Above Blue Suites

Above Blue Suites sits on the Caldera rim in Imerovigli, the highest residential point along Santorini's volcanic cliffs, approximately 300 metres above the Aegean Sea. The property comprises ten individually designed cave suites and one private villa, all oriented toward an unobstructed 180-degree sweep of the volcanic crater and open water. It is part of the Aqua Vista Hotels group, which operates several properties on the island.

Imerovigli occupies the highest ridge of the Caldera arc, positioned between Fira to the south and Oia to the north. This placement means guests at Above Blue Suites are above the bulk of the island's tourist foot traffic while remaining connected to both ends of the caldera path. The village itself is quieter than Fira and less commercially developed than Oia, which makes it a practical base for travelers who want proximity to the island's main sights without being in the middle of them.

The hotel holds a Google rating of 4.6 from 269 reviews, and social media coverage consistently highlights the staff, the views, and the quality of the in-suite experience. Bookings and availability can be checked directly through the property's website at abovebluesuites.com, and the front desk is staffed around the clock.

What to Expect

The architecture follows the Cycladic cave-suite tradition: whitewashed exteriors, curved interior walls, and built-in furnishings that follow the natural contours of the cliff. Each of the ten suites is colour-themed, giving them individual identities while keeping the overall aesthetic cohesive. The private villa operates separately from the main suite cluster and offers additional seclusion for guests who want a self-contained space.

The property's primary selling point is the view corridor. Because Imerovigli sits at the apex of the Caldera arc, the sightline to the west — across the submerged crater toward the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni — is wider than what most hotels in Fira or even Oia can offer. Sunset watching from the suite terraces is the defining evening activity, and the geometry of the cliff means the sun drops almost directly into the frame of the caldera rather than to one side of it.

Amenities are consistent with a boutique luxury positioning. The website describes the property as suitable for romantic getaways, honeymooners, and travelers prioritising privacy, which aligns with the small unit count — ten suites and one villa means the property never feels crowded. Staff access is available 24 hours a day, which matters at a cliffside property where late arrivals after ferry crossings are common.

How to Get There

Imerovigli is accessible by road from Fira, roughly 3 kilometres to the south. Taxis from Santorini's main port at Athinios take approximately 25 minutes depending on traffic; the port road climbs sharply and drivers know the village well. From Fira's central square it is a 10-to-15-minute taxi ride or a longer walk along the Caldera path.

Santorini's public bus network (KTEL) runs routes connecting Fira to Oia that stop in Imerovigli. The bus stop is on the main road through the village, and from there a short walk along the cliff path leads to the hotel. Check current KTEL schedules at the Fira bus terminal, as frequency varies by season.

The Caldera footpath connecting Fira, Imerovigli, and Firostefani is a scenic pedestrian route and a reasonable option for guests arriving from Fira without heavy luggage. Allow 25 to 35 minutes on foot from Fira's main square.

Parking in Imerovigli is limited. Guests arriving by rental car should confirm parking arrangements with the hotel directly before arrival, as cliff-edge properties typically have restricted vehicle access near the suite terraces.

Best Time to Visit

Santorini's peak season runs from late June through August. During these months Imerovigli is noticeably busier than in shoulder season, though it remains quieter than Oia or Fira. Room rates are highest in July and August, and availability at a ten-suite property disappears quickly — booking several months in advance is standard practice for peak dates.

May, June, and September are widely considered the most comfortable months for a Caldera stay. Temperatures are warm enough for swimming and terrace evenings, the Meltemi wind has not yet reached its August intensity, and the light in late afternoon is softer and better for photography. October remains viable for couples prioritising quiet over beach weather.

For sunset viewing specifically, the western-facing orientation of Above Blue Suites means the optimal window is the 45 minutes before and after official sunset. In midsummer this falls around 20:30 to 21:00 local time. Cloud cover on the western horizon is rare between June and September, making clear caldera sunsets the norm rather than the exception.

Tips for Visiting

• Book well in advance. With only ten suites and one villa, the property reaches capacity quickly during peak season. Waiting until two or three weeks out in July or August is likely to result in no availability.
• Confirm your arrival time with the hotel. Ferry schedules from Piraeus often deposit passengers at Athinios late at night. The 24-hour front desk means late arrivals are manageable, but communicating your expected arrival helps the team prepare.
• Pack light for the final approach. Cliff-path access in Imerovigli involves steps and narrow walkways. Very large suitcases become awkward; a wheeled bag that can also be carried is practical.
• Ask about suite orientation. All suites face the Caldera, but specific positions along the cliff affect the exact angle of the sunset view. When booking, ask which units have the widest westward sightline if that is your priority.
• Use the property as a base for the Caldera walk. The pedestrian path from Imerovigli south to Fira and north toward Oia is one of the island's most rewarding walks. Starting from the hotel in the early morning before heat builds makes the 8-to-10-kilometre round trip to Oia genuinely pleasant.
• Plan transport for excursions. Santorini's road layout means getting between Imerovigli and the southern beaches (Perissa, Perivolos, Red Beach) requires a taxi or rental vehicle. The hotel's front desk can assist with taxi arrangements.
• Check the hotel website for direct-booking rates. Smaller boutique properties sometimes offer better rates or inclusions when booked directly rather than through third-party platforms.
• Bring sun protection for terrace time. The Caldera rim receives full sun from early morning. A hat and high-SPF sunscreen are practical necessities if you plan extended time on an open terrace.

Facilities and Location

Above Blue Suites is located within the village of Imerovigli on the 847 00 postal route. The property phone number is +30 2286 024644 and the contact email is [email protected]. The hotel operates under the Aqua Vista Hotels group framework, which covers quality standards and reservation systems.

Imerovigli's position on the island puts several of Santorini's key visitor sites within reach. The Skaros Rock — a prominent volcanic promontory with hiking trails — begins just north of the village. Fira, the island capital, is accessible on foot along the Caldera path in 25 to 35 minutes. The village has a small number of restaurants and cafes directly accessible without transport, and the Caldera-path restaurants between Imerovigli and Firostefani are within walking distance.

The property does not appear to have a dedicated restaurant, but Imerovigli has several dining options along its main street and cliff path. The hotel is best understood as a suite experience rather than a full-resort operation — the accommodation and views are the product, and dining typically means choosing from the village's independent establishments or making the short trip to Fira.