Agali Houses, Santorini

4.7 (22 reviews) · Upscale
Cliffside boutique retreat with Cycladic-style architecture, caldera views, rooftop pool and bar, and private balconies

Overview

Adult-centric Agali Houses is a quiet complex of traditional white buildings dramatically perched on the cliffs overlooking the Santorini caldera and the Aegean Sea in Firostefani village, a 10-15-minute walk from Fira. The hotel's rooms are bright, following the Cycladic aesthetic popular on the island, with white and exposed stone walls, turquoise accents, and balconies or terraces offering sweeping views, some with private pools or Jacuzzis. Amenities include a central unheated rooftop pool with a pool bar and the Agali Café, serving meals with views of the sea.

Kimkim's Take

Pros
  • Past kimkim guests rave about the caldera and sea views from their units' balcony or terrace and the rooftop pool.
  • The property resides in Firostefani, a quieter village just north of buzzier Fira.
  • Guests will appreciate the property's traditional Cycladic style, which includes arched doorways, white and exposed stone interior walls, and turquoise accent pillows and throws.
  • The rooftop pool, surrounded by a glass wall, offers a relaxing spot with ocean views and a convenient pool bar.
  • Rooms feature private balconies or terraces, some outfitted with a Jacuzzi or private pool.
  • Agali Café is the on-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and snacks from 8 am to 6 pm, with a view of the caldera.
Cons
  • Accessing the hotel requires navigating about 100 steps down from street level, which is helpful only to those who are able and appreciate exercise.
  • The open-plan bathrooms in some rooms don't offer much privacy and may pose an issue for more modest travelers.

Authenticity

Agali Houses mimics a traditional Greek island village thanks to the owner, Chrysanthos Sigalas' love for the island. His complex of Cycladic-style homes are arched roofed and painted white, with some interior walls exposing stone, typical of Santorini and the Cyclades. Built in 1990 and recently renovated, the hotel combines traditional elements and local materials, including hand-laid mosaic floors (by the owner himself) and volcanic stone, with modern flourishes. Natural fiber and turquoise accents further reflect the Greek island aesthetic. 

Location

Perched on a cliff facing the caldera and the Aegean Sea in Firostefani, Agali Houses is a 10-15-minute walk north of Fira, including the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, where guests have to descend about 100 steps to access the hotel. Other attractions like the picturesque Three Bells of Fira and its viewpoint, and Firostefani's central square are all within a 1-5-minute walk, while the nearest beaches are a 10-minute drive away. The area is quiet yet conveniently close to shopping, restaurants, and bars.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Rooms at Agali Houses are bright and modern, infused with Cycladic charm that combines whitewashed walls, natural wood accents, and splashes of turquoise in the textiles. Guests can find tile or marble floors, comfortable beds with premium bedding, and air-conditioning. Bathrooms vary in layout but generally offer minimal privacy with glass partitions and open-plan designs. Positioned cliff-side, all units offer caldera and sea views from private balconies or terraces. Room categories range from more modest guest rooms to signature suites. For more room and a personal plunge pool, upgrade to a Sunset Suite. 

Amenities

Agali Houses stands out with its large rooftop pool (while unheated,  it's likely not an issue in Greece), lined with regular and bed-sized sun loungers, and serviced by a poolside bar that overlooks the caldera. Agali Café, the on-site restaurant and bar, serves breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks. The setting faces the ocean, and travelers have two outdoor patios and an indoor dining area to choose from. The breakfast buffet (available for a cost) is served from 8 am to 11 am. Past travelers said there could be more choices for breakfast, with more plant-based and gluten-free options.

The hotel's layout, with its many stairs, adds to the property's cliffside appeal but will certainly pose challenges for those with limited mobility.

Family-Friendliness

The hotel is more suited for couples and may not be ideal for families with children due to the many stairs and lack of kid-specific amenities. However, families may find the Mill Suite or Two-Bedroom Suite suitable, as they offer more space and a living room and sleep up to four guests.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +30 2286022811
Hotel address icon Main Street
View on Expedia Open in Google Maps Hotel website
Free parking

Traveler Reviews

22 total ratings, 18 with reviews
4.7
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.9
Location
4.9
Staff
4.8
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.9
J
Jean I.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jul 07, 2025
Travelers need to be aware of the stairs involved in getting to and from the rooms the hotel entrance . There were 185 steps from our room to the street level. These are not normal stair heights-they are high stair levels that are uneven. We are an active and fit family yet the stairs, especially in the heat, were not ideal. which dampened the experience of this nice hotel. Strangely, the showers did not have shower curtains so a person is showering in normal shower and the water runs down... Read more

Travelers need to be aware of the stairs involved in getting to and from the rooms the hotel entrance . There were 185 steps from our room to the street level. These are not normal stair heights-they are high stair levels that are uneven. We are an active and fit family yet the stairs, especially in the heat, were not ideal. which dampened the experience of this nice hotel. Strangely, the showers did not have shower curtains so a person is showering in normal shower and the water runs down the drain in the center of the bathroom, making it a slippery danger zone.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were large, clean with a nice balcony and outside patio set.
Stayed in July 2025
C
Colm K.
Verona, WI | Reviewed on May 29, 2025
Fantastic views, lovely people and great location. The only issue could be the stairs - there are a lot of stairs to walk steeply up each time you leave the hotel. It's the price to pay for magnificent views of the caldera. Read more

Fantastic views, lovely people and great location. The only issue could be the stairs - there are a lot of stairs to walk steeply up each time you leave the hotel. It's the price to pay for magnificent views of the caldera.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in May 2025
Tracy
Tracy W.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Nov 02, 2024
Beautiful views from our balcony. Excellent breakfast as well Read more

Beautiful views from our balcony. Excellent breakfast as well

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in October 2024
Terri
Terri B.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Oct 22, 2024
The absolute most beautiful hotel that I ever stayed in. Read more

The absolute most beautiful hotel that I ever stayed in.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in October 2024
R
Rebecca S.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Oct 21, 2024
Beautiful rooms. Modern vibe with the crisp white and light wood accents. Breakfast in the morning was delicious, pool was amazing and Chris at the poolside bar was fun, kind and always made sure we had what we needed! 120 stairs will help keep you in shape! Take your time and enjoy the view on your way up and on your way down as it is amazing! Read more

Beautiful rooms. Modern vibe with the crisp white and light wood accents. Breakfast in the morning was delicious, pool was amazing and Chris at the poolside bar was fun, kind and always made sure we had what we needed! 120 stairs will help keep you in shape! Take your time and enjoy the view on your way up and on your way down as it is amazing!

Authenticity & Character
Blended in with the white outside of all the buildings and the bright blue domes and colorful doors and shutters. What you see in pictures is what you see in real life!
Location
Quiet and located near shopping and a taxi ride to wherever you wanted to go and if you enjoy walking or hiking, this is a great place to be!
Staff
From registration to the brothers yhat carried our luggage up and down to and from our rooms to breakfast and poolside everyone was happy, smiling, shaing their culture to give us the best experience! Well done!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean, comfortable rooms, entire area including breakfast area and pool all well kept even with all the people traffic!
Stayed in October 2024
Sandra
Sandra K.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Oct 19, 2024
The room was so modern and beautiful and had a large patio overlooking the other islands and caldera. The hotel/rooms were built on the side of the cliff so there were many steps. The pool had a beautiful view and there was a bar where you could also order lunch type meals. Food/drinks were great and Chris, the bartender, provided excellent service. Breakfast was also included and very good. Read more

The room was so modern and beautiful and had a large patio overlooking the other islands and caldera. The hotel/rooms were built on the side of the cliff so there were many steps. The pool had a beautiful view and there was a bar where you could also order lunch type meals. Food/drinks were great and Chris, the bartender, provided excellent service. Breakfast was also included and very good.

Authenticity & Character
The amazing view and sunsets
Location
at the top of the cliff, there were many nice restaurants and shops. The steps from our room to the top of the cliff were many and difficult for us due to our age. If you took your time and rested when needed, it was manageable and worth staying there.
Staff
The staff was so accomodating and, thankfully, carried our suitcases down to our room and up the steps when leaving.
Cleanliness & Comfort
everything was spotless. Bed was very comfortable.
Stayed in October 2024
Betsy
Betsy S.
Edgewater, FL | Reviewed on Oct 05, 2024
This would be an easy 5star but just too many steps. It is so beautiful and the view from our room maybe the best I have ever seen. From the main street where the restaurants are down to the entrance - is 80 steps. Once you enter the hotel, it’s all on a slope (stunning architecture) so it was another 80 steps to our actual room. It was close to pool which was lovely!! I am in good shape but with my asthma, I didn’t look forward to going back out at night for dinner. The hotel does not... Read more

This would be an easy 5star but just too many steps. It is so beautiful and the view from our room maybe the best I have ever seen. From the main street where the restaurants are down to the entrance - is 80 steps. Once you enter the hotel, it’s all on a slope (stunning architecture) so it was another 80 steps to our actual room. It was close to pool which was lovely!! I am in good shape but with my asthma, I didn’t look forward to going back out at night for dinner. The hotel does not serve food after 4pm. But the food, service, personnel here are top notch!!

Authenticity & Character
Architecture is beautiful, combination of old details with modern. The room had plenty of space, modern, good bed, it had a private covered patio with table chairs, loungers, and extended patio.
Location
Plenty of restaurants close by at the top of the hill, small 7-11 type place if you need, good location on the island
Staff
So accommodating! Available to help, answer any questions, gave us pertinent information upon check in!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in September 2024
Jeremy
Jeremy L.
Canada | Reviewed on Oct 01, 2024
We were a little surprised by the number of steps down to the hotel, but the views from it were spectacular, with very nice outdoor spaces and friendly, accommodating staff. Special thanks and kudos to the porters who lugged our cases up and down the steps! Read more

We were a little surprised by the number of steps down to the hotel, but the views from it were spectacular, with very nice outdoor spaces and friendly, accommodating staff. Special thanks and kudos to the porters who lugged our cases up and down the steps!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Spectacular views
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in September 2024
B
Brannon G.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Aug 20, 2024
Amazing views and the rooms were unique and different from each other. Very kind staff for breakfast and centrally located to be able to walk to many restaurants and a 25 minute ride to each tip of the island. Read more

Amazing views and the rooms were unique and different from each other. Very kind staff for breakfast and centrally located to be able to walk to many restaurants and a 25 minute ride to each tip of the island.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in August 2024
Stephanie
Stephanie G.
Lisle, IL | Reviewed on Jun 01, 2024
Beautiful hotel in a perfect location- away from the hustle of Fira and Oia but close enough to walk to both. Staff was phenomenal and accommodating! Read more

Beautiful hotel in a perfect location- away from the hustle of Fira and Oia but close enough to walk to both. Staff was phenomenal and accommodating!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in May 2024

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +30 2286022811
Hotel address icon Main Street
View on Expedia Open in Google Maps Hotel website
Free parking