What makes Historical Villa Santa Croce different from other hotels?

Historical Villa Santa Croce is run by hosts who genuinely care, offering personal service and authentic hospitality that larger hotels simply can't match.

Greece, Europe

Historical Villa Santa Croce

Rising from the ruins of a medieval defensive tower at the edge of Pyrgos Castle, this unique residence has been lovingly restored to preserve the island’s architectural heritage while offering an intimate and refined retreat for travellers seeking authenticity, privacy and a deeper connection with the place

Historical Villa Santa Croce is a legacy retreat in Pyrgos, Santorini, where history and traditional luxury meet in quiet harmony. Its story dates back to the Middle Ages, when it first emerged as part of the island’s early heritage, later becoming a captain’s house before being severely impacted by the 1956 Santorini earthquake. It has since been thoughtfully restored under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Culture, with deep respect for its architectural authenticity, blending Cycladic and Venetian elements.

Today, the villa offers a unique historical and cultural experience, inviting guests to feel at home within an atmosphere of elegance, privacy and sustainability. Rooted in slow and authentic living, it provides a bespoke mindful experience where heritage is not only preserved, but gently lived and loved.

At Historical Villa Santa Croce, the uniqueness lies not only in what the Villa is, but in what it does to those who stay within it. More than a restored heritage residence, it is a living fragment of Santorini’s history, where medieval stone, Venetian influences and neoclassical layers coexist in quiet harmony, offering guests the rare privilege of inhabiting time itself.

Hidden within the mediaeval village of Pyrgos, it offers a serene alternative to the island’s more exposed landscapes, while remaining deeply connected to its cultural heartbeat. From labyrinthine alleys and historic Castelli to ancient churches, nearby vineyards, local tavernas and discreet artistic spaces, guests are invited into a Santorini that feels both ancient and alive beyond the postcards.

Equally distinctive is the way the Villa is experienced. Every element – spaces, objects, rituals and encounters – has been carefully curated to transform a stay into a sensory journey. Restored architectural fragments, handcrafted details and original historical objects are not simply displayed but lived with, creating a seamless dialogue between past and present. Here, heritage is not observed from a distance; it is felt, touched and quietly inhabited.

Finally, Santa Croce is defined by the people who brought it to life. The artisans, caretakers and hosts who restored it and continue to care for it infuse each stay with a rare sense of belonging and presence. Hospitality here is personal, discreet and deeply human, rooted in a shared devotion to place and memory. To stay at Historical Villa Santa Croce is to experience Santorini not as a destination, but as a living story shaped by heritage, traditional luxury and meaningful connection, where time gently slows and each moment becomes timeless.

Immersive hospitality

A living landscape where archaeology, medieval heritage, wine culture, organic farming, local gastronomy and contemporary art coexist in quiet harmony

Culinary Heritage

Discover the joys of traditional wood-oven cooking with fresh, local ingredients

Custodians of Culture

Our rich heritage is not only preserved, but gently lived and loved and is best discovered through meaningful experiences, thoughtfully curated by our experts exclusively for Santa Croce guests

Sunset RItual

The setting sun, volcanic landscape and natural aromas create a moment of grounding, inviting participants to slow down, breathe and reconnect with nature’s rhythms

Your Host - The team at Historical Villa Santa Croce

At Santa Croce, we believe that true ownership lies with those who have loved the Villa, contributed to its rebirth, and personally welcome and care for our guests so they feel genuinely at home. It is therefore our pleasure to introduce you to the Santa Croce team, whom we proudly call our people.

At Historical Villa Santa Croce, the true essence of the house lives through the hands and hearts of those who brought it back to life. Behind its quiet elegance stands a team of craftsmen, artisans, builders, and caretakers: traditional stonemasons shaping volcanic rock, carpenters restoring timeworn structures, plumbers and electricians seamlessly weaving modern comfort into ancient walls with creativity and care.

Alongside them, a devoted team of decorators, concierge, and maintenance staff ensures that every stay unfolds with seamless care, subtle beauty, and attention to the smallest detail. From the first stone placed to the daily gestures of hospitality, the Villa is shaped by human presence and devotion.

They are more than a team; they are the soul of Santa Croce. They have transformed ruins into a living sanctuary thanks to the values that bring them together: patience, creativity, resilience, and a deep love for their homeland. In this sense, they are the custodians and true owners of the Villa ; those who, day after day, continue to give to Villa Santa Croce meaning, warmth, and life.

To stay at Santa Croce is to enter this story, to feel at home not only in a house, but within a team of people who have shaped it with devotion, passion and love and who continue to look after it and after you.

Our insights..

Transparency is essential if we are all going to grow and improve together and this is why we have dedicated this section to sharing what we love about each place and its hosts. We work with each of our hosts to improve their guest experiences, sustainability practices and local impact, this is where you can learn more about that along with what still needs to be improved, the measures being taken to ensure our hosts continue to move forward and every now and then we’ll come back to update you on their progress.

Lars von der Wettern

Visited the property in November 2023

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Immersive Hospitality

A living landscape where archaeology, medieval heritage, wine culture, organic farming, local gastronomy and contemporary art coexist in quiet harmony

Custodians of Heritage

Our rich heritage is not only preserved, but gently lived and loved and is best discovered through meaningful experiences, thoughtfully curated by our experts exclusively for Santa Croce guests

Culinary Heritage

Discover the joys of traditional wood-oven cooking with fresh, local ingredients

Sunset Ritual

The setting sun, volcanic landscape and natural aromas create a moment of grounding, inviting participants to slow down, breathe and reconnect with nature’s rhythms

Your Host - The team at Historical Villa Santa Croce

Our insights..

–

Lars von der Wettern

Visited the property in November 2023

Community & Sustainability Commitment

Here are some key sustainability & community practices that these hosts are committed to. Please use the key below the icons for reference. You might see that some measurements are not currently in place and that’s okay, we choose to support our hosts on their imperfect road towards a better world and we understand that that takes time.

Sustainability Practices

Community Commitments

Not in Place

Eco Certifications & Efforts

Just as we admire each of our hosts for their singularity, we appreciate that their sustainability journeys are also unique. Because of this, we do not require our hosts to have an eco certification or two under their belt, we simply guide them on improving their sustainable business practices one imperfect – but positive – step at a time. If a host has eco certifications they will be shown below, if not, then know we are working towards this together.

Our Efforts

Historical Villa Santa Croce is guided by a holistic sustainability philosophy that integrates architecture, operations, and guest experience into a coherent model of low-impact, mindful hospitality.

The villa has been carefully restored, under the supervision of the Greek Ministry of Culture, using locally sourced volcanic materials such as stone, pumice, ash, and limestone, significantly reducing transport impact while ensuring natural climatic harmony. Its design incorporates traditional passive architectural principles – thick masonry walls, natural insulation, and shaded structures – minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling and heating.

Energy efficiency is further enhanced through an all-electric VRF system, which provides zoned heating and cooling without fossil fuels. This system also extends to the pool and jacuzzi, ensuring comfort with reduced environmental impact. A restored traditional fireplace is used for seasonal heating, offering a more natural and low-energy alternative during colder months.

In line with a zero single-use plastic policy, all guest amenities are provided in refillable glass or crystal containers. Handmade soaps produced on-site using traditional cold-process methods are offered as part of the guest experience, made from olive oil and locally sourced herbs such as rosemary, thyme, lavender, and olive leaves, and presented in reusable natural-fiber pouches. Water and resource consciousness are also embedded in the villa’s design, including bathroom systems equipped with bidet functions to significantly reduce paper consumption, complemented by sustainable guest care provisions.

Overall, Villa Santa Croce’s sustainability approach is not limited to operational efficiency but extends to a broader philosophy of conscious living, where heritage preservation, circular resource use, and reduced environmental footprint are seamlessly integrated into a refined guest experience.

Governance & Business Model

Santa Croce was not developed as a high-volume accommodation, but as a low-capacity heritage restoration model, prioritizing preservation over scale. The villa accommodates a limited number of guests, intentionally avoiding high turnover and overuse of the site. Restoration decisions were made under supervision of the Greek Ministry of Culture, ensuring compliance with national heritage protection standards. Investment was directed toward long-term preservation rather than short-term commercial optimization. Our philosophy is “fewer guests, deeper experience”, reducing pressure on local infrastructure.

Outcome: A financially viable model that supports heritage preservation without contributing to overtourism patterns common on the island.

Environmental Impact

The restoration and ongoing operation of Historical Villa Santa Croce are guided by principles of material reuse, circular design, and low-impact resource use. Local volcanic stone, pumice, ash, and limestone are used extensively, reducing transport impact while ensuring climatic compatibility. Traditional passive architectural features, including thick walls and natural insulation, further minimise reliance on energy-intensive cooling systems.

The villa is operated year-round, with a restored traditional fireplace providing natural warmth during winter and cooler shoulder-season stays. In parallel, an all-electric VRF system ensures efficient zoning for heating and cooling without the use of fossil fuels, extending also to the pool and jacuzzi, which are temperature-controlled through the same system. All doors and windows respect traditional architectural guidelines while integrating modern energy-efficiency and insulation standards.

In addition, single-use plastic is eliminated: guest toiletries are provided in refillable glass or crystal containers, supporting a zero-plastic approach. As part of the welcome package, a handmade soap is offered, produced on-site using traditional cold-process methods. Composed primarily of olive oil and locally sourced herbs such as rosemary, thyme, lavender, and olive leaves, it is presented in a reusable natural-fiber pouch that can also serve as a washing sponge. All bathrooms are equipped with bidet functions to significantly reduce toilet paper consumption, complemented by the provision of intimate soap and reusable towels.

Outcome: A restoration and operating model aligned with circular economy principles and climate-adapted architecture, significantly reducing environmental footprint while actively engaging guests in a discreet and meaningful culture of sustainability.

NGOs & Local Impact Projects Supported

Each of our hosts strive to have a positive impact on their local communities. Some of our hosts already have established connections with local partners to enrich the lives and wellbeing of their communities, others are in the process of creating these long term relationships. If a host has local NGO connections they will be shown below, if not, then know we are working towards this together.

Our Philosophy

Historical Villa Santa Croce is deeply committed to acting as a long-term steward of place, with community engagement embedded in its philosophy of mindful hospitality. We prioritise strong relationships with local producers and artisans, sourcing ingredients, materials and guest amenities from the island wherever possible. This includes local agricultural producers, small-scale suppliers and traditional craftsmanship, reinforcing a circular and community-rooted economy.

Beyond partnerships, we view community commitment as a continuous responsibility rather than a one-off contribution. As part of our long-term vision, we intend – once operational sustainability is achieved – to allocate 5% of its profits to NGOs and international charities supporting vulnerable groups, including associations and foundations focused on homelessness and disability care.

Through these initiatives, Villa Santa Croce aims to contribute meaningfully to the cultural, social and economic fabric of Santorini, ensuring that hospitality remains closely connected to the wellbeing and continuity of the local community.

The Digital Archive

Led by Lefteris Zorzos in the village of Pyrgos, Santorini, this cultural initiative is dedicated to preserving and documenting the island’s tangible and intangible heritage through digital means. Rooted in deep respect for local history, it collects oral testimonies, historical records, photographs, and archival material to safeguard the memory of Pyrgos and its surrounding communities. By combining traditional research with contemporary digital tools, it creates a living archive that ensures Santorini’s cultural identity remains accessible and preserved for future generations.

The FLOUTOPIA Project

Initiated by the Cultural Center Synposion in Megalochori Santorini, this inclusive social enterprise addresses hearing loss – affecting over 600 million people worldwide – by transforming it into a pathway for empowerment, creativity and sustainable livelihoods. It provides free vocational training to deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, enabling them to craft musical instruments and eco-friendly products from simple tools and renewable, locally sourced materials.

At the intersection of craftsmanship, music, technology and accessibility, the project reinterprets sound through vibration and innovation. Beyond production, FLOUTOPIA fosters inclusion through peer-led school workshops, promotes environmental awareness and revives ancient Greek musical traditions within a contemporary framework. With a decentralised model that returns value directly to participants and a scalable international structure, it empowers marginalised individuals as creators, educators and change agents.

Social, Cultural & Community Impact

Santa Croce actively supports the continuation of local knowledge, craftsmanship, and cultural identity. The restoration was done using traditional Cycladic building techniques, many of which are at risk of disappearing. Materials were sourced locally where possible, reinforcing regional supply chains and skills The villa protects and integrates adjacent Byzantine-era architectural elements, combined with Venetian architecture (cross-bows) contributing to the safeguarding of Pyrgos’ historical fabric. Collaborations with local cultural practitioners (e.g., music, storytelling, artisan work) are designed to create income opportunities beyond seasonal tourism roles.

Outcome: Preservation of both tangible heritage (architecture) and intangible heritage (craft, knowledge, cultural practices), with direct economic benefit to local professionals.

Education & Awareness Building

Santa Croce functions as a living example of mindful restoration and slower tourism. Guests are introduced to the history of the building, of the medieval village of Pyrgos , and of traditional construction methods. The space encourages a shift to place-based understanding and deeper engagement. Through curated experiences (such as small-scale cultural encounters), guests gain exposure to local narratives and contemporary cultural continuity.

Outcome: Visitors leave with a deeper understanding of Santorini beyond its mass tourism image, influencing more conscious travel behavior, as well as authentic and Slow living.

The FLOUTOPIA Project

Initiated by Yannis Pantazis of the Cultural Center Synposion in Megalochori Santorini.

The 4Cs

The 4Cs is a framework designed by The Long Run that integrates sustainable and regenerative practices into any travel business. Designed by practitioners and experts, both proven and flexible, it makes strategic and holistic sustainability more accessible, breaking it down into four chunks: