For Many Historians, This Is the Possible Location of the Mythical City of Atlantis

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

Load more