For many historians, this is the possible location of

upfront
concierge
Dimitris Mitsios makes dream holidays come
true. Amoudi port. Classic Greek salad
DIMITRIS
MITSIOS
ICONIC SANTORINI,
IMEROVIGLI, GREECE
text ISHAY GOVENDER-YPMA
For many historians, this is
the possible location of the
mythical city of Atlantis
Loungers overlooking
the caldera.
Atmospheric taverns
entice customers
Dimitris Mitsios is
resident manager
and concierge at the
Mantis Collection’s
Iconic Santorini
boutique cave hotel
in the scenic village
of Imerovigli,
14 DECEMBER 2015
a position he’s held since the hotel’s opening in March
2013. It’s no surprise then that his friends call him
the “multitasking man”. Being located high on the
caldera and perched on the edge of a cliff poses its
own operational challenges, but Mitsios and his team
pride themselves in thorough planning so that guests
can “feel at home at one of the most beautiful places
on earth”. From revealing the secrets of where locals
dine to planning elaborate dream island weddings,
the Iconic Santorini team are known as one of best
on the island. Fun fact? These premises were the first
organised hotel ever built in Imerovigli village and
our Iconic Suite was actually the village bakery. We’ve
preserved the original wood oven. Where’s the party?
The beach of Perissa and Perivolos in the southeast. At
night, clubs in Fira, Santorini’s capital. Best secret eatery
loved by the locals? Metaxi Mas, a hidden tavern on
the hillside of Pyrgos, in the settlement of Exo Gonia
and Anogi, a restaurant in the main square of Imerovigli
village. A new, high-end restaurant? Selene in Pyrgos
is not new but the recent relocation from Fira makes
this a restaurant worth mentioning. Which bars do you
recommend? Youngsters should not miss Koo or Town.
For the thirtysomethings and the older crowd, Tango bar,
Idol café-bar or Charactere café-bar. All are in Fira. An
outdoor activity that’s worth doing? Hiking alongside
the volcanic cliff from Fira to Oia (2.5 hours) provides
jaw-dropping views. Also, a tour on a catamaran along
the volcanic coastline and through the hot springs. An
unmissable piece of architecture? Prehistoric Akrotiri, a
Minoan Bronze Age city. After a volcanic eruption 3 500
years ago, houses and artefacts were buried under ash
and preserved. For many historians, this is the possible
location of the mythical city of Atlantis. What’s on at
the theatre? The White Door Theatre in Fira is a hit
with the performance of an old-style Greek wedding,
featuring folk dances, breaking plates and traditional
food. Any events we shouldn’t miss? The Ifestia festival
(“volcanoes” in Greek), a three-day spectacle of concerts
and events. On the last day, fireworks are set up around
the volcanic craters to emulate a volcanic eruption.
There is a colourful show of light and sound, joined by
hundreds of circling boats and yachts. A local band you
should definitely listen to? Where? There are a few small
local bands that play traditional folk music on request.
Our staff always know when popular Greek bands tour
the island. Any markets you should visit? The market in
Fira for souvenirs, jewellery and clothes. What’s the best
locale for shopping for authentic local products? Again,
the market in Fira is the place. What is the signature dish
and where can the best example be found? Greek lamb
kleftiko baked in foil and tomato keftedes, a Santorini
speciality. I can’t think of a better place to taste both
than our Pergola Restaurant. A great spot for a business
meeting? The conference centre at Nomikos, Firostefani.
The best contemporary art gallery in the city? Mati and
Tzamia-Krystalla, both in Fira, are two of the best.
iconicsantorini.com