The caldera without the crowds

Akrotiri, Santorini's quieter side

Astarte Suites is perched on the caldera cliffs of Akrotiri, Santorini, on the island's peaceful southwestern side. Here, the view is every bit as dramatic, sea, caldera, volcano, and sky, but the atmosphere is calmer, more private, and more spacious than in the island's busiest villages.

For guests who love Santorini's beauty but not its intensity, Akrotiri offers a different way to stay. The pace is slower, the surroundings feel more open, and the experience is shaped by stillness rather than noise. It is the side of the island that feels more hidden, more intimate, and in many ways, more romantic.

At the same time, Akrotiri connects you to some of Santorini's most distinctive landmarks. The prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri, often described as the Pompeii of the Aegean, adds depth and history to the landscape. Red Beach is within easy reach, and the Akrotiri Lighthouse remains one of the island's most unforgettable places to watch the sunset without the crowds gathered elsewhere.

Staying here means choosing the caldera with perspective. The same iconic beauty, but with more room to breathe.

DISTANCE & ACCESS

Astarte Suites is conveniently located for guests arriving by plane or ferry, while still feeling beautifully removed from the island's busiest points. Santorini Airport and Athinios Port are both within a comfortable drive, while Fira is easy to reach for an evening out. Oia is further away, but ideal for a day visit rather than a place you need to stay in to enjoy Santorini fully.

Akrotiri gives you access without overexposure. You can explore the island when you want to, then return to calm.

CONCIERGE TIPS

Start with the Akrotiri Lighthouse for sunset, especially if you want the drama of the caldera without the crowds. Visit the Akrotiri archaeological site early in the day, when the atmosphere feels quieter and the history lands more deeply. Take time to explore the island's south side, where beaches, wineries, and small local spots reveal a different Santorini from the one most visitors know. And when the island begins to feel busy, return to your terrace, your pool, or the infinity pool, the view is still here, waiting in silence.

a white building on a rocky cliff with Santorini in the background

Discover the best beaches

Best beaches

Red beach is perfect to see and take some nice photos, but is rocky. Therefore, for swimming would suggest Perissa and Perivolos beach, which are organized with plenty beach bars with umbrellas & sunbeds. If you don't mind rocky beach and looking for a quite not fancy place to swim, try Mesa Pigadia beach. Road to Mesa Pigadia is a bit bumpy so drive slow and you will be fine.

Places to eat

Places to eat

Having amazing caldera view and menu based on authentic Greek cuisine and seafood is Alali restaurant inside Astarte Suites Hotel. Reservation is required for the Cliffside tables.

Psaraki tavern located at Vlychada beach is ideal for fresh fish & seafood.

Fratzeskos tavern located at Perissa beach also serves seafood and fresh fish.

Mesa pigadia tavern is a family run tavern located in front of Mesa Pigadia beach. Great prices for seafood, and home cooked Greek food.

Wineries to visit

Gavalas winery in Megalochori.
Go for the wines & service, not for the views. Service is 10/10 at this family run winery, where people working there will spend time to explain you everything about Santorini wine plus the wines are top notch.

Other Activities

Activities

Catamaran cruise is one of the best activities with duration 5hours and passengers do several stops for swimming at less accessible parts of the island such as White beach and the Hotsprings.

You may also rent a private small speedboat (no license is required) to explore the island on your own.

Horseback riding (important note that we are suggesting horses not donkeys)

Museums

Akrotiri excavations are located in Akrotiri village near the Red beach. It's a museum covered with rooftop so weather conditions don't affect your visit. Definitely hire a guide, most of the times are located near the entrance. Entrance Fee 20EUR - Open all days except Tuesdays.

The world famous island of Santorini is the most southern island of the Cycladic group in the Aegean Sea, and is located 63 nautical miles north of Crete. Its surface area is 73 sq. km. and its population, distributed among thirteen villages, just exceeds thirteen thousand six hundred people, according to the census of 2001.