Next to the Laografik Museum, Fira, Greece | (937) 315-4602
Family-run, value property with pretty garden
Set on traffic-free road within walking distance of Fira
center
Clean, simple rooms with air-conditioning and 32-inch flat-screen TVs
Some rooms open to small balconies with sea views
Studio apartments include simple kitchenettes
Continental breakfast is available
Outdoor pool with hydro-massage jets and loungers
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Steep climb into
town and down to beach
Walks to beach take over 30 minutes
Some rooms are
small and decor is a bit traditional
Fee for breakfast
No parking on-site
The 10-room, Galatia Villas is a second-generation family-run value property set in a residential area at the edge of central Fira, Santorini's capital. While there are plenty of restaurants and attractions within walking distance, the steep climb into town might be a challenge for some. Rooms are clean and simple, with flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges plus sea-view balconies in many rooms. The tiny pool is a pleasant place to cool off, and though a continental breakfast is provided, it is not included. Rates are a major bargain here, but Tzekos Villas has rooms right on the edge of the island's famous caldera and a larger pool, though prices are higher.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Family-run hotel with colorful flora throughout
Galatia Villas makes a nice first impression from the moment guests step into its pretty courtyard garden, which bursts with potted palms, scented geraniums, and colorful bougainvillea. Finished in typically pristine whitewashed walls with cracked paving stones and volcanic rock arches, the property exudes a quintessentially Cycladean charm. The hotel has been run by the same family for over 20 years, which contributes to its homey ambience, as do the traditional interiors and decorative touches throughout. Contrary to the name, the property consists of rooms and studio apartments rather than villas, as well as a separate annex that's situated a short walk away. Couples make up the bulk of guests here.
Location
Set in fairly quiet residential area on the outskirts of central Fira
The hotel is located on a quiet and mostly residential pedestrianized road just on the outskirts of central Fira -- Santorini's capital and main tourist hub. The Museum of Folk Art is nearby, while Fira's center and numerous restaurants, shops, and galleries are a five- to 10-minute walk from the hotel. Guests should know that it is a steep climb into town and the caldera beaches will take about 30 minutes to reach on foot. Stunning cliff-top views overlooking the caldera can be reached in about 15 minutes on foot, while Santorini Airport takes around the same time to reach by car. The ferry port takes 20 minutes to reach by car.
Rooms
Simple, clean rooms, some with sea-view balconies or kitchenettes
Rooms in the main building are decorated in a traditional style with carved wood furnishings, natural stone cladding, and splashes of red, while annex rooms have a more modern finish. In the original building, rustic art work hangs on guest room walls and the outdated red velvet bedspreads pop against the white walls and light tile floors. Some rooms have small balconies and sea views, while studio apartments have simple kitchenettes with fridges and microwaves. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and 32-inch flat-screen TVs with some satellite channels and DVD players. Bathrooms are clean, though fairly basic and small, with tiled walls and floors and stand-up showers in the room we visited. While most rooms are fairly quiet, rooms near the kitchen and reception area can be a little noisy. We did spot a bit of rust in the mini-fridge.
Features
Small, shaded pool with hydro-massage jets, breakfast available, and free Wi-Fi
Although there's no restaurant on-site, the hotel does serve a continental breakfast, though it isn't included with bookings. The hotel's pleasant gardens also house a small pool dappled with light and surrounded by a few lounge chairs -- the pool is better for cooling off while using the hydro-massage jets than swimming laps. The annex building also provides a rooftop hot tub for guests' use. Drivers should be aware there's no parking on-site, though there is some public space nearby. Wi-Fi is free throughout. The reception area is only staffed during limited hours, though they can provide assistance with tours and transport bookings. A shuttle service to the ferries is available for a fee.
