Katikies Chromata

High above the sea, at the highest point of Santorini’s volcanic caldera, Chromata would be remarkable enough for the view alone. Some of Santorini’s hotels attempt to compete with this natural spectacle, perhaps not realizing that any attempts at arresting interior design would be overshadowed by the natural beauty of the place.

This is not the case here, however. Chromata draws all of its color in from the outside, its rooms and suites a blank white canvas, or a frame for the deep blue of the sea just outside. Clean-lined modern furnishings recede into the background, and the bathrooms, however indulgent, are as sleek as can be.

The pool is as stunning as you can imagine, offering swimmers and sunbathers unparalleled views of the caldera from Chromata’s vertiginous cliffside perch. A poolside restaurant is open for lunch and dinner; for an extra-intimate dinner, request a private, candlelit table.

As for sightseeing, if you can tear yourself away from the caldera view, the village of Imerovigli is just steps from the hotel, and the capital city of Fira is a ten-minute drive away. One practical note on the location: Chromata’s cliffside situation means that for safety reasons, families with children under thirteen will have to look elsewhere.

Please note: Chromata is open seasonally, April through October.

How to get there: Santorini (Thira) can be easily reached by plane or ferry. Flight time from Athens is approximately 45 minutes. Ferries from Athens' Pireaus port to Thira take approximately 5 hours.