Santorini, the most beautiful Greek island in the Aegean Sea, is a place I have wanted to visit for far too long. Finally we visited last week and it was everything I imagined and more.
Greece has my heart as I am half Greek Cypriot so I am probably a little biased but I highly recommend you visit Santorini at least once in your life. The stunning caldera views, the glorious food and slow island life makes Santorini a highly coveted island to holiday on.
I researched the island a few years ago as we planned to hold our wedding there before changing it to France, so I had a few ideas on where I wanted to stay. But let me put this out there first, Santorini is expensive and you’ll be paying for the views (caldera side) rather than the hotel or amenities.
We originally planned to stay in Oia with its upmarket boutiques and cave hotels but I am so pleased we didn’t. Fira was another option with the bustling streets, restaurants and shops as was Kamari on the beachside.
Firostefani, a location I hadn’t even considered, proved to be the best option for us. We booked the Belvedere Hotel in Firostefani, located a pleasant 10-15 minute walk to Fira. There is also a bus stop that goes to Oia only a 2 minute walk from the hotel (the bus costs 2 euros and takes 15-20 mins to Oia).
The hotel is beautiful; simple luxury at its best. I think the very best part of the hotel just has to be the views, they are breathtaking, whether you are taking in the caldera or the view of Firostefani, the views are what make this hotel so special.
The pool area is simple but well equipped with enough comfy day beds, a good-sized refreshing pool and a pool bar. You are not really in Santorini to sunbathe as there is so much to see but if you do want an afternoon of lounging, this is the perfect spot.
I think also the reason you’re visiting Santorini has precedence on where you stay. Santorini is famous for the caldera view and whitewashed houses built out of a cliff. Whereas the beachside, for example Kamari or Pervolia while are lovely enough, could be anywhere. With this, I would only opt to stay on the caldera side in Santorini, if I wanted a beach holiday I’d go to another island famous for their gorgeous beaches like Kefalonia or Lefkada. Santorini isn’t well-known for the beaches but they do offer more affordable accommodation if you wanted to use it as your base, just don’t visit solely for a beautiful beach.
It is very quiet, peaceful and relaxing – perfect for a mini moon, honeymoon or a short break. The breakfast is quite standard but plentiful, regardless, who cares? You can enjoy your breakfast with the most stunning caldera view.
As we arrived at the hotel I met with Nikos the hotel manager who very kindly upgraded us to a room with a gorgeous caldera view. You really are paying for the view at these hotels so make the most of it!
I think the Belvedere is a good option for children if you’re looking for a hotel with caldera views as there is no infinity pool with dangerous cliffside walkways and the steps are manageable by Santorini standards.
I highly recommend the Belvedere Hotel as it is a great ‘in-between’ option with good restaurants only steps from the hotel yet easy access to Fira and Oia.
http://www.belvederesantorini.com