When it comes to choosing where to base yourself on an island formed by ancient eruptions, it can be difficult to find a place that offers the best of both worlds. On the one hand, you want to be close to the dramatic caldera, enjoy epic views over a beautiful landscape, and be able to enjoy the excellent local cuisine. At the same time, you want to put your feet up and unwind in a more remote location, far away from the busy main streets. Fortunately for visitors looking for this kind of compromise, there is an option right on the edge of the caldera that delivers on both fronts.
This village perched on the most spectacular point of the Caldera offers tranquility and a chance to put your feet up, while still being close enough to the action to enjoy all Santorini has to offer. Surrounded by impressive landscapes and steep drops to the sea below, this special region is the beating heart of Santorini, where local history is etched into the very rocks.
The village of Imerovigli is strategically located on the highest point of the caldera, and offers visitors a chance to enjoy privileged panoramic views over one of the most impressive landscapes on Earth. While neighboring villages are overrun by excursionists during the day, Imerovigli retains a certain air of mystery, with narrow, meandering lanes offering a welcome respite from the busy center of the island. The dramatic Skaros rock formation dominates the horizon as a stark reminder of the region’s troubled past as the main stronghold of the island.
Imerovigli’s strategic location on a rocky outcrop overlooking the caldera has made it a favored residence of locals for centuries. The name Imerovigli itself is derived from the Greek words eniautos and vigla, which roughly translate to ‘yearly watchtower’. This village was once the most important settlement on Santorini, serving as the main defense line against frequent pirate attacks that plagued the island throughout its history. The locals would gather on top of Skaros Rock to keep watch over the horizon for any signs of suspicious activity. Skaros Rock takes on a whole new level of mystique, as it served as the home to the medieval castle of Santorini. This massive fortress complex once housed an entire city complete with homes, churches, and government buildings. In later years, Skaros castle was largely abandoned after a series of devastating earthquakes, with the remaining locals relocating to the safety of Imerovigli.
Nestled within the caldera, Eteoro Suites Hotel enjoys unparalleled views over the unique rock formations of Santorini. This luxury option is part of the prestigious Aestian Hospitality group, and offers visitors a chance to experience the local landscape in all its beauty. Eteoro suites are a labor of love, created by their owners to share their passion for Santorini and its landscape with the world. Taking full advantage of the unique location offered by Imerovigli, Eteoro suites blend rustic local materials with modern amenities to create a one-of-a-kind experience that is both romantic and memorable.
When staying at Eteoro Suites, guests have the option of choosing between a number of different suite types, all of which were carefully crafted to provide an unforgettable stay. For a more adventurous look at the dramatic landscape of Santorini, local guests recommend staying in one of the hotel’s cave suites. These unique accommodations were excavated from natural caves, and provide cool comfort during hot summer nights. Large terraces with panoramic views dominate the interior design, offering stunning views over the caldera with the option of a dip in the private outdoor hot tub. Guests looking to experience Santorini in unparalleled comfort have the option of choosing from a number of larger junior and honeymoon suites. These beautiful accommodations were designed with a large open space in mind, offering breathtaking views of the caldera that stretch out before the guest. For the ultimate privacy and luxury, Eteoro Castle’s private villa is the ultimate choice, offering expansive interiors and a private pool for guests who wish to feel as if they have the island to themselves.
Staying at Eteoro Suites in Imerovigli means having the chance to experience Santorini in a way that few other tourists ever get the chance to. Waking up to a private breakfast on your own balcony is just the beginning. The flexible itinerary allows you to do as you wish, whether it means hiking the short and easy trail to the famous Oia or exploring the many nooks and crannies of Skaros Rock to your heart’s content. When the day ends, you can watch the sunset from your own private balcony, while the busy streets of the main island are left to the excursions.
Imerovigli is the perfect place to base yourself when you want to experience Santorini in a way that few others get the chance to. By staying at Eteroro Suites, you can enjoy the beauty of the caldera and the unmatched landscape of Santorini in unparalleled comfort, with unique accommodations that put you in the heart of nature. Eteoro Castle offers a unique blend of luxury and local culture that is sure to become an unforgettable highlight of your travels on Santorini.
Panagiotis Inglesis is the co-owner and General manager of Athina Luxury Suites, along with his wife Mrs.Artemis Argyrou. Together they had a vision to create one of the best boutique hotels in Santorini and today they continue their vision…Athina Luxury Suites is considered one of the top hotels on the island.