Let’s face it – Santorini’s bustling crowds, which are mainly focused on the tourist-magnet towns of Oia and the shop-lined streets of capital Fira, can be exhausting. So what better place to escape after a hard day’s sightseeing than this boutique hideaway clinging to the skirts of Pyrgos town’s secret maze of pedestrian-only cobbled alleyways lined with hip tavernas and chilled bars, and topped by a breathtaking mediaeval citadel? At the same time, you’re within easy reach of Oia’s sunset spots on one side, and the black beaches of Perissa and Kamari, so you get the best of all worlds.
Why stay at Voreina Gallery Suites?
Escaping Santorini’s crazy crowds is definitely a major reason: this bijou resort, tucked behind high stone walls, is a safe haven, and the village of Pyrgos, backed by Prophet Ilias, the island’s highest mountain, is a refuge from the frenzied, elbowing crowds you’ll find elsewhere on the island. The wonderful warm welcome from owner Leftheris and his family - who will advise you on everything - from brilliant restaurants close by, where to get the most original souvenirs or best places for grocery shopping - is another good reason. Since all the suites have self-catering facilities this is also the perfect option if you’re on a tight budget, or prefer to prepare your own food. Fancy travelling with your best friend? Unusually for Greece, this boutique beauty is pet friendly, too.
What are the rooms like at Voreina Gallery Suites?
Don’t expect typical Santorinian style here – there are domed roofs and black volcanic stonework, but no white-on-white interiors or tiny rooms crammed along the caldera’s edge. Nine capacious suites have views over the surrounding vineyards, where they produce the island’s iconic Santo wine, and each suite is a canvas for owner Leftheris’ love of colours: unlike Santorini’s usual sheer white décor, there are lime-green cupboards, custard-yellow walls, pea-green sofas, and lovely stripy oyster-shaped granite bowls on massive wooden tables, and bright red Nespresso machines, making the suites feel bright and airy. Separate bedrooms have plump mattresses on concrete platforms. There are concrete floors throughout – easy to keep clean and perfect for padding barefoot – even in the shower, which is the size of most bathrooms. Budget bunnies and younger families will also love the well-equipped kitchen with a decent-sized fridge for storing the fresh produce you’ll find in local grocery stores. With full ovens and electric hobs, you can actually whisk up something decent here, so you might be tempted to buy one of those local recipe books and try your hand at making some of your own Greek treats.
Best of all you can sit out and sip on your very own private terrace behind high walls –seven of the suites have pools that are big enough to swim in.
What’s the food like at Voreina Gallery Suites?
A copious breakfast of crusty homemade bread, fresh sheep’s yoghurt, thyme honey, piles of fresh fruit, and a basket of pastries are served to your suite along with eggs (poached, fried, or scrambled) chosen from a menu the night before. There are also beakers of fresh orange juice and pots of filter coffee.
They don’t have a restaurant, but they’ll give you plenty of suggestions for places to eat in Pyrgos – I recommend the domatokeftedes (tomato fritters) and fried cheese saganaki at Penelope’s Ouzeri; the fresh grilled souvlaki and fish of the day at Kantouni; and spectacular sunset sips at Franco’s Café right at the top of town near the mediaeval kastro.
What’s the service like at Voreina Gallery Suites?
The hotel is owned and run by Leftheris and relatives, so it’s like being part of a family. Since the staff have been here for years you can also expect plenty of suggestions for getting off the beaten track and discovering the ‘real’ Santorini.
What are the pools and facilities like at Voreina Gallery Suites?
It’s not a big hotel, so don’t expect the facilities you’d find in a mega-resort, but there’s a small library – ideal for finding books to read whilst lazing by your pool. They’re also happy to arrange spa treatments or yoga sessions (provided by local therapists) upon request.
What’s the area like around Voreina Gallery Suites?
Imagine a Moroccan medina and you’ll get an idea of the narrow, winding streets of Pyrgos’ old town, which tangle out in a cobbled maze from the mediaeval citadel right at the top. There are no cars, so it’s perfect for wandering and capturing snaps of traditional local life: black-clad women carrying groceries, elderly men playing backgammon in small cafés, and even the occasional donkey.
A 20-minute drive north (double that in high season) takes you to the capital Fira’s shops and buzzing nightlife, and Oia’s souvenir shops and sunset views are 10 minutes from Fira. If you head south, you can drive to Red Beach, famed for its ochre cliffs and translucent, and Akrotiri, the amazing 3,500-year-old site dubbed ‘the Greek Pompeii,’ where you can see a real Minoan villa, walk ancient streets, and admire vivid frescoes.
DETAILS
Address: Epar. Od. Pirgou Kallistis - Profiti Ilia 1, 84701, Santorini, Greece.
Price per night: Starting from €297 per night
Closest transport: Santorini airport is five and a half km away kilometres away – the hotel can arrange your transfer. KTEL buses run between Oia and some of the best-known beaches.
Book now: Click here