Galini Hotel Santorini

Hotel Galini's top of the caldera entrance brings relief from traversing steps and wandering aimlessly to find the front door. The Cycladic structure was converted from a private mansion into a boutique hotel in the 1970s and has undergone several rounds of renovations to keep everything modern and fresh. Guests walk down a few steps to the cozy lobby, which has white shiplap walls and a dining room table. A lovely terrace overlooks the caldera and another short flights of steps leads down to a few guest rooms and the villas. The lack of steep steps and easy access make this hotel popular with families, though most of the guests are couples on vacation. Cafe Galini is popular with tourists and locals for its lighter fare and stunning partially open-air dining room that overlooks the caldera. White marble tables, potted plants, and white director's chairs keep everything looking fresh. 

Firostefani is a picturesque caldera village that's north of the busier town of Fira (where the cruise and ferry ports are located). Hotel Galini has the most accessible location in the village, since it's 30 steps from the small drop off parking lot and across the street from the free public parking lot and a bus stop. The bus runs to Fira (about five minutes) and Oia (about 30 minutes). Within a five-minute walk you'll find a sushi lounge, Greek tavernas, souvlaki restaurants, and a handful of souvenir shops. For more shopping and restaurant choices, Fira is a 13-minute walk. Beaches are best reached from Fira's central bus station, although guests often hire quad bikes or cars to explore Red Beach and Black Beach. Santorini Airport is about a 15-minute drive.

There are 12 rooms and two villas at Hotel Galini and each is slightly different in terms of layout. The overall decor look is mostly the same with white walls, dark tile floors, and clean-lined white furniture. Succulents and Greek-inspired art add some interest. Amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, kettles, tea, instant coffee, and a closet with hanging space. Renovated bathrooms are pleasantly tiled and showers are covered with glass. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. The Mini Superior Room is really best for one person (or a very close couple) and it doesn't have a balcony, though the window does overlook the caldera. Remaining units have private or shared furnished balconies, and all overlook the caldera below. The Junior Villa and Family Villa are worth a look, since these come with kitchenettes, living rooms, and gorgeous outdoor terraces with whirlpools and Aegean Sea views. 

Due to the hotel's history as a private mansion on the cliff in Fira, there isn't much room for a lot of features. Many guests might miss a swimming pool and whirlpool, which aren't available here. The best feature is Cafe Galini (open to the public) which consists of a partially open-air dining room that overlooks the caldera. Guests select from one of four free breakfast menus such as Healthy (with granola and fruit) Greek (pastries and feta) or American (with eggs and bacon). Freshly squeezed juice and coffee are also included. Breakfast is served until early afternoon. For lunch and dinner, the menu turns to lighter options like crepes, salads, cheese plates, and eggs Benedict. There's also a full bar. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Porter service is on hand for those arriving with luggage and the nearest parking lot is just across a busy street. Staff is happy to arrange tours, excursions, and transportation.