Historical Villa Santa Croce — Hotel in Municipality of Thira

Staying at the Historical Villa Santa Croce in Pyrgos was honestly magical. From the moment I arrived, I could feel the history and charm of the place. The villa itself has a beautiful minimalistic, rustic architecture that perfectly blends with the peaceful surroundings. The location is ideal, full of character, with stunning views, yet still close to everything you might want to explore on the island.

Pyrgos completely stole my heart. It’s one of the only hillside towns in Santorini where locals still live, and you can really feel that authenticity in the atmosphere. The small streets, cozy restaurants, and hidden historical spots make it such a special place to wander around.

The house staff were also incredibly friendly and helpful! they truly went above and beyond and made the stay ten times better.

As a chef, these experiences were incredibly valuable to me. From discovering the town’s traditional cuisine through its local restaurants to actually learning and cooking those dishes in a beautiful, traditional Greek kitchen, it was an unforgettable culinary journey. The wood oven and fresh ingredients from the market brought out flavors I’ll never forget: simple, pure, and absolutely delicious.

Evenings on the rooftop terrace were pure magic. Time just seems to slow down as you watch the sun set over the island.

If you’re looking for something truly authentic and memorable in Santorini, I can’t recommend the Historical Villa Santa Croce enough. It’s a rare gem, full of beauty, history, and heart. And if you’re looking for a peaceful, relaxed time, I’d recommend visiting in early September, when the tourist season is slowing down and the towns are...

From the moment we arrived at Villa Santa Croce, we knew we had discovered something truly special. Nestled in one of Santorini’s most picturesque corners, this heritage villa perfectly blends timeless elegance with modern comfort. The architecture and interior design pay homage to the island’s history, with carefully preserved details that reflect authentic Cycladic charm — think stone walls, arched ceilings, and handcrafted touches throughout. Yet, every modern amenity was thoughtfully integrated, from the luxurious bedding to the kitchen with a real wood oven and spa-like bathrooms. What made our stay unforgettable was the peace and privacy. The villa feels like a secluded sanctuary, yet it's conveniently located near great restaurants, local shops, and the famous Santorini views. Mornings on the terrace with a coffee and evenings watching the sun set into the caldera were simply magical. Special mention to the host, who went above and beyond to make our stay exceptional — offering helpful local recommendations and ensuring everything ran smoothly. We left feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and already...

We absolutely loved our stay at this villa in Pyrgos! The house is a real gem, it has kept its original Greek architecture, so you feel immersed in Greece every second you’re there. At the same time, it’s super comfortable and luxurious, with a pool, jacuzzi, two kitchens, a terrace, and even a bathtub with a stunning view over the island.

Our host told us the story of the villa. It once belonged to a wealthy local family and was carefully rebuilt following the neighbours’ memories of how it used to be. That made the experience feel truly special and authentic.

We also got to cook with the traditional green stone oven. The flavours were unforgettable! Every morning, we’d have breakfast on the terrace, eating spanakopita from the bakery next door while admiring the breathtaking view of Santorini.

Pyrgos itself is such a charming, traditional village, full of cozy cafés, real Greek restaurants, and picturesque little streets. It’s calm, authentic, and only a short 7 minute drive from the beach. It was a truly Greek experience we’ll...