Looking for a unique place to stay on your vacation? Santorini has the place for you! There are no mainstream hotel chains on the island, so each property, and truly each room, is unique. You won’t find any two hotels alike here, which is all part of the charm. We chose to stay at Oia Mare Villas, tucked into the caldera side of Oia Village, and you’ll have to see the photos to believe it.
Essential info: What to Know Before You Visit Greece
The Hotel
The hotel itself has only a handful of rooms, some offering in-room hot tubs, others offering epic caldera views. When you book, you’ll receive a welcome e-mail with some important information–like the fact that there are no road names in Oia. And the fact that Oia is a pedestrian-only area. You will not be able to drive up to your accommodation, wherever you stay in Oia.
They’ll recommend booking your hotel transfer from the airport or ferry terminal in advance, and you should take them up on it. Not only will you need someone to show you the way from the location where your transfer drops you off outside the village, you’ll also need the help with your luggage. Steve and I are not “help with your luggage” kind of travelers, but even we were grateful for the help while we traversed up and down stairs and winding pedestrian streets!
Keep reading: The Best Things to Do in Santorini
Our Villa
Once we arrive, we were able to check into our villa right away. We were pleasantly surprised at how spacious our room was. It was truly a villa, not simply a “room!” There was plenty of seating, and even options to use some of the seating for more beds if needed. The villa was entirely painted white, which I’m sure is because it’s a cave. The white paint made it appear much brighter, and reflected the light at night for better visibility as well.
Must read: Mistakes People Make When Plannig a Trip to Greece (and how to avoid them)
The Bedroom
The bedroom was at the back of the cave–the most private and quiet part of the villa. We slept well each night, and I found the bed to be very comfortable. I also appreciated the ample closet space and dresser drawers. It looked like a beautiful antique!
Also helpful: What to Pack for a Week in Greece (Athens + Santorini)
The Bathroom
Again, the bathroom was quite spacious, and I was glad to see some additional counterspace there as well. The shower was huge, and the water pressure was good, which is not something you can always count on everywhere in the world.
Related: Your Ultimate Guide to Solid Toiletries for Travel
The Kitchen
The kitchen was small compared to the rest of the villa, but it was all we needed. We had an electric kettle to make coffee, a mini fridge, a sink, and some dishes and flatware to use, but mostly we dined out or had breakfast on the hotel’s patio upstairs.
Keep reading: What to Know Before You Visit Santorini
The Outdoor Space
Something I really enjoy when I can get it at a hotel is outdoor space. It’s just so pleasant. And I don’t “need” a view, but it sure is nice to have one! This accommodation offered both. What it did not offer (and nor do the other accommodations in the area) was privacy! But that was okay. Look at that view!
More here: Tips Before You Choose to Stay in Oia
The Breakfast
Breakfast came included in our room rate, so we made sure to take advantage of that each morning. It was quite a set up! We could choose from fruit, yogurt, sweet and savory pastries, Greek salad, cold cuts, cheese, bread, eggs, breakfast meats, and more.
Need more? Check out everything you need to plan your trip on my dedicated Greece Page!
Love this post? Pin it for later!
