Santorini had always been one of those places I had imagined for a very long time. When my husband and I got married five years ago, I had planned to visit it for our honeymoon, but COVID meant those plans never happened. What stayed with me from that time was how accommodating the hotel was — they provided my husband with vouchers, which we eventually used a couple of years later when we finally made the trip happen.

By the time we arrived at Tholos Resort in Imerovigli, it already felt like more than just another hotel stay. And after experiencing Oia first, this part of Santorini felt like exactly what we needed — the same beauty, but with space to actually enjoy it. We stayed here for three nights, across two different room types, and what unfolded was a quieter, more refined version of Santorini that felt just as special, if not more.

Before you book, make sure you also check our Complete Bali guide for your trip and before you plan your trip – Follow this 5-day Bali itinerary for first-time visitors or the Ultimate Bali Itinerary.

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Quick Hotel Snapshot

• Hotel: Tholos Resort
• Location: Imerovigli, Santorini
• Rooms stayed: Deluxe Suite with Hammam and Outdoor Jacuzzi; Tholos Villa with indoor and outdoor pool
• Length of stay: 3 nights
• Style: Cliffside caldera-view hotel
• Best for: Couples, romantic stays, quieter Santorini trips, caldera views
• Atmosphere: Scenic, calm, intimate and romantic
• My verdict: A beautiful Santorini stay if you want caldera views, balcony breakfast, quieter surroundings and a more relaxed alternative to Oia.

Imerovigli gave us the quieter side of Santorini, and after Oia, that contrast felt beautiful. Oia is iconic and unforgettable, but it can also be very crowded, especially around sunrise, sunset and the blue dome viewpoints. Imerovigli still gives you the whitewashed Santorini beauty and dramatic caldera views, but with a softer and more peaceful feeling.

Tholos Resort is set on the cliffside, so the views are a major part of the stay. You are surrounded by that classic Santorini landscape: white buildings, blue and white churches, walking paths, volcanic cliffs and the caldera stretching out in front of you. There were lovely walking tracks nearby, and this made the stay feel more connected to the island. It was not just about sitting at the hotel; you could step out and walk through those beautiful whitewashed surroundings, past churches and viewpoints, without feeling like you were constantly fighting crowds.

First Impressions: Calm, Whitewashed and Romantic

The first thing I noticed at Tholos Resort was how much calmer it felt compared with Oia. It still looked and felt like Santorini, but the energy was different. It felt more open, more relaxed and more liveable. The hotel had that cliffside Santorini charm, with whitewashed architecture, layered terraces and views that made you want to pause. It was romantic without feeling overly staged, and that is what I liked about it.

After the intensity of Oia, Tholos felt like the place where we could properly slow down.

Our Rooms: Deluxe Suite vs Tholos Villa

One of the most useful things about our stay is that we experienced two different room types, which gave us a much better sense of what to book.

For the first two nights, we stayed in the Deluxe Suite with Hammam and Outdoor Jacuzzi. This room felt romantic and wellness-focused, with the hammam and jacuzzi adding a special touch to the stay. It is the kind of room I would recommend if you want a beautiful Santorini experience with comfort, privacy and a little indulgence, without going all the way to the villa category.

For the final night, we stayed in Tholos Villa, which had both an indoor and outdoor pool. This felt like the upgrade experience. Having both indoor and outdoor water spaces gave the room a more luxurious and flexible feel, especially in Santorini where privacy, weather and exposure can really affect how much you enjoy a pool or jacuzzi.

If budget allows, Tholos Villa is the room that feels more special. If you want something romantic and still elevated, the Deluxe Suite with Hammam and Outdoor Jacuzzi is also a strong choice.

Breakfast on the Balcony: A Santorini Moment

One of the loveliest parts of Tholos Resort was how breakfast was served. Instead of going to a restaurant, breakfast was brought to our balcony, so we could enjoy it privately with the caldera views.

This made the mornings feel so special. There is something very Santorini about waking up, stepping outside and having breakfast with the whitewashed cliffs and water in front of you. It felt slow, romantic and exactly the kind of experience you hope for when booking a caldera hotel.

Because I am vegetarian and cannot have gluten, I always pay attention to breakfast when we travel. I would still recommend confirming dietary needs with the hotel before arrival, especially around bread, pastries, flour and cross-contamination, but the balcony breakfast experience itself was one of the standout parts of the stay.

Best Things to Do Near Tholos Resort

One of the best parts of staying in Imerovigli is that you are close to some of the most scenic walking areas in Santorini. The nearby paths, churches and whitewashed streets make even a simple walk feel beautiful.

Skaros Rock is one of the best-known spots near Imerovigli and is worth visiting if you want dramatic views and a more active walk.

The Fira to Oia walking trail also passes through the area, making Imerovigli a wonderful base if you like scenic walks and caldera views.

You can also head into Fira for more restaurants, shops and activity, or visit Oia when you want the iconic village experience. But honestly, one of the best things to do at Tholos is to slow down, enjoy the balcony, have breakfast with the view and let the hotel become part of the Santorini experience.

Oia vs Imerovigli: My Ideal Santorini Stay Strategy

This is the biggest lesson I took from our Santorini stay: stay in Oia for the dream, stay in Imerovigli for the calm.

Oia gives you the postcard version of Santorini. It has the blue domes, narrow lanes, caldera views, sunset crowds and that famous cliffside beauty everyone imagines before visiting. It is iconic, and I do think it is worth experiencing, especially for a first trip.

Imerovigli gives you the more peaceful version of Santorini. It still has incredible caldera views, whitewashed architecture and beautiful walking paths, but it feels calmer and easier to enjoy for longer.

For us, this split worked beautifully. Sophia Oia View gave us the iconic Oia experience with blue dome views, privacy and a plunge pool. Tholos Resort gave us the slower Santorini experience with balcony breakfasts, walking tracks, caldera views and a more relaxed cliffside stay.

If time and budget allow, I would absolutely recommend splitting your Santorini stay between Oia and Imerovigli. It gives you both sides of the island without forcing one place to do everything.

Who This Stay Is For

Tholos Resort works beautifully for couples and travellers who want Santorini to feel refined rather than overwhelming. It is particularly suited to those who value views, privacy and a slower pace over being in the centre of activity. If you are planning a split stay between Oia and another area, Imerovigli is one of the best choices you can make.

What I Loved Most

What I loved most was how well the hotel supported the Athens part of our trip. The rooftop gave the stay its emotional highlight, the location kept our days simple, and the overall comfort made it easy to start Greece without feeling rushed or scattered. It was not just about having a room in Athens. It was about staying somewhere that made the city easier and more beautiful at the same time.

What to Be Mindful Of

Tholos Resort may not suit travellers who want a flat, easy-access hotel with minimal stairs. Because it is built into the cliffside, the steps are part of the experience, and they can be tiring with luggage. It may also not suit travellers who want to be surrounded by nightlife, shops and restaurants right outside the door. Imerovigli is quieter than Oia and Fira, which is exactly why it is beautiful, but it may feel too calm for people wanting a busier atmosphere.

If you want the most famous Santorini location, Oia may be better. If you want a calmer, more relaxing caldera stay, Tholos is a strong choice.

Booking Tholos Resort

Booking Tholos Resort. If I were booking Tholos Resort again, I would choose the room category very carefully. In Santorini, the room matters a lot because views, privacy, pools and terrace layouts can completely change the stay.

Why I would book it again: Tholos Resort gave us a peaceful Santorini stay with beautiful views, balcony breakfast, romantic rooms and a calmer Imerovigli atmosphere.

Best room type to consider: The Deluxe Suite with Hammam and Outdoor Jacuzzi is a lovely romantic choice, while Tholos Villa is the upgrade if you want both indoor and outdoor pool options.

Best for: Couples, romantic stays, quiet luxury, caldera views and travellers splitting their Santorini stay between Oia and Imerovigli.

Be mindful of: The hotel is on a cliff, so there are many stairs. Pack thoughtfully, ask for luggage assistance and consider mobility before booking.

My verdict: I would stay here again. Tholos Resort gave us the peaceful side of Santorini, and when paired with an Oia stay, it made the island feel much more complete.

Still exploring options? Read our complete Where to Stay in Bali guide.

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