Greece › Santorini › Hotels › Cori Rigas Suites
Updated: January 18, 2022
By Santorini Dave
Essentials
• Location: On the caldera in Fira
• Hotel website: coririgasuites.com
• Hotel phone: +30 22860 25251
• Check prices for Cori Rigas Suites
View of the caldera from Cori Rigas Suites in Fira.
Hotel Review
Cori Rigas Suites – This charming collection of suites is centrally located on the cliffs overlooking the iconic caldera of Fira within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and nightlife. A former Captain’s house 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
Cori Rigas Suites – Location
The hotel sits in a quiet pocket down the side of the caldera in Fira, with unobstructed caldera views from Oia to Akrotiri overlooking the volcanoes and toward Thirassia Island. Close to Fira’s best shopping, dining, and nightlife.
• How to Get There:
Cori Rigas Suites is located 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 rest 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 tough terrain with luggage, and difficult to navigate. However you choose to arrive, ask the hotel to have someone meet you on the pedestrian path in front of 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.There are always buses waiting at the ferry port for every ferry arrival, as well as buses departing hourly from Santorini Airport. All buses stop in Fira. The entire trip from port or airport to Fira should take around 25 minutes (longer if there is traffic) and cost about €2. Tickets are purchased on the bus, in cash only. From the Fira Bus Terminal, it’s only a 6-minute walk to Cori Rigas Suites.
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 to Cori Rigas Suites will cost roughly €25. A taxi from the ferry port to the hotel 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. If renting a car, there are several free parking lots within a 5 to 10-minute walk of the property.
• Handy to: The Oia-Fira Hiking Trail, Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, Fira nightlife, dining, and shopping.
Cori Rigas Suites – The Basics
- Ages: Suites sleep 2-5 people making this place family-friendly.
- 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 4 km drive to the north end or the south end, where the cliffs are.
- View: Whether from your balcony or the terrace at the Art Cafe, you are treated to a stunning view 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: There is free parking in the public lot nearby.
- 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.
- When to Book: Reserve at least 4 months in advance (6 months is better) for stays during the 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 25251
- Email: contact@coririgasuites.com
- Website: coririgasuites.com
Cori Rigas Suites – Food and Drink
- Restaurant: The Art Cafe, located on the terrace by reception is open all day and serves homemade breakfast including Greek cheese pies (tiropita) 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 kitchenette with modest counter space, a sink, dishes, refrigerator, 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 allowed on the private outdoor terraces and in the outdoor common areas.
- Best Room: The best room for couples is the Exclusive Suite, which has is spread over two floors and features a private terrace with a hot tub and unobstructed panoramic caldera views.
- For Families: Cori Rigas has many suites that are great for families, including the Two-Bedroom Suite that sleeps 4 and the Exclusive Suite that sleeps 5. Baby cots can be provided at extra charge, by prior request.
Cori Rigas Suites – Local Transport
- Walking: The hotel is located in the heart of Fira, right above the caldera and on the Oia-Fira hiking trail. The island’s best restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions await just a few meters away. Fira is the best village for walking, as nearly everything anyone could want can be found within 5 minutes in any direction.
- Bus: The Central Bus Station in Fira, a 6-minute walk from the hotel, is Santorini’s bus hub. All routes to the port, airport, beaches, and other villages travel through Fira, making this a super convenient spot for exploring the whole island. 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 am to 5 am) 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 5 minutes away on foot. 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 closer to 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 Fira to the port is between €10 to €15, and from Fira to the airport 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.
Cori Rigas Suites – What’s Nearby?
Best Nearby Restaurants
- Ouzeri: Exceptional spot for meze (Greek tapas), offering a modern take on traditional Santorinian flavors and Mediterranean favorites.
- 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.
- 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.
- Momo: Brand new, casual, Indian and Thai restaurant with a clay tandoori oven and fantastic curries.
- 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.
- 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.
- Aktaion: The oldest taverna on the island, Aktaion has been serving authentic Santorinian flavors since 1922.
- Mylos Bar Restaurant: Modern Greek restaurant with a creative menu and plenty of vegetarian options located in a picturesque windmill with caldera views.
Best Nearby Bars and Breweries
- 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.
- 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.
- Two Brothers: Open almost all day, from 10 am to 6 am the next day, Two Brothers is almost 2 different bars in the daytime versus the night. During the day, the bar is quiet and chill, with basic drinks and a solid 2-for-1 happy hour. Late nights, it becomes the wildest bar in Santorini: crowded, crazy, loud, and fun.
- 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 pm to 11 pm), 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.
- 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.
- Enigma Club: The oldest dance club in Santorini (since 1979), Enigma opens late and keeps the party going until 7 the next morning. A hotspot for visiting celebrity DJs who spin the best dance music from Greek and international artists.
- Franco’s Bar: Well-known for gorgeous views and delicious drinks, Franco’s is one of the best spots to take in the Fira sunset.
- Volkan on the Rocks: Great brewpub in Firostefani with amazing views and an outdoor cinema.
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.
- Drakkar Santorini: International and Greek designer-brand clothing for women.
- 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. Quick walk to either of the Fira locations.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Little Dot: Trendy boutique offering men’s and women’s street, surf, and swim wear.
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 at least an hour for a detour at Skaros Rock when you head north). Starting point at Atlantis Hotel.
- 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. The beginning of the stairway down is an 8-minute walk away, plus 15 more minutes to hike down.
- 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: 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. The trailhead leading to Skaros begins at Agios Georgios Church in Imerovigli.
Cori Rigas Suites – The Hotel
Looking down at Cori Rigas Suites from the footpath.
Entrance to Cori Rigas Suites from footpath.
Sign to reception and access to Art Café.
The Art Café is an on-site restaurant with stunning views, great art, and delicious local wine and food.
View from Art Café.
A shady place to relax while you enjoy the view.
View of Skaros Rock from Art Café’s terrace.
View of caldera from Cori Rigas terrace.
A common area cavepool and sundeck are available at Cori Rigas.
Common area cavepool.
View of volcano from sundeck.
Superior Suite with loft bed and open bedroom.
Lower queen bed of Superior Suite (loft above).
Dining and living area of Superior Suite.
Superior Suite with spacious living area.
A small refrigerator and kitchenette are provided.
Semi-private balcony.
Heated outdoor jacuzzi
Senior Suite living area with two sofa beds.
Bedroom area in Senior Suite.
Kitchenette of Senior Suite with sink, refrigerator, and dishware.
Senior Suite bathroom.
Senior Suite shared terrace.
Private balcony with heated jacuzzi. Check rates and availability: Cori Rigas Suites
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