Greece - Korina Miller [343]
Hotel Sofia ( 22860 22802; Firostefani; s/d €60/75; ) These fresh, comfy rooms at the heart of Firostefani are a pleasant alternative to the bustle of Fira. Fira’s centre is about 1.5km south, along a lovely caldera-edge walkway. Breakfast is €8.
Maria’s Rooms ( 22860 25143, 6973254461; Agiou Mina; d €70; ) A handful of charming rooms open onto a shared terrace that has unbeatable caldera and sunset views. Rooms are small but immaculate, and blissfully peaceful.
MIDRANGE
Apartments Gaby ( 22860 22057; Nomikou; d €65-95, tr €110, apt €120; ) The rooms on the series of roof terraces at this excellent place guarantee sunset views, and there’s a quiet and reassuring local feel that transcends Fira’s surface gloss. Gaby is just beyond the Petros M Nomikos Conference Centre on the caldera-edge path where it reaches Firostefani.
Loizos Apartments ( 22860 24046; www.loizos.gr; s €75, d €85-95, tr/apt €110/140; ) Recently refurbished and with friendly, professional service, Loizos is one of the best places in Fira. It’s in a quiet cul-de-sac, yet has the advantage of vehicular access and is only minutes from the centre of town and the caldera edge. Rooms range from standard to deluxe and all are bright, clean and comfortable. Those on the front upper floor have a panoramic view towards Kamari and the sea. Breakfast is €7. The same owners have cheaper accommodation (single/double €55/65) at Messaria, 2.5km southeast of Fira.
Hotel Keti ( 22860 22324; www.hotelketi.gr; Agiou Mina; d €90-120, tr/ste €117/140; ) Recently refurbished, Hotel Keti is one of the smaller ‘sunset view’ hotels in a peaceful caldera niche. Its attractive traditional rooms are carved into the cliffs. Half of the rooms have Jacuzzis.
Aroma Suites ( 22860 24112; www.aromasuites.gr; Agiou Mina; s €120, d €140-160; ) In an excellent location at the quieter end of the caldera edge, and more accessible than similar places, this boutique hotel has charming service to match its overall ambience. Stylish, modern facilities enhance traditional caldera interiors, such as in the honeymoon suite: a classic Fira cave chamber, complete with Jacuzzi.
Also recommended:
Pelican Hotel ( 22860 23113; www.pelican.gr; Danezi; s/d/tr incl breakfast €70/80/100; ) There’s no caldera view, but rooms are comfy and well appointed at this longstanding hotel only metres from the centre of town.
Nonis ( 22860 24112; s/d €120/140) Run by the owners of Aroma Suites, Noni’s has similar rooms with terrace Jacuzzi and superb caldera views.
TOP END
Hotel Atlantis ( 22860 22232; www.atlantishotel.gr; Mitropoleos; s/d incl breakfast €195-300; ) The Atlantis is a handsome old building that overlooks the southern end of Ypapantis with dignity. It’s full of cool, relaxing lounges and terraces, and the bright and airy bedrooms in the front have caldera views. The price range indicates views and window or balcony options.
Mill Houses ( 22860 27117; www.millhouses.gr; Firostefani; ste incl breakfast €210-410; ) Located on the side of the caldera at Firostefani, these superb studios and suites are full of light and Cycladic colour. The creative decor and stylish furnishings go with first-class facilities and service. A sunset view is inevitable.
Porto Fira Suites ( 22860 22849; www.portofira.gr; Agiou Mina; 2-/3-/4-person ste incl breakfast €274/336/376; ) This top-rated Fira hotel merges tradition with luxury and modern conveniences. Rooms are individually furnished and have huge stone-based beds and Jacuzzis. There’s a cafe-bar and restaurant and breakfasts are lush affairs.
Strass Residences ( 22860 33765; www.thestrass.com; Firostefani; ste incl breakfast €280-420; ) They even manage palm trees round the pool at this exclusive little enclave of three luxury studios, all in glorious white. It feels as if the rest of the world is miles away, but Fira is just down the road.
Eating
Tourist-trap eateries, often with overpriced, indifferent food, are still an unfortunate feature of summertime Fira. In some places singles, and even families with young children, may find themselves unwelcome