Pyrgos perched high, caldera below, far from the bustle of Fira and Oia.
Elessa Hotel
From
428.4 €
“Infinity pool facing the volcano, accessible 24/7, teak sun loungers and linen cushions.”
L'Elessa Hotel clings to the flank of Pyrgos, Santorini's highest village, five minutes from the Venetian fortress. We bed down in suites carved into volcanic rock, limewashed walls, barrel vaults, floors in polished lava stone. The infinity pool overlooks the caldera without overlooking views, water heated year-round, integrated aquatic bar. The spa offers massages with local olive oils, hammam hewn from stone, cabins with views of Nea Kameni. From 428 € per night, Greek breakfast served on private terrace included. Service is attentive without being intrusive, free airport shuttle on request. We recommend for a three- to five-night stay, avoiding July-August if possible ✨
Who is it for?
Who we recommend it to
We recommend L'Elessa to couples in their thirties and up, honeymoons, anniversaries, romantic retreats off-season. It's an address for those seeking Santorini without the cruise ships, ready to rent a car to explore the island. Families with children under twelve will find the place too quiet, no beach in the immediate vicinity.
The building
Architecture and interiors
The hotel occupies a series of restored Cycladic houses from 2018, clinging to the north-east slope of Pyrgos. Traditional troglodyte architecture: barrel vaults, 80 cm-thick walls, white lime renewed every spring. Minimalist interiors, bespoke driftwood furniture, bathrooms in grey tadelakt. Fifteen suites spread over three levels, all different, between 35 and 65 m².
At the table
Restaurants, bar, service
The hotel restaurant serves contemporary Cycladic cuisine, produce from Vlychada fishermen and valley market gardeners. Greek breakfast included: thyme honey yoghurt, loukoumades, Santorini cherry tomato omelette. Dinner by reservation only, six-course tasting menu, volcanic wine pairings Assyrtiko and Vinsanto. The pool bar offers mezze and cocktails until midnight.
Highlights
- Booking score 9.8/10 from 416 reviews, in the top 3% of Santorini hotels
- Troglodyte suites with private terrace, outdoor jacuzzi, direct caldera view
- Heated infinity pool open 24/7, integrated aquatic bar
- Spa with rock-hewn hammam, massages with Cycladic olive oils
- Pyrgos village: 400 residents, Venetian fortress, three family tavernas
Location & access
Where the hotel sits in Santorini
Pyrgos stands 7 km south-east of Fira, Santorini's capital, the island's highest village at 350 m altitude. Venetian fortress at the top, cobbled lanes, three traditional tavernas, one bakery. Perissa beach fifteen minutes by car, airport ten minutes, Athinios port twenty. The village remains authentic, few tourist shops, quiet after 10pm.
Good to know
Before you book
- Airport shuttle
- Free, on request, 24/7, booking 48 hours in advance recommended.
- Parking
- Free private, limited spaces, valet available, car rental advised.
- Pool
- Heated, open 24/7 year-round, aquatic bar 10am-midnight.
- Spa
- Open 10am-8pm, booking essential, massages 60-90 min from 80 €.
- Children
- Accepted from 12 years, no specific facilities, adult ambience privileged.
- Pets
- Not accepted.
Facilities
1 pool
Non-smoking rooms
Airport shuttle
Spa and wellness centre
Room service
Restaurant
Private parking
Free parking
Free Wi-Fi
Family rooms
Location
Where Elessa Hotel is located
Exact address
Elessa Hotel
Address
Pyrgos Kallistis
In the same city
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