Santorini's Hidden Gem: Uncover the Three Graces of Harites!
Santorini's Hidden Gem: Uncover the Three Graces of Harites! – A Rambling Review
Okay, buckle up, because I just got back from Harites (that's what they call it, the "Three Graces," though honestly, it felt way more like a solo goddess retreat, which I'm totally here for!), and I'm still buzzing. Usually, I'm a "meh" kind of reviewer. But this place… this place got under my skin. And not in that "food poisoning" kind of way, thankfully.
Metadata for the SEO Gods (and Google):
- Title: Harites Santorini Review: A Hidden Gem Unveiled (Accessibility, Spa, Dining & More!)
- Keywords: Santorini, Harites, Three Graces, Hotel Review, Luxury Hotel, Santorini Hotels, Greece, Spa, Pool with a View, Accessible Hotel, Restaurant, Wifi, Breakfast, Fitness Center, Massage, Sauna, Steamroom, Romantic Getaway, Honeymoon, Santorini Experience. Oh yeah, and add accessibility because it's important!
- Meta Description: Escape to Harites, Santorini's hidden gem! This review dives deep into accessibility, luxurious spa experiences, delicious dining, and more. Find out why this hotel is a must-visit for your Santorini adventure!
The Ramblings Begin (and they WILL get messy):
First off, let's talk accessibility. 'Cause I was skeptical. Santorini, you see, is famous for its… well, its stairs. And cliffs. And generally, a landscape that’s architecturally challenging. Harites? Pleasantly surprising.
- Accessibility: They’ve tried. There's an elevator (hallelujah!), and ramps where they can fit them. It's not perfectly wheelchair accessible everywhere, but they’ve put in a definite effort. It's not the easiest place to navigate if you're in a wheelchair, but they've clearly considered it, which is a HUGE plus. I felt a little bit of "I should have asked earlier" vibe about some aspects but I had a good time.
- Elevator: Praise be! It works!
- Facilities for disabled guests: Present and accounted for, which means they cared!
On-Site Oasis & Riches (and the occasional minor misstep, because nothing is perfect, people!)
Right, so, the spa. Oh. My. Gods. Seriously. I'm a spa snob. Like, if the cucumber water isn't perfectly chilled, I'm side-eyeing the whole operation. Harites? Nailed it.
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: The trifecta! The steam room felt positively heavenly - almost a spiritual experience.
- Massage: Indulge in a full-body massage. They use the most incredible essential oils, which is a big plus. I was so relaxed, I almost drooled on the therapist– sorry! But the massage was fantastic!
- Pool with view: Just… sigh. Picture this: infinity pool, volcanic caldera views, a cocktail in hand, and the sun setting in a blaze of glory. It's… it's what dreams are made of. And let's be honest, Instagram gold.
- Fitness center/Gym/Fitness: It's a decent gym. Nothing to write home about if you're a serious athlete, but it's enough to get you moving, and the view from the treadmill? Inspiring.
Dining: From Breakfast Bliss to Dinner Drama (but mostly bliss!)
Okay, food. This is where things got interesting. The dining scene was mostly a triumph, but not without a few… moments.
- Breakfast [Buffet]: Absolutely spectacular buffet breakfast. Seriously, they pamper you. This is my love language: fresh fruit, pastries that could make a croissant-snob weep, and eggs cooked to perfection. They also offer Asian breakfast, a unique touch!
- Restaurants: They have a restaurant, and the dinner was an experience. However, I did have one slightly underwhelming meal. Maybe I just ordered the wrong thing?
- Room Service: Available 24 hours. Good for midnight snack cravings.
- Happy hour: They had happy hour! I love happy hour!
The 'Stuff' - Amenities and Conveniences (The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Confusing)
Let's run through the practicalities, shall we? This is where things get… well, a bit more mundane, but still important.
- Wi-Fi [Free in all rooms!]: Yes! Reliable and fast Wi-Fi! A win!
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent. Place spotless.
- Concierge: Super helpful for booking tours and giving advice.
- Services and amenities: They had a gift shop! It was actually quite cute. But I didn't buy anything.
- Air conditioning: Oh yes, a necessity in the Santorini heat!
Cleanliness, Safety, and the COVID-19 Circus (because we're all living in it)
Look, I'm a germaphobe. I'm not ashamed to admit it. And post-pandemic, I'm even WORSE. Harites? They took this seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, hand sanitizer, daily disinfection in common areas, staff trained in safety protocol, rooms sanitized between stays, safe dining setup, etc. They really did. I felt safe. Like, actually safe. They clearly cared. Bravo!
The Nitty-Gritty of the Rooms (Where I felt like a goddess!)
My room? Just… wow. And I had a window that opened!
- Room Decorations: Chic, modern, and with a touch of that classic Greek aesthetic. They also had blackout curtains! Sleeping in past sunrise? Yes, please!
- Air conditioning/Blackout curtains: Priceless.
- Slippers and bathrobes: Always a nice touch.
- In-room safe box: Peace of mind.
- Extra long bed: YES!
- Shower: Great water pressure.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Again, a win!
- View, reading light, coffee/tea maker, refrigerator, mirror: All the essentials.
Areas for Improvement (Because nothing is perfect, and honesty is key!)
- The occasional hiccup: There was a slight issue with the air conditioning in my room on one occasion, which was fixed very quickly.
- Getting around (if you're not able-bodied): While there's a shuttle service, it still would be helpful to be aware of all things before arriving.
Was it Worth It? The Verdict (and My Honest Feelings!)
Absolutely. Without a doubt. Harites isn't just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a chance to disconnect, relax, and soak in the beauty of Santorini. The spa alone is worth the price of admission. The staff? Utterly charming and genuinely helpful. The setting? Breathtaking. I'm already planning my return. If you're looking for a special place to stay on Santorini, seriously, consider Harites. It's a hidden gem that deserves to be discovered. And yes, even with its minor imperfections, I rate it a solid 9/10. Go! And tell them I sent you (though they probably won't remember, because, you know, I'm just a blogger)!
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is Santorini, unfiltered, and it's going to be a glorious, messy, possibly sunburned, and definitely wine-soaked rollercoaster. This is a draft, a suggestion, a starting point that will inevitably be tossed in the Aegean wind and rewritten twelve times before it's all said and done. Here goes…
Three Harites: My Messy, Glorious Santorini Survival Guide (with a side of existential dread)
Day 1: Arrival & the Sunset That'll Make You Forget the Airplane Food
- Morning (or what's left of it after a red-eye): Landing in Santorini. Ugh, the airport. Let's be real, it's a chaotic hive of frantic tourists and over-enthusiastic taxi drivers. Pray for a smooth customs experience. Then, the car rental. Disclaimer: I'm terrified of driving on the left side of the road, but hey, adventure, right? I'm picking a small, beat-up car because, frankly, I'm too cheap to splash out on a fancy one. And besides, it'll probably get scratched anyway navigating those narrow, winding roads that will be as scary as the driving.
- Lunch: Find my way to Three Harites (hopefully without ending up in a ditch). Check-in, collapse on the bed, and then… FOOD. We're going to find somewhere small, local, and authentic to get a proper Greek salad that will ruin all other Greek Salads forever. And lots of iced coffee. Because jet lag.
- Afternoon: Reconnaissance mission: exploring the village. Getting a feel for the lay of the land, figuring out where the best gelato spots are (crucial). Probably stumble into some tiny, ancient church and be awestruck by the simplicity and history. Try not to get lost.
- Evening: The thing. The SUNSET. Tonight, we're going to Oia. I've seen the photos, the Instagram-worthy perfection. But I'm also prepped for a sardine-can of tourists fighting for a view. I'm going to try and find a less-crowded spot (good luck, self). Hopefully, the sunset will be so breathtaking that it overrides the inevitable grumbling about the crowds. Maybe I'll cry. Probably. Dinner will be somewhere with a view (fingers crossed it's not hideously overpriced), and lots of wine. I’m already thinking about it, the rich, bold flavour of the local wine, and I want to try it all!
Day 2: Beaches, Boats & the Dreaded Climb
- Morning: Beach day! I’m thinking Perissa or Perivolos, the black sand beaches. I'm a sucker for a good sunbed, so I'll spend the morning slathering myself in sunscreen, reading a book, and generally doing nothing but enjoying being horizontal. Potential disaster: I'm terrible at applying sunscreen. I'm predicting some serious sunburn later.
- Lunch: Beachside taverna. Fresh fish, grilled octopus, and more iced coffee. Maybe a nap. The salty air always makes me sleepy!
- Afternoon: Boat trip to the volcano and hot springs. I'm not a strong swimmer, so this is going to be an adventure. There will be a lot of life jacket. Praying the hot springs don't smell too eggy. This is Greece, not a spa, and sometimes, I forget.
- Evening: Back in Oia (yes, again, I can't help myself), this time to wander the shops. I'm going to buy something totally useless but beautiful to always remind me of this trip. Dinner somewhere new, maybe try some local dishes I’ve never heard of. And, of course, another sunset viewing, maybe from a different angle.
Day 3: History, Hidden Gems & the Crummy Bus Ride
- Morning: Ancient Thera. Hike up the mountain! (Remember the car I’m not supposed to be driving?) This is going to be a test for my fitness level. I’m going to need to get to it, and I think I will have to start going to the gym before leaving. The views better be worth it. I'm also really intrigued by the history so I'm expecting to be really impressed by the ruins.
- Lunch: Picnic, if I can find a decent deli. Otherwise, quick bite in Fira. I’m mentally preparing myself for the chaos of Fira. Ugh.
- Afternoon: The Red Beach and White Beach exploration. Getting to the Red beach will be easy, but I hear access to White Beach is tricky. This is the perfect adventure and I’m super psyched for it! This is the point where I start wondering if my hiking boots are actually appropriate. And finding the beach will be a journey in itself, but it's the best way to experience the island.
- Evening: Trying to take the bus from Fira to Imerovigli. I'm trying to take it in the evenings, because I hate the feeling of driving in the dark, on roads that seem to have a vendetta against my sense of direction. Finding a restaurant with a view and try to enjoy the night, even though I have a feeling the bus experience might make me question every life choice I’ve ever made.
Day 4: Wine, Wanderlust & the Day I Probably Break Down.
- Morning: Wine tasting! Santorini is famous for its vineyards and I intend to sample a lot of the local wines. I'm not a wine snob, just a person who enjoys drinking wine. I've heard the Assyrtiko is particularly good, and I hope to find out.
- Lunch: After the wine tours, I'll probably stumble back to Three Harites and collapse. Food will be important again because, you know, the wine.
- Afternoon: Maybe a cooking class. I need to learn how to make Greek food so I can recreate the deliciousness at home, and also because I'm thinking I'm going to want to stay here forever.
- Evening: This is the day I'm going to give myself permission to cry on the balcony while watching the sunset. I'm going to be overwhelmed by the beauty and the memories. And I'm okay with it! Ordering takeout, and maybe a final glass of wine. Probably call my mom.
Day 5: Departure & the Post-Santorini Blues
- Morning: Last breakfast in Santorini. Packing. Trying to remember where I put my passport. Doing a last-minute shop for souvenirs (and probably overspending).
- Lunch: Saying goodbye to everything: the local food, the beaches, the lovely locals!
- Afternoon: Dropping off the car. Navigating the airport one last time. Praying my flight isn't delayed.
- Evening: Back home. The post-Santorini blues will hit me hard. But I'll have the memories, the sunburn, and the slightly singed credit card to prove it was all real.
Things to Remember:
- The sun: It's intense. Wear sunscreen. Seriously. Reapply constantly.
- The wind: It can whip up at any moment. Bring a light jacket.
- The cats: They're everywhere. Embrace them. Or at least tolerate them (mostly).
- The food: Eat everything. Don't be afraid to try new things. But maybe avoid the street food on the first day.
- The language: Even a few basic Greek phrases will go a long way. (Or at least a lot better than I thought.)
- The mess: This is going to be a messy adventure, and that's okay. Embrace it. Laugh at yourself. And enjoy every single, imperfect moment.
And that's it! The beginning of an adventure. This is just a rough draft, a starting point. It'll change, it will fail, and it will probably include some epic blunders. But that's the beauty of travel, isn't it? It's about getting lost, and finding yourself, one delicious bite of octopus and one glorious sunset at a time.
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Santorini's Best-Kept Secret: Unveiling the Harites! (And My Rollercoaster Ride)
Listen, Santorini is gorgeous. Everyone knows that. But *everyone* goes to the same spots. Let's talk about the REAL magic - the tiny, family-run taverna of Harites. Buckle up, because this is less “guide” and more “therapy session after eating the best damn octopus of my life.”
Okay, Seriously, WHERE is this place? I'm terrible at directions.
Alright, okay, deep breaths. You're probably picturing the caldera, right? Sunset, the whole shebang. Forget that. Harites is nestled in the village of
What's so special about it? I mean, Santorini has a million restaurants.
It's not just a restaurant, Brenda! (Is your name Brenda? Because I’m imagining you, Brenda. Probably wearing sensible shoes.) Okay, back to Harites. It's the *vibe.* It’s the feeling that you've stumbled into a secret. It’s the smell of grilling octopus that hits you from fifty feet away and makes your stomach do a little jig. It’s the family – the "Three Graces" themselves – who practically adopt you for the meal. I swear, the matriarch, Mrs. Harites, could size up your personality and suggest the perfect wine before you even *open* the menu. They remembered my name! Not because I was some super-important influencer (ha!) but because they actually *cared*. And their food? OMFG. (Sorry, Mom.)
So, the food… is it actually good? Be honest.
Look. I'm not a food critic. I'm a human being with a working digestive system and a deep, abiding love for all things delicious. The food at Harites? It transcends "good." It's… transformative. My *god* that grilled octopus… I swear, I could still taste the sea. And the tomato fritters. Oh, the tomato fritters! Crispy on the outside, bursting with juicy flavor inside. I actually cried a little bit while eating them. Don't judge me! The whole experience… it’s simple, it’s fresh, it's prepared with love. You can taste it. And the portions? Let's just say you won’t be leaving hungry. My belly has never been so happy. And my wallet… well, Santorini's never going to be *cheap*, but Harites felt like I was getting away with something. A steal, really.
Is there anything I should *avoid*? Like, is the house wine a biohazard?
Okay, real talk. They make their own wine, it's a little… rustic. Think of it as "farm-to-table-ish" with a *lot* of heart. It's perfectly drinkable, and honestly, after a few glasses, you won't care. (I may or may not have ended up singing along to the bouzouki music late into the night.) Perhaps you *could* ask for a bottle from their actual wine list, if you *must* be fussy. But really, just embrace the vibe. The lack of pretension. The occasional rogue olive pit. Seriously, they are so lovely, and the wine is part of the charm. I'm just saying, don’t be that tourist ordering a vodka soda. You're missing the point!
Best time to go? Do I need to make a reservation?
Reservations are a *good idea*, especially during peak season, which is basically whenever anyone can get away to Greece! I wandered in on a whim one afternoon, and *just barely* snagged a table. I mean, it was a *miracle*. Saw someone turned away who had been trying to get in all week.. The key is to go *just* before sunset - it’s magical. Plus, you miss the crazy crowds. And yes, the sunset views are pretty fantastic, but it's not *about* the views at Harites. It's about being present, and eating until you can practically taste the sunshine. They'll probably be happy to have you whenever they can, but if you're serious about *not* being turned away, snag a table in advance. Seriously, do it. My near-miss still haunts me.
Anything else I should know? Any downsides?
Well, a few things. Firstly, the restrooms, like a lot of the more authentic spots, might not be the Ritz. Accept it. Secondly, there might be a slightly grumpy cat lurking around, hoping for scraps. Don't feed it. Unless you want to make a new friend. I’m not judging. Thirdly… okay, this is a big one. Be prepared to fall in love with this place, and then feel the crushing disappointment when you *have* to leave. Seriously. The first time I left Harites, I almost cried. The second time… yeah, I totally cried. It’s that good. Also, the staff *might* try to tempt you with a complimentary dessert. Resist at your own *peril*. You will regret it. It will be the best thing you have ever tasted. And you will probably think about it, long after you leave.
Give me a day-by-day guide of the experience, from getting there to leaving...
Okay, okay. Let's break it down, because apparently, you need a step-by-step. Day One: Arrive in Santorini. Marvel at the caldera. Feel a bit… overwhelmed by the crowds. Day Two: Someone mentions “Harites” in hushed tones. You get curious. Day Three: You find Akrotiri. You wander about. You start getting *hangry*. Day Four: You ask someone, *anyone* about directions. You follow them like a GPS. You see the sign. You feel your stomach clench in anticipation. You walk in. Your senses are immediately assaulted by the smells: garlic, oregano, the sea. Mrs. Harites greets you like a long-lost friend. You order a bottle of the house wine (you're getting into it at this point). You order the octopus, the tomato fritters, and everything else on the menu. You eat. You laugh. You drink. The sun sets, painting the sky in a million colors. You feel… content. No, beyond content. Happy. Day Five: That feeling lingers. You consider moving to Akrotiri. Maybe setting up a little hut right by the taverna. Day Six: You leave Santorini. You spend the flight back home dreaming of octopus. Day Seven: You book your return trip. And secretly, you’re already planning which dish you’ll order first. The whole experience isTrending Hotels Now
