Santa Irini Retreat

Gleaming Gem on an Unspoiled Greek Isle

Named for the 150+ year old church that anchors its estate, this secluded villa occupies a rugged hillside in Therassia’s unique volcanic landscape off the coast of buzzy Santorini. A whitewashed retreat as vivid and gleaming as a diamond on the caldera’s unspoiled rough, it is flanked by crystalline waters and boasts remarkable wilds just outside its front door.

Created as hillside retreat where visitors can exhale into deep relaxation, this secluded Greek getaway on Therassia offers island living of a wilder kind. Set in a majestic caldera with 360-degree views of sea, surf, and sunbleached, lava-rock-studded coastal hills, the property offers a tranquil modern resting place with organic, elemental interiors. Bright and welcoming, it was designed for shade and sightseeing, and is set on a lot which hits a sweet spot between off-the-beaten-path and modern luxury.

Two suites mimic the local cave architectural vernacular. An interior courtyard of brightly paved terraces hides a cool, dark-bottomed swimming pool that overlooks a newly planted vineyard and the Agia Irini church that gives the home its name. Longer views take in the neighboring isles of Ios, Sikinos, and Folegandros, as well as the villages of Oia and Fira, clinging to the rocky ledges of Santorini, just opposite the villa’s protected poolscape.

AROUND

Santorini and Therassia islands are considered as a geographical unit given that they share a bay and the wild caldera landscape. The picturesque village of Manolas offers views of the volcano, cave houses in Agrilia reveal local architectural traditions, and a boat ride delivers you to and from a picturesque small harbor called Riva. Activities on offer include ebike tours and donkey and horseback riding, winery tours and tastings on both Therassia and Santorini, and sailing trips around the bays and rocky coves, where you can swim practically solo in the clear-as-crystal waters. Archeological sites, walking tours, and cooking classes are also on offer, with several activities centered in Santorini. Santorini features the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri, accompanying archeological museums and related sites. Hikers and climbers will enjoy an outing in the geological park of Nea Kameni, the site of an active volcano and several hot springs open for swimming.

LOCATION

Therassia, Cyclades, Greece. Nearest airport: Santorini. From there: 1. transfer by minivan to Ammoudi Bay (30-40min) and boat to the port of Riva (10 min); 2. transfer by helicopter (20 min). From Santorini harbor (Athinios), transfer by minivan to Ammoudi Bay (50-60 min) and boat to Riva (10 min).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: April to September