The pool deck at Amity Suites has beautiful views over the Santorini caldera.

Hotel Review

Amity Suites – Intimate, adults-only boutique hotel perched on the cliffs of the caldera with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, surrounding volcanic islands, and the famous Santorini sunsets.

Located on the caldera in Mesaria, just south of bustling Fira, Amity Suites offers six contemporary suites in a private, adults-only setting. Room decor is an elegant mix of minimalistic modern and traditional, set within the distinctive cave style architecture that harkens back to the island’s Cycladic roots. The shared, heated outdoor pool is surrounded by comfortable loungers and offers beautiful panoramic views of the caldera, especially at sunset. Breakfast is complimentary, and served to each suite daily; room service is available throughout the day. The suites manager is happy to arrange such services as restaurant reservations, tours and excursions, car rentals, and massage and laundry services.

See Also

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

Amity Suites – Location

Amity Suites is located about 2.5 km from Fira in Mesaria (sometimes called South Fira), with expansive views over the caldera and stunning sunsets. The Mesaria area is a central location for exploring all that Santorini has to offer, with nightlife, dining, wine country, traditional villages, and ancient ruins all within a 5 to 15-minute drive.

• How to Get There:
Amity Suites sits above the caldera in South Fira on the main road connecting Fira with the rest of the island, making it easy to reach by bus, taxi, or driving yourself. It is approximately 8km from the Athinios ferry port and 5km from the Santorini Airport to the hotel.

There are always buses waiting at the ferry port for every ferry arrival, as well as buses departing hourly from Santorini Airport. The bus from the ferry port passes by the hotel; ask to be dropped off at Volcano View (the hotel next door). The bus from the airport will stop in Fira, where you must get off to catch a second bus heading south to reach the Volcano View stop. A bus from the port to Amity Suites should take 20 to 30 minutes, while the entire bus trip from the airport to Amity Suites could take over an hour. (Of course, you could also bus to the Fira station, then taxi to the hotel.) The walk from Volcano View to Amity Suites is an easy one minute over level ground, 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 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 to Amity Suites will cost roughly €25. A taxi from the ferry port will cost around €25-€35. 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 at Amity Suites, there is parking available just outside the hotel on the main road.

• Handy to: Fira nightlife, dining, and shopping; wine country; and Pyrgos traditional village.

Amity Suites – The Basics

• Ages: This is an adults-only property.
• 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. The north end has a small harbor and another great beach bar and restaurant called Yalos. From the hotel, it’s a short 7 km drive to the north end or 5 km to the south end, where the cliffs are. For a unique beach experience, visit Caldera Beach, which is the only beach in Santorini’s caldera. This beach is more serene and secluded than Exo Gialos, though that means fewer services – just 1 restaurant and a dive shop. Caldera Beach is 7 km away. Kamari Beach, 7 km southeast, is the best organized beach nearby. Kamari is very popular with families, with several beach clubs, restaurants, and affordable umbrella and lounge chair rentals.
• View: Amazing panoramic views over the caldera – especially from the pool – centered on the volcanoes with views from Akrotiri all the way to Oia.
• Kitchen: No kitchens. All suites are equipped with mini-fridges and coffee and tea making amenities.
• Private Pools/Jacuzzis: None.
• Parking: Parking is available in front of the hotel, along the main road.
• Extras: Complimentary breakfast. Management may arrange car or bike rentals, restaurant reservations, excursion, tour or transfer bookings, massage and laundry services.
• When to Book: The hotel usually operates from the beginning of April until the end of October. Reserve at least 4 months in advance (6 months is better) for stays during 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 36778
• Email: info@amitysuites.gr
• Website: amitysuites.gr

Amity Suites – Amenities

• Pool: Heated outdoor pool, with beautiful views of the caldera, for guests only, 8am to 7pm.
• Spa: No spa. In-room massage treatments are available on request.
• Fitness Center: No gym.
• For Disabled Guests: This is a caldera property with mostly multi-level suites that use stairs. There is no elevator on site. This hotel is suitable for guests with mild mobility issues.
• For Families: This is an adults-only property.
• Activities: Excursions and tours are available to be arranged by the suites manager.

Amity Suites – Food and Drink

• Restaurant: There is no restaurant on site but the hotel is in collaboration with local restaurants to provide guests with breakfast and room service.
• Lounge/Bar: No bar, but drink requests (especially wine) can be provided by room service.
• Breakfast: Complimentary breakfast is delivered to each suite daily at the time of your choosing between 8am to 11am.
• Room Service: Available throughout the day.

Amity Suites – Rooms

• Room Types: Junior Suite • Senior Suite • Superior Suite
• 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 Superior Suite is the property’s largest at 32 sq.meters. It features a king-sized bed and a private balcony with beautiful sea, volcano and sunset views.
• For Families: This is an adults-only property, with a limit of two people per room.

Amity Suites – Local Transport

• Walking: The hotel is located about 2.5 km south of Fira at the edge of the caldera, and there is not much within walking distance of the hotel. It is best to rent a car or hire taxis to get around and explore the island.
• Bus: You may catch the bus at the unofficial stop in front of the hotel. If traveling anywhere north, catch the bus in front of the mini market right across the street, and ride to the Central Bus Station in Fira. All routes to the airport, other villages, and most beaches require a change in Fira. On the way back, tell the driver to stop at Volcano View, which is the hotel next door. If heading south to the port, you can flag down the bus from Volcano View. 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, about 23 minutes’ walk away, so not very practical. 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 directly at the hotel. There will be a small surcharge for advanced reservations and for carrying luggage, usually just a couple of Euros. The average rate from the hotel to the port or airport will be 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.

Amity Suites – What’s Nearby?

Best Nearby Restaurants

• Caldera Restaurant: Upscale, local fare with a great wine menu and spectacular sunset views at the adjacent Volcano View Hotel.
• Elia Restaurant: Fine dining, Mediterranean restaurant with dazzling caldera views at the nearby property Petit Palace Boutique Hotel.
• Metaxi Mas Taverna: The best restaurant in Santorini. Metaxi Mas cooks up rich, delicious, Santorinian and Cretan recipes paired with local wine and raki in a homey, authentic taverna.
• 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.
• Ouzeri: Exceptional spot for meze (Greek tapas), offering a modern take on traditional Santorinian flavors and Mediterranean favorites.
• Falafeland: Top-notch vegetarian and vegan street food spot with amazing falafel and veggie burgers, and cozy outdoor seating. There are a handful of meat dishes here too, which are prepared separately from the vegetarian/vegan items.
• 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.
• Idol Restaurant: All-day restaurant serving elevated versions of traditional Santorinian dishes with 3 dining terraces and panoramic views.

Best Nearby Bars and Breweries

• Franco’s Bar: Franco’s has 2 locations, 1 in Fira and 1 in Pyrgos. Both bars are well-loved for their gorgeous sunset views and delicious drinks. Franco’s Fira overlooks the caldera centered on the volcano, and Franco’s Pyrgos is on the highest point of the island, with expansive views over all of Santorini. Both bars are about 5 minutes’ drive away.
• 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.
• Tango Champagne and Cocktail Bar: Refined lounge with a romantic vibe and picture-perfect sunset views.
• 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: Great cocktails and a magnificent view make this a popular spot in 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.
• Casablanca Soul Bar: With house and deep house DJs or a live band every night, tasty cocktails, and a truly friendly staff, Casablanca is always a favorite for locals and travelers alike.

Best Nearby Cafes

• Zeas Bakery: There is a 24-hour bakery across the street, but it’s not a good one. Head a little ways south to reach Zeas Bakery. Fantastic pastries, sweets, and breads, plus great coffee and pre-made sandwiches.
• Coffee Island: Off the main tourist track, this little shop has fantastic coffee drinks (maybe the only spot you can get a flat white in Santorini), a great selection of coffee by the kilo, and absolutely the best prices.
• 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.

Nearby Shopping & Cool Shops

• 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.
• Little Dot: Trendy boutique offering men’s and women’s street, surf, and swim wear.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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: Next to Rastoni restaurant, The White is a luxury boutique selling hand-crafted clothing and footwear by Santorinian designer Sophia H.
• Isia: High-end, women’s clothing and accessories with unique pieces inspired by traditional Greek designs. You can find it on the footpath between Diesel and Cava Mejjo.
• Drakkar Santorini: International and Greek designer-brand clothing for women.

Nearby Attractions

• Agios Dimitrios Church: Next door to Argyros Mansion, this church was renovated in 1868, and has remained much the same since then.
• Wine Country: The southern half of Santorini is covered in vineyards, many of which offer tours or wine tastings of the island’s famous varieties such as Assyrtiko, Mavrotragano, and Vinsanto. Among the best nearby wineries are Venetsanos Winery, Hatzidakis Winery, and Art Space Winery.
• Pyrgos: Pyrgos is a charming traditional village located at the highest point on the island, with expansive views of Santorini from Akrotiri to Oia, from the caldera to the Aegean, and of everything in between. Among the winding footpaths are the ruins of an old castle, traditional architecture, neoclassical mansion, shops, restaurants, and cafes.
• Argyros Mansion: Historic, 19th-century, neoclassical mansion, the former home of generations of winemakers. Restored with care, the mansion offers a look into Santorini’s past.
• 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.
• Old Port of Fira: A.K.A. Fira Skala, the Old Port has a few tavernas, shops, and pretty sea views. The only connections from the port to the village are the cable cars, donkeys, or walking up the 587 steps. Nowadays, the Old Port is mostly used by cruise ship passengers, arriving daily by the thousands in the high season. To avoid the largest crowds, plan excursions around the cruise ship calendar.
• Akrotiri: Excavations of a Bronze Age Minoan settlement. Similar to Pompeii, the entire town was covered in volcanic ash thousands of years ago, which preserved the ruins.
• Shipwreck: The wreck of the MS Sea Diamond cruise ship rests between the caldera’s edge at Mesaria and the new volcano. Though the Greek government has ordered the Sea Diamond’s removal, as of now the shipwreck remains in the same spot where the boat sunk in 2007. A few dive shops offer guided scuba dives inside the ship.

Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores

• Mini Market: There is a small mini market directly across the street from Volcano View, selling drinks, snacks, beach gear, souvenirs, and cigarettes.
• Lidl: Discount grocery store offering basic staples. Inventory is inconsistent but doable if stocking for a short trip.
• AB: Small but well-stocked grocery store with fresh fruits and veggies, wine, prepared foods, and more. This is where most locals shop. Prices are reasonable.
• Green Market Organics: Small but well-stocked grocery store in Fira with specialty items (gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan, etc.), organic, and local products.

Amity Suites – The Hotel

Amity Suites is located in Mesaria, 2.5km south of Fira. Its main entrance sits right along the main road.

The hotel’s reception office is located a short, level walk from the main entrance.

Another view of reception.

Amity Suites is sandwiched between two other adjacent hotels. From the reception area, you can see Amity Suites rooms to the left of the stairway. Two Superior Suites are on the upper level, and two Senior Suites sit below them. The two Junior suites are on the pool level, and accessed from the other side of the building.

Superior Suites sit at the highest level of the hotel. They feature king-sized beds and private, sea-view balconies.

All suites in the hotel have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and tea and coffee-making equipment.

This Superior Suite bathroom has a tub/shower combo.

The private balcony looks over the pool deck to the Santorini caldera.

Another view from the balcony, looking right to the volcano and Thirassia Island.

At the hotel’s middle layer, Senior Suites also have private, sea-view balconies.

Another view of a Senior Suite. Senior Suites have double beds.

This Senior Suite’s bathroom has a corner shower and pedestal sink.

The private balconies from Senior Suites look over the pool and out to the sea.

View to the right from a Senior Suite balcony.

Looking down from the Senior Suite balconies to the Junior Suite verandas below.

Junior Suites sit on the hotel’s lower, pool-deck level. Their verandas are roomier than the balconies above, but less private.

View to the veranda from the Junior Suite.

Another view of a Junior Suite. Junior Suites have a king-sized bed, or two twin beds.

This Junior Suite bathroom has a glass-walled shower and double sinks.

Table for two on a Junior Suite veranda.

Amity Suites exterior from the pool terrace. Junior Suites are on the pool level, Senior Suites are one level up, and Superior suites sit on top.

The outdoor infinity pool at Amity Suites is heated and open from 8am to 7pm.

The pool is surrounded by comfortable lounge seating.

Amity Suites is adjacent to two other hotels, and the pool terraces from all three hotels sit right next to each other.

The view from the pool out to the caldera is partially obstructed by sun beds from a neighboring hotel, but is still incredible.

Guests with rental cars will find convenient parking just outside of the hotel, along the main road. Check prices and availability: Amity Suites