New Haroula

New Haroula is a three-star hotel sitting on a quiet side street in Fira, the capital of Santorini, about 150 metres from the main square and the island's central bus and taxi station. That proximity to public transport makes it one of the more practical bases on the island for visitors who plan to move around without renting a car — you can reach most of Santorini's major beaches, villages, and sites from the stop a short walk away.

The hotel has a swimming pool, a garden planted with flowering plants that reflect the Aegean aesthetic typical of Cycladic properties, and balconies attached to the rooms. At 6 km from Santorini's airport and 12 km from Athinios port, the location is genuinely central without sitting in the loudest part of Fira itself. With a Google rating of 3.7 from 338 reviews, it occupies the practical mid-range of Santorini accommodation rather than the luxury cliff-edge end.

If you're after caldera views and infinity pools overhanging the volcanic cliffs, New Haroula is not that hotel. What it offers instead is a workable, honestly priced base in the island's capital, close enough to Fira's restaurants, bars, and shops to walk to them in minutes, and quiet enough to sleep without the full noise of the main strip.

What to Expect

New Haroula describes itself as combining the calm of a residential neighbourhood with easy access to Fira's nightlife, and the location bears that out. The hotel is set back from the busiest pedestrian streets but remains within comfortable walking distance of the town's main thoroughfares, the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera.

Rooms come in two main configurations: double rooms fitted with either one double bed or two twin beds, and triple rooms with three single beds, making them practical for small groups or families who want separate beds. Each room has a balcony. The garden below is planted with colourful flowers and provides a shaded spot for morning coffee away from the street.

The hotel's swimming pool gives guests an option for cooling off without travelling to a beach, which matters on Santorini where the most popular shores — Perissa, Perivolos, Kamari — are 10–15 km from Fira. Lounging by the pool here is a reasonable alternative on a rest day, particularly in July and August when the black-sand beaches fill quickly.

At three stars, the property does not offer the full-service amenities of larger resort hotels. There is no spa, no on-site restaurant producing elaborate meals, and no caldera panorama. What's here is clean, functional lodging with a pool and garden in a genuinely convenient location.

How to Get There

By air, Santorini's airport (JTR) is 6 km from Fira. A taxi from the airport to New Haroula takes around 10–15 minutes depending on traffic; the bus to Fira's central station also runs regularly and drops you within a 150-metre walk of the hotel.

If you're arriving by ferry, Athinios port is 12 km south of Fira. Buses and taxis wait at the port after most ferry arrivals. The bus deposits passengers at the Fira central station, which is the same stop serving the hotel.

By car, Fira is connected to the island's main ring road. Parking in central Fira is limited and the streets are narrow, so arriving by bus or taxi is often simpler. If you do drive, ask the hotel about the nearest available parking when you book.

The hotel's address is Fira, Thira 847 00, and its coordinates place it at approximately 36.4187° N, 25.4356° E — just off the main built area of town, accessible on foot from the central square in a few minutes.

Best Time to Visit

Santorini's main season runs from late April through October. July and August bring the highest temperatures, the largest crowds in Fira, and the most expensive rates island-wide. Arriving in late May, June, or September gives you warm, stable weather with fewer people on the streets and typically lower room prices.

Fira itself is busier in the evenings as day-trippers from cruise ships leave and restaurant-goers arrive. The hotel's position slightly off the main pedestrian axis means it is quieter at night than properties directly on the main strip, which is worth noting if you're a light sleeper.

October and early November remain pleasant on Santorini, with mild temperatures and substantially quieter conditions, though some businesses begin closing for the season toward the end of October.

Tips for Visiting

• Book transport from the port or airport in advance during peak summer. Taxis in Fira can be scarce after busy ferry arrivals in July and August.
• Use the central bus station 150 metres away as your main way around the island. Buses run regularly to Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos, Oia, and Akrotiri — all the major destinations — at low cost.
• The pool is most useful midday. Santorini's summer temperatures regularly exceed 30°C in July and August, and having a pool at the property saves the journey to a beach on hotter afternoons.
• Pack light footwear for Fira. The town's main paths are cobbled or stepped, and the streets leading down toward the caldera involve significant stair climbing. Comfortable shoes matter more here than in most island capitals.
• Contact the hotel directly before arrival to confirm room configuration, especially if you're booking a twin setup. Reach them by phone on +30 2286 024226 or by email at [email protected].
• Check current availability and rates on the hotel's own website at newharoula.gr as well as comparison platforms; direct booking sometimes allows for flexible cancellation terms.
• Plan day trips early. Fira's bus station is within walking distance, and morning buses to Akrotiri or the southern beaches fill up in peak season. Being a short walk from the station is a real advantage for early starts.
• The garden is a useful spot for evenings if you want a drink without paying Fira's main-square prices. Bring something from one of the nearby supermarkets if you want to sit outside quietly.

Facilities and Location

New Haroula's core facilities are a swimming pool, a garden, and rooms with balconies. The three-star classification reflects a comfortable but no-frills standard. There is no on-site full-service restaurant noted in available information, but Fira's own dining options are extensive and within walking distance — the main square and its surrounding streets hold dozens of restaurants, cafes, and bars.

The hotel's position 150 metres from the central square places it close to the Fira branch of most practical services: pharmacies, ATMs, supermarkets, and the main taxi rank. For visitors who don't need the island's luxury end but do want a convenient, functioning base in Santorini's capital, this location is genuinely one of the better ones available at this price point.

Fira also puts you within reach of several worthwhile stops that require no transport at all: the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, the Orthodox Metropolis Cathedral, the Gyzi Megaron cultural venue, and the caldera walking path north toward Imerovigli.