FAQ
1. Where is Santa Irini Retreat located?
Santa Irini Retreat is located on Therasia Island, the peaceful island within the Santorini caldera, directly opposite Santorini. Surrounded by volcanic vineyards and panoramic Caldera and Aegean views, the retreat offers an authentic Cycladic experience just minutes by boat from Oia, yet far from the crowds of Santorini.
2. Is Therasia part of Santorini?
Therasia is a separate island within the Santorini caldera and forms part of the same volcanic island complex as Santorini. Located directly opposite Oia, it shares the caldera’s dramatic landscape and volcanic heritage while preserving the peaceful rhythm and authentic character of a small Cycladic island.
3. How far is Santa Irini Retreat from Oia and Santorini?
Therasia is directly opposite Oia. The boat crossing from Ammoudi Port, below Oia, to Riva Port on Therasia usually takes approximately 7–10 minutes, depending on the vessel and weather conditions. Although remarkably close to Santorini, Therasia feels distinctly different: quieter, uncrowded and deeply connected to traditional island life.
4. How do I get to Santa Irini Retreat?
Santa Irini Retreat can arrange your journey from Santorini Airport, Athinios Port or Ammoudi Port in Oia. Depending on your arrival point, the journey combines a road transfer across Santorini with a short boat crossing to Therasia. Our team coordinates the arrangements in advance to make your arrival as smooth and comfortable as possible.
5. What type of accommodation is Santa Irini Retreat?
Santa Irini Retreat is a luxury heritage retreat rather than a conventional hotel. Set within a historic estate on Therasia Island, it combines authentic Cycladic architecture, spacious private suites, personalised hospitality and the quiet rhythm of island life. Guests may reserve an individual suite or the entire retreat for exclusive private use.
6. What accommodation options are available at Santa Irini Retreat?
Santa Irini Retreat offers four independent heritage suites: Nikos, Theodosia, Avgi and Margarita. Nikos is the estate’s carefully restored historic residence, while the other three suites were completed in 2021 and designed in harmony with Therasia’s traditional architecture and volcanic landscape. When the entire retreat is reserved, two additional heritage rooms, Sofia and Efterpi, are also available.
7. How many guests can stay at Santa Irini Retreat?
The four suites can accommodate up to 14 guests in total. When Santa Irini Retreat is reserved in its entirety, the two additional heritage rooms increase the total capacity to 18 guests. Each suite may also be booked individually, subject to availability and its specific occupancy.
8. Can I reserve the entire Santa Irini Retreat for private use?
Yes. The entire Santa Irini Retreat can be reserved exclusively for a couple, a family or a private group. The reservation includes all four suites, the two additional heritage rooms and private use of the retreat’s shared outdoor spaces, creating a secluded setting for holidays, celebrations, weddings and private retreats.
9. Do I need to be a group of 18 to reserve the entire retreat?
No. Eighteen guests is the maximum capacity, not the minimum number required. The entire retreat may be reserved for exclusive use by parties of any size, from a couple seeking complete privacy to a family or group of up to 18 guests.
10. What makes Santa Irini Retreat different from staying in Santorini?
Santa Irini Retreat offers the rare opportunity to experience the Santorini caldera without the crowds of Santorini’s main island. Located on peaceful Therasia, it combines privacy, authentic island life, Cycladic heritage, volcanic landscapes and personalised hospitality. Oia remains only minutes away by boat, while the retreat offers the space and tranquillity of a largely unspoilt island.
11. Is the historic Church of Agia Irini located inside Santa Irini Retreat?
Yes. The historic Church of Agia Irini, also known as Santa Irini, stands within the estate of Santa Irini Retreat. Completed in 1867 on the site of an earlier church, it is the oldest church on Therasia and remains an active place of worship and community life. Historical tradition also connects Santa Irini with the origin of the name Santorini.
12. What views does Santa Irini Retreat offer?
Santa Irini Retreat offers panoramic views across the Santorini caldera, the Aegean Sea, volcanic vineyards and the surrounding Cycladic islands. Guests can watch the sun rise behind Santorini, while the sunset unfolds towards Ios, Sikinos and Folegandros. The retreat offers expansive 360-degree views, but it does not directly overlook the volcano.
13. What experiences can guests enjoy on Therasia Island?
Guests can discover Therasia through traditional cooking in the wood-fired oven, volcanic wine and viticulture experiences, walking and electric-bike tours, horseback riding, private cruises, fishing, swimming, snorkelling and explorations of the island’s archaeological and volcanic heritage. Experiences are arranged according to availability, season and weather conditions.