Aigialos Hotel

With its flower-filled paths, cobbled stone, and red-painted doors, traditional charm is on display at this intimate 1997-opened hotel, where caldera views are spectacular and sunsets sensational. Authenticity at this former convent has its compromises -- cliff-perched architecture leaves no alternatives to step-staggered levels and winding paths, and this includes the on-foot-only approach (though this is common for Santorini. Just removed from downtown, a calm feeling pervades throughout the quaint 18th-century houses that make up the rooms. 

They center around a courtyard terrace and plunge pool with hot tub, where unusual setups mean no loungers or views here, but climbing ivy and potted geraniums are lovely amid colorful tables and chairs, and vaulted arches feel sequestered. Cycladic architecture here is historic, as are antiques and tapestries filling the lobby, which serves drinks, but isn't a full bar. You'll see the odd family, but hideaway romance here is more for grown-ups, and kids under 6 aren't permitted. Note, the hotel is only open from late-April though October.

The hotel occupies a tucked-away, hilltop spot on a small street at Fira's southern tip. Note, a walk of several minutes is required to approach the entrance. Its slightly off-the-beaten-track location affords tranquility, and Fira's main hub is just eight minutes away on foot. Traditional streets here are packed with bars, restaurants, and boutiques, plus museums. Neolithic and Bronze Age artifacts at the Museum Of Prehistoric Thira are a three-minute walk away, with other exhibits five minutes farther. Fira's central bus station is a five-minute walk, and busses from here run across Santorini, and take 20 minutes for the Red Beach and Perivolos' black sands. Cruise ship and ferry arrivals at the New and Old Ports are a 25-minute walk, or shorter drive. Santorini Airport is 12 minutes away by car.

Individually named and divided by narrow paths and steps, classically styled rooms and suites are spacious and attractive, though some minor wear and tear is visible. Dominating whites come from Cycladic walls and wood furniture, while marble floors have Grecian flair. They have blue or earth-toned fabrics, plus framed photos of classic Greek works. Coco-Mat bedding, phones, desks, flat-screen TVs, tables and chairs, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and minibars come standard, plus fluffy robes, slippers, and safes in wardrobes. Smooth-edged walls enclose grotto-like terraces with Aegean Sea or caldera views, although entry-level room ones are shared. Though small and simple, marble bathrooms with stall showers or shower/tub combos have handheld showerheads (which can take some getting used to), or hammam-like tubs in upgraded categories. All have Greek honey-scented toiletries and hairdryers. Rooms are air-conditioned, and some have living areas with couches.

Caldera, volcano, and sea views are arguably the hotel's strongest feature. They're magnificent from terraces, and turn romantic at night, when the island's whitewashed houses are illuminated for a twinkling effect. Guests fill out breakfast order cards the night before for room delivery, and spreads consist of bread and croissant baskets, made-to-order eggs, cold meats and cheeses, Greek yogurts, and fruit, plus fresh-squeezed juice, tea, and coffee. Breakfasts can also be served on furnished terraces around the courtyard pool. A former wine-press, this space is small, but charming, and climbing plants, stone walls, and flowers here contrast exposed stone around a tiny plunge pool with whirlpool. 

Limited space means no on-site gym or spa, and the tastefully furnished lobby isn't a proper bar, although many are nearby. The Bougainvillea Scarlet Restaurant serves well-regarded modern Greek fare and has a fancy wine list, although the dining room's rustic decor doesn't quite match the menu. The concierge can arrange laundry service and excursions for a fee. No on-site parking is offered, as vehicles cannot approach the property, but travelers with vehicles can park a five-minute walk away for free. Wi-Fi is free throughout.