Santorini Cliff Resort | Summer 2024

The project unfolds on a rocky peak of the Caldera, at an edge land point that falls steeply into the sea. It is a location that will look forever admiring the beauty of the island, and the settlements perched on the rocks.

It is characterized by its uniqueness of spaces and location. The spaces are designed constantly drawing references from the locality, the materials of the island and using prototypes and archetypal forms inspired by the long history of civilizations that flourished in the island thousands of years ago. The traditional concept of design leads the senses towards a feeling of serenity and reconnection with the clear, stunning nature and beauty of the island.

The houses are located high in the caldera cliff, they turn inland with a view of the Caldera and the Aegean towards the sea square looking at the volcano, Oia and Fira, with an orientation that keeps their facades cool during the warmer days. As the sun makes its circle one can enjoy the famous Santorini sunset. While the sun is setting on the horizon, it is constantly coloring the Caldera with millions of reflections and the traditional settlements at the tops of the island are glowing with thousands of sparkles.

Architecture & Design

The interior design features elements from the tradition, the land of Thera, and the architecture as it was formed by the Santorinians during the many years of experience of living in such a special place. The materials used for wall and floor design – carefully selected by the designing architect Theodora Ravanidou – are of native origin, combined with modern construction aesthetics. The facades are clad of traditional white plaster, designed without any additional decorative elements, as a reference to the traditional island architecture. This creates the main concept of the design which is written with simplicity ans minimalism. Amid the rather dark caldera rock, the white building structures stand out from the ground in a simple elegant form like elevations, without being obtrusive. The interplay of sunlight and the texture of the white plaster makes the volumes appear incredibly differentiated: from quietly subdued to luminously radiant - a constant interplay of light and shadow. Window frames, balcony doors and exterior doors are made from  wood coated with white paint to protect them from humidity and temperature. The axial exterior doors in the volumes with vaulted ceilings give the feeling of entering a sublime, almost sacred space, where both euphoria and calmness flourish. The floors of the Cliff Suites are paved with traditional flooring. Pressed cement mortar covers the floor, walls, and canopy in areas where a sense of calmness is desired. This creates a space where the intense outside light is reduced, and a quiet atmosphere of relaxation is created.

The unique Santorini Cliff Resort is located in the south of the island in a phenomenal, quiet area in the village of Akrotiri and proffers a breathtaking view of the caldera and the Aegean Sea. Compared to the towns of Fira and Oia, the Cliff Resort in Akrotiri is perfectly accessible by car and includes ample parking. All popular destinations can be reached within 5 to 20 minutes by car. Just around the corner you will find traditional taverns, in whose cozy ambience you can enjoy the local dishes. The airport „Santorini“ and the port „Ormos Athinios“ can be reached within a 20 minute drive. In addition to the main port, Santorini is home to the Vlychada marina, the Ammoudi fishing port and the Old Harbor.

The three detached buildings form a diversity of different living spaces: two separate houses, which soar over the cliffs- one as a spacious villa, the other devided into apartments- and the Cliff Suites that nestle tot he rocks oft he caldera like caves.

The buildings are shaped as clear volumes. Their outlines are reduced tot he basic geometric typologies, as a reference tot he Thera architecture. They also refer tot he art oft he cycladic culture, inspired by figures and geometric shapes oft he ancient settlement pf Akrotiri.

The unique Santorini Cliff Resort is located in the south of the island in a phenomenal, quiet area in the village of Akrotiri and proffers a breathtaking view of the caldera and the Aegean Sea. Compared to the towns of Fira and Oia, the Cliff Resort in Akrotiri is perfectly accessible by car and helicopter and includes ample parking. All popular destinations can be reached within 5 to 20 minutes by car. Just around the corner you will find traditional taverns, in whose cozy ambience you can enjoy the local dishes. The airport „Santorini“ and the port „Ormos Athinios“ can be reached within a 20 minute drive. In addition to the main port, Santorini is home to the Vlychada marina, the Ammoudi fishing port and the Old Harbor.

1 Lighthouse
2 White Beach
3 Red Beach
4 Archaeological Site
5 Vlychada marina
6 Perivolos Beach
7 Antique Thera
8 Airport
9 Pyrgos
10 Ormos Athinios
11 Firá
12 Nea Kameni
13 Hot springs
14 Palea Kameni
15 Aspronisi
16 Thirasía
17 Oía
18 Amoudi Bay
19 Old Harbour