Votrishouse

Everything was simply marvellous. The best thing about this house is the people. Their hospitality far surpasses the professional service you’d find in a five-star hotel. Irini, the genuinely warm and friendly hostess, and her children treated us like friends from the very first moment to the very last. She is very caring and attentive; she lives next door, met us at the airport and prepared some delicious food for us. What’s more, the place is spotlessly clean, has a homely atmosphere and is very, very spacious, so you can really live there rather than just staying for a couple of days. There’s a balcony where you can sit the whole day, and a nice backyard with rocking chairs. The sea views are simply stunning — Pyrgos is an exceptional spot on Santorini, and I say this as someone who has been to Santorini seven times. The island’s former capital, a truly authentic and less touristic place, the locals, the view across the entire island and the whole caldera from the top of Pyrgos Castle, all the vineyards around — Votrishouse is right in the middle of them. It’s a 15-minute walk to Santo Wines. It’s a 5-minute drive to the Lidl supermarket. Fira is 10 minutes away, and the beaches are 15–20 minutes away. It’s easier to get around in a hire car, but the bus stop is just a 5-minute walk away. In any case, everything was top-notch. If we return to Santo, we won’t be considering anywhere else.

Wow. Just wow! Votris House became my sanctuary for eight days from the moment I walked through the door. The house: It truly felt like home for my entire stay. Everything I needed (and more) was thoughtfully provided. Irini has an incredible ability to anticipate what holidaymakers might want, down to the smallest details, and I didn’t feel the lack of anything. The little touches throughout the house genuinely elevate the experience. The balcony and large front porch with rocking chairs, along with the gorgeous, airy lounge, quickly became my favourite reading spots. The location: The house is in a wonderfully quiet area — the only sounds I heard were birds. I spent hours on the balcony watching birds, butterflies, and the distant sea. Pyrgos itself is a charming village. While there are the usual busloads of tourists, it’s incredibly easy to escape the crowds once you’re up on the cliffside, wandering the stairs and exploring the hidden alleys. Irini, the host: Saving the very best for last. Irini is not your average host. I’ve travelled extensively and stayed in hotels, houses, and B&Bs around the world, but I have never experienced the level of genuine warmth and care that Irini offers. Even though I don’t speak Greek (beyond “Yamas!”), we communicated easily — in person and via WhatsApp — with the help of Google Translate and Irini’s excellent English. She kindly picked me up from and dropped me off at the airport. When I had to change my plans one day because I wasn’t feeling well, her response was immediate: “Anything you need, call me!!! Even at night!” She even checked in on me the next day to make sure I was okay. I am already looking into coming back later this year. Votris House — and Irini — are truly something special. Addendum: I can’t believe I forgot to mention the wonderful welcome pack waiting for me on arrival. Irini had left a bottle of wine, a large carton of juice, a bowl of fresh fruit — and most memorably, warm homemade spanakopita.

Having to leave!

Lovely, quiet location. This accommodation is very comfortable and has everything you need for a short or long stay. The owner went out of her way to pick us up from the ferry and drop us at the airport. She also left us some regional specialties including home made pie.

La position de l'hébergement, à Pyrgos, au centre de l'île, et à moins de 15 minutes de tout. La gentillesse, et les petites attentions de nos hôtes, avec un au revoir matinal très apprécié de notre part. Nous avons pu prendre possession de l'hébergement plus tôt que ce qui était convenu. Le calme et la tranquilité du quartier, ce qui peut-être apprécié à Santorin. La facilité de parking, très appréciable. La petite terrasse pour profiter du soleil du matin au soir.

Vraiment rien