Santorini was a dream the first time. The second time? Just as magical. I remember discovering MOD Santorini—the island’s first vegan boutique hotel—and chatting with Christina, the co-owner, about their exciting new opening back in 2021. I planned a trip almost immediately. It felt like the right time, even with covid-19 still lingering. We had to go check out the first vegan hotel on Santorini!
And in 2024, we had the chance to return to once again.. I always thought Santorini would be a once in a lifetime visit. But some things are just meant to be again!
About Mod Santorini
I started on this post just as we returned from another blissful week in Santorini! We are back at MOD, a family-run hotel, first open in the 1980s when tourism was only begining to pick up on the island. Now with major transformations to the building and new upgrades:
MOD is a boutique vegan hotel in Santorini, featuring four rooms, two apartments, and a rooftop terrace. The hotel is owned by couple, Argiris and Christina, who also actively run it—planning the breakfast, food menu, and activities for guests. Argiris is a local who grew up on the island, and is passionate about developing the hotel—originally owned by his parents—and showing you traditional Santorini.
Read about our first stay at MOD here!
The hotel is located in Firostefani village, a 15-minute walk from Fira centre. MOD is easily accessible by road, and the airport is 15-minutes by car; a transfer can be arranged by the hotel. It’s not one of those typical cliffside luxury hotels Santorini is known for—but what makes MOD special is that it offers a different perspective of the island, while still being in the centre of it all.
MOD is a vibe! Well ahead of its time, MOD is the very first vegan hotel on Santorini, and other businesses are starting to follow suit. On this unique, timeless island, change has arrived, and we couldn’t be happier to see how the hotel is evolving. It was such a joy to meet the MOD fam again (plus baby Kleo now!) and I’m delighted to share our MOD experience with you in this blog post!
MOD Suites
The suites are named after the Greek alphabet and all rooms share an elegant aesthetic, blending Cycladic architecture with a sense of calm and understated sophistication. Christina, with her background in interior design, has clearly put thoughtful intention into every detail.
If you plan to spend a lot of time in your hotel room, I highly recommend booking a suite with the private jacuzzi for full relaxation.
Factilities in room: private bathroom including cruelty-free, natural personal care products. A lounge space with TV, a minibar with local wine and beer, Nespresso machine and a water boiler plus tea bags. Filtered water is provided throughout the day. Bathrobes and yoga mats are also at your disposal.
*2025 Update* you can now access the community rooftop terrace and hot tubs when staying at any room in the hotel! Photos @mod.santorini
Village suites..
Alpha
Neat and the most compact suite available, with village vibes and a private balcony looking over the street—Alpha offers a cozy, calming space for those who want comfort and all the essentials of a vegan luxury stay. It’s perfect for solo travelers or couples looking for a grounded base to explore Santorini.
Delta
Our forever favourite, Delta, has its own charm—simply fabulous. The Cycladic cave design and brilliant lighting, with starlights above the bed, create an air of subtle glamour. The bed is incredibly comfortable, featuring vegan mattresses and linen.
There is a private balcony facing the street. The sturdy doors and windows have good soundproofing. The road may get loud at times (motorbikes are the worst), but we found early mornings and nights quiet. Wake up to the rooster, birds chirping, doves cooing, cats and what not. We thoroughly relaxed in our suite.
Sea view rooms..
Gamma
The adjacent Beta and Gamma Suites both come with a private terrace and hot tub, offering serene views over the east coast of Santorini. Gaze out at the Aegean Sea and view the nearby island of Anafi. After a few dreamy days in the Delta Suite, we were upgraded to Gamma—giving us the chance to experience another beautiful side of MOD!
This is what you get when you wake up in Gamma! Have a dip in the hot tub while watching the sunrise, before you head out for breakfast. A truly refreshing start to the day in Santorini.
Beta
The Beta suite is a serene retreat designed for couples seeking a blend of luxury and eco-conscious living. Enjoy a private terrace, and immerse yourself in the views of the Aegean Sea, step-in to the hot tub from the room! The perfect room if you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a peaceful luxurious getaway.
Check out our clip of Beta – we got a sneek peak into this fab suite –
Reservations and room rates: modsantorini.reserve-online.net
You can also choose to stay in the family-friendly Zeta or Epsilon Garden Suite apartment on the ground floor, that come with their own kitchen and laundry facility; and accomodates up to 4 guests.
Dining at MOD Santorini
Breakfasts
Breakfast at MOD is an experience. Complimentary with your stay (unless you do decide to skip the option.. but why would you!?), breakfast is served daily at the garden between 8:3010:30 AM. Take aways can be requested the prior evening if you need to leave earlier.
A hearty healthy breakfast is the way to start you day at MOD and sets you up to explore Santorini! There is a weekly menu with a mix of savoury and sweet. Typical mains are avocado toast, tofu scramble, chickpea omelette, nourish bowl, spanakopita and pancakes, waffles or cinammon rolls for desert.
Juice cleanses, gluten-free, nut-free or raw food, upon request. The wholesome breakfast is prepared with bio and sustainable ingredients, energy-boosting smoothies and fresh-pressed juices to detox!
In season 2024, we had the very talented plant-based Greek chef Manos serve us 3-course breakfast. Everything was on point – the flavours, variety and presentation. Honestly, the best breakfast experience we’ve had anywhere..
Breakfasts enjoyed at MOD
Mod Lunch & Dinner
Staying at MOD Santorini, especially as a vegan traveller, is going to be worry-free. The hotel is run by vegans and keeping a healthy lifestyle in mind, you will get a taste of authentic Greek plant-based dishes. We have eaten so well here and the food was a big part of our experience. MOD has a lunch and dinner menu for guests, if you choose to dine at the hotel, you need to pre-order meals a few hours prior.
What all we sampled: Moussaka, pastitsio, Caesar salad (with vegan egg, which was superb), soup of the day, gyros plate, keftedakia (meatballs)..
Chef Manos prepared these delicious meals. Currently, the hotel is on the lookout for a new Greek vegan chef to join the team. Christina is a wonderful cook herself and curator of the MOD menu. Of course, cooking daily meals for guests is a big job to handle on top of everything else, so I hope they find the perfect chef soon! In the meantime, the menu remains largely the same—featuring comforting Greek favourites made with care.
Activites and things to do
Beautiful Santorini – travelling during off-season lets you enjoy crowdless sceneries. (April-May is a good time, businesses are just re-opening and it gets warm. September-October is also good if you want to avoid major crowds).
Island Tour
Explore the hidden gems of Santorini, guided by a local! Argiris will take you on an island tour from MOD to the see the traditional villages of the Emporio and Pyrgos. Check out views from the highest point on the island Profitis Ilias monastery. Visit the important sites in south Santorini such as Akrotiri. End the tour at a beautiful sunset point away from the crowds.
Book a tour via: Mod Tours or instagram: @mod.tours
Sunset Picnic
Imagine a private picnic with your loved one at a secret cliffside spot, away from the crowds, with a dreamy view of the sea and the sun setting over Santorini. This exclusive MOD experience is pure magic, and a must for completing a romantic getaway on the island.
Sailing Tour
There’s no end to the romantic experiences Santorini offers, and a sunset sailing tour is undoubtedly one of the most unforgettable. We set sail from the southern port of Vlychada, cruising along the coastline to admire landmarks like Akrotiri, Red Beach, and the secluded White Beach. Along the way, we stop for swims and float in the thermal springs at the caldera centre, surrounded by volcanic cliffs—an experience that feels both surreal and deeply relaxing.
Tours include a freshly prepared meal with drinks (request vegan options in advance). MOD can help you choose the right sailing tour or arrange a booking!
Wellness activites: a yoga class or an in-room massage can also be arranged by MOD during your stay.
Hike to Skaros
It’s only a 5-minute walk to the caldera walking route from MOD Santorini Vegan Boutique Hotel. We enjoyed daily sunset walks by the caldera’s edge and the walk back to the hotel. You can start the hike to Skaros (easy and highly recommended) and also Oia from here. Imerovigli village near Skaros is a 20-minute walk.
Keep in mind that while the tip of Skaros is a great viewpoint, but verticle climb up over rocks is steep and dangerous, I suggest doing it only if you’re confident!
Day in Oia
Located on the northwestern tip of Santorini, Oia is the most photographed village on the island.. postcards usually feature Oia – its whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, narrow paths along the cliffside and incredible views. A lot of tourists stay in Oia, but I don’t think it’s the best idea if you want to explore the island.
Hike to Oia from Fira (~11 km, it’s really beautiful, we did it on our first trip) OR take the bus from Fira bus station (~2€ one way but you may have to wait long as they are often packed). Sightsee, churches, museums, art-galleries and boutiques . Watch the famous Santorini sunset at the Castle of Oia (get here a couple of hours early for a good spot).
Check out my recommendations on where to eat when in Oia and when exploring the rest of the island on my Santorini vegan eats post:
—> Dining out in Greek Islands – vegan options
Cooking Class
When staying at MOD Santorini vegan hotel, you have the chance to take part in a cooking class and learn how to make traditional plant-based Greek dishes. In 2024, we had the pleasure of cooking with private vegan chef Manos, who guided us through recipes like dolmas (stuffed vine leaves), creamy Santorini fava, gemista (stuffed vegetables), and the sweet treat loukoumades. A fun experience, followed by a generous feast enjoyed with fellow guests!
For wine-lovers: Santorini is known for distinctive wines, especially the mineral-rich Assyrtiko variety. The ancient wine growing traditions and volcanic soil create bold flavours. MOD can arrange a visit to Hatzidakis Winery, that produces a range of natural wines.
Whether you’re into food, wine, or just good company, MOD creates moments that go far beyond the typical hotel stay.
Fira town and around
Don’t miss the chance to explore Fira—the island’s capital and central hub. Head to the cliff’s edge for breathtaking views of the caldera, especially magical at sunset. Wander through the lively alleys, discover charming boutique shops, and stop for coffee or ‘nice cream’ at one of the many cute cafés.
Check out the guide to vegan eats in Santorini
Beaches
Yes, Santorini has beaches! Thanks to volcanic origins, you’ll find dramatic landscapes at the famous Red Beach and White Beach, where steep cliffs meet crystal waters. For a classic beach day, head to the black sand shores of Kamari or Perissa—perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or grabbing a bite along the promenade. The closest beach to the hotel is a 10-minute drive away at Exo Gialos, with rustic beach lounge Yalos.
Stay at MOD vegan hotel in Santorini!
Can confirm, after return: MOD Santorini is a haven for vegans on the island. Vegan-run, for vegans and for anyone who cares about making a positive impact—on the planet, for the animals—even while on holiday. We have never had such a delicious food experience at any ‘regular’ hotel. Dine well, discover hidden gems of Santorini and gain a wholesome tourist experience.
Book your special stay at MOD Santorini!
Room rates start from 250 EUR per night for the apartments; 350 EUR per night for the suites (minimum stay of 2 nights) including breakfast. Rates peak in summer, book 3-4 months in advance – the suite you like may get booked out.
website: modsantorini.com
instagram: @mod.santorini
—> follow me @veganhaventravel!
