Atlantis Books in Santorini has found a new home. After relocating from its legendary perch in Oia, it now resides in the northern village of Firostefani, where it’s quietly thriving. Despite rumors it would close due to relocation challenges, this Atlantis hasn’t vanished. It remains one of the world’s most beloved bookstores—a place with a brave history and a hopeful future. Founder Craig Walzer introduces us to the newest chapter of Atlantis Books.
“For 19 years, we were in the heart of Oia—in a stunning spot, close enough to feel the pulse of the town but just far enough from the noise to enjoy caldera views for free and have space to read. Through years of personal work, we had nearly finished building the bookstore exactly how we had dreamed it. Then, after nearly two decades, we were forced to leave.
“Oia no longer had room for a bookstore. So, we came to a completely different place, and—older, maybe wiser—we rebuilt the space using the same pieces of wood and the same recycled philosophy. The hardest part was getting back into the mindset I had twenty years ago: that whatever space I was given—even if it were public restrooms—I’d still be grateful to make my dream real. And the truth is, any place has the potential to become what you envision. You either adapt, or you start over.”
Craig Walzer has stayed loyal to his dream—and to Santorini.
The story of Atlantis Books and Craig Walzer began in 2004 when he and college friend Oliver Wise traveled to Santorini on a whim, catching the first ferry from Piraeus. The summer before, Craig had been living in Paris, swept up in the world of Shakespeare & Company. He rented a small attic on Rue Dauphine and taught English to get by. The son of a doctor, an Oxford graduate, Craig was drawn to ideas that subverted the ordinary—to the offbeat and poetic.
By the time he was graduating from Brown, he had already been accepted into a joint Harvard program spanning the Law School and the Kennedy School of Government. But he deferred it—for a year, he thought—to open a bookstore on a Greek island with four friends.
The vision took root one night after too much wine. Craig and Oliver had read all the books they brought, and when they searched the island for new ones, all they found were a few touristy Stephen Kings. That same evening, they imagined a bookstore that would offer something better: a place for stories, for inspiration, for future generations.
The next morning—sober—Oliver asked, “Are we really doing this?” Craig replied, “Let’s do it.” And like true wayfarers, they began their journey.
What the two American philosophy students were seeking was a sanctuary—a quiet, beautiful place with a view of Santorini where their dream could take root. They found it. And while island life was far from idyllic—no longer a vacation but real work—the local community embraced them. “We couldn’t have done it at the beginning without the support of the locals,” Craig says. “People were suspicious at first—some still joke that I’m with the CIA—but they gave us their positive energy, their building materials, their word-of-mouth. Shopkeepers would recommend us to tourists. The people of Santorini are generous, and we do our best to give back to the community, even during the off-season when every day feels the same for the locals.”
Asked whether people truly appreciate the bookstore—even though it’s not a high-profit business like a hotel or restaurant—Craig is honest. “Some value us because we add something important to Santorini’s character. A town without a bookstore isn’t a real town. Some smile but haven’t stepped inside in 20 years, and that’s okay too. Some come in and find books they’d never otherwise access. And yes, some would prefer a hotel in our place. We need a bit more love on this island lately. The past few months have been very hard for us, and I don’t know if people noticed, but we could use a little extra care—just like books do. We’re deeply grateful to those who’ve stayed loyal to Atlantis Books for two decades.”
Of the original group, Craig is the only one who still lives permanently on Santorini. And for the record, he did eventually begin those Harvard studies in the fall of 2005.
For those entering Atlantis Books for the first time, Craig’s advice is simple: “It’s best to come with no expectations. One of the loveliest things about our new location is that we’re a surprise. People come in once in their life—or once a year—often when they weren’t even looking for a bookstore. That’s when it really works. Most people don’t even know we’re here, so I hope they’re surprised—in the best way. Just say hello, and let us give you a tour with good vibes and no pretense. Some visitors are on the hunt for books. Others don’t usually have the luxury to lose themselves in one. But here, they can.”
Craig believes that no one really needs a book in 2025—with libraries and digital options everywhere. But the desire for a book, and a beautiful place to read it, still matters. Often, he leaves notes for visitors—only the ones who seem like they’d want them—suggesting books or tips about the island. He reads anything, as long as it’s good.
“I’m not a big fan of dragons, but if it’s a great book, I’ll read about them too.” Craig admits his audience is a tough one: “My biggest competition is the beauty of Santorini itself. It’s hard to convince someone enjoying that view to sit down and read a book.” The bookstore still holds rare and curious titles. “We search for books that keep us curious and engaged. Even though we lost a precious rare collection during the move from Oia, we’ve built a library that isn’t just for book nerds—it’s for anyone looking for a bit of extra magic in a story. Over time, we kept the most special books that passed through our hands. That’s how this unique collection grew.”
So Craig, after all this time—what does a book mean to you today? “Even after twenty years of Atlantis Books, I still love reading. It’s like asking a fisherman if, after all these years, he still wants to smell a fish. I do. I still want to hold a book at night and read it.”
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