Sterna Residence stands in a unique location within the medieval castle of Pantoniki at Emporeios, a charming hilltop village of narrow, winding streets and whitewashed houses with flat roofs. From its elevated vantage point, the village looks out over other Dodecanese islands and across the sea to the coast of Asia Minor, while affording a privileged view of the caldera.
The surrounding countryside, alive with vineyards, unique species of oak trees and other native vegetation, is criss-crossed by footpaths that invite leisurely walks or longer treks. Inside the castle ruins is the 13th century church of Archangel Michael, while nearby is the famous Monastery of Panagia Kyra. In the lovely village square is a café and a taverna that serves delicious local dishes.

Originally built as a two-storey tower in the mid-17th century, the residence was the first to be restored in the medieval castle after its collapse in the devastating earthquake of 1933. The restoration work has been meticulous, with the use of traditional materials and on the basis of historical documentation. The residence is named after the cistern (sterna in Greek) just outside, which is considered to be the largest of its kind ever built in Emporeios. Within the framework of its residency and exhibition programme “Sterna Art Project”, the house attracts artists from Greece and all over the world, as it provides an ideal environment in which they can meet, work and socialise.
Sterna is laid out on two levels covering 128 m2 in total. The ground floor is an open-plan area comprising the kitchen, the living room where an additional 2 people can sleep on the sofas, with open fireplace and a bathroom with shower. On the upper floor there are two spacious bedrooms, each with a double bed and private balcony, as well as the second bathroom with shower as well. The house also features 110 m2 of outdoor living space, consisting of a 40 m2 terrace with a large dining table and a 70 m2 rooftop with giant cushions and sun beds.
The tasteful decor of the interior is characterised by whitewashed minimalism and enhanced by the intriguing sculptures of Sterna’s resident artists.
Sterna Residence is part of an architectural project involving three distinct properties in close proximity to each other, which means larger parties could rent more than one. At present, two are available, Sterna Residence and Sterna Turret.