Akrotiri 84700 Greece, Akrotiri, Greece
Quiet location near Red Beach and Akrotiri Archeological Site
Hearty free breakfast buffet with homemade donuts, pancakes, and freshly squeezed juice
Tiered infinity-edge pools with Caldera and sunset views; pool service
Delicious restaurant with local and international items, plus Caldera views
Super clean rooms with flat-screen TVs, large bathrooms, and outdoor spaces; some kitchenettes
Free and dependable Wi-Fi
Free on-demand shuttle to local areas of interest
Free parking in a paved lot
Garden grounds with palms, flowers, and herbs
Family-owned hotel with affable and helpful owner
45-minute drive to Oia (a pro for some)
Pools are freezing cold (a pro on hot days)
Apanemo is one of the best hotels in Santorini -- and it has some of the cheapest rates for amenities and freebies offered. Highlights at the mid-range hotel include a delicious free breakfast buffet, authentic restaurant, tiered infinity-edge pool, on-demand local shuttle, and sunset Caldera views from the public spaces and most of the rooms. The 27 rooms are spotless, spacious, and have large bathrooms with powerful showers. Truly, the only downside to this hotel is that you'll likely need a car or an ATV to explore, as there's little within immediate walking distance. It's about an eight-minute drive to Red Beach and the Akrotiri Archeological Site. Travelers who want to be on the northern side of the island in the heart of Oia (and don't mind steep steps or fewer features) should check rates at Aris Caves.
Scene
Family-owned boutique hotel that pays attention to details and views
Apanemo's white-washed rooms and communal features are skillfully built into a hill that overlooks the Aegean Sea and Caldera for sunset views. Every evening, just before sunset, a parade of guests line up by the infinity-edge tiered pools for a dedicated photoshoot with the jaw-dropping sky and sea in the background. The property was built in 1995 by local family and has been beautifully maintained. It includes lush gardens and potted succulents, plus cozy seating areas set under pergolas. The breakfast room and restaurant include a covered outdoor dining room that offers Aegean sea views and a color palette of bright white and soft blue. The friendly and helpful owner is usually behind the reception desk, though he does occasionally leave his post to offer on-demand shuttle service for guests to Red Beach. A note for families, the steps and hillsides here aren't as steep as competing hotels. Apanemo closes from the end of October through April.
Location
In Akrotiri, on the southern end of Santorini
Akrotiri is located on the southern end of Santorini, which is the quieter end of the island, and doesn't see the same flux of cruise ship passengers that can overtake Fira and Oia. The location is almost as far as you can get from Oia, but the beaches and wineries are close by, and it's still a relatively easy drive to Oia. The hotel's owner provides an on-demand shuttle service to anywhere in Akrotiri, but we'd still recommend renting an ATV or car to get around this part of the island.
Rooms
Mix of rooms and apartments with outdoor spaces and large bathrooms
Rooms at the Apanemo are overall pleasant, clean, and spacious. They're divided into individual buildings scattered around the grounds. Some are close to the pool and restaurant, while others are down a small hill and more private. Each unit has a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, a mini-fridge, free bottled water, and a private furnished outdoor space. Some units include small kitchenettes with sinks. Interiors are mostly the same with bright whitewashed walls and gray-striped bed runners and pillows. Wooden sculptures and stacked stone lamps add a bit of interest.
Large bathrooms include long vanities, olive oil scented toiletries, and powerful showers with glass doors. Some Superior Rooms have dual rainfall showerheads. Hairdryers are mounted to the walls.
Features
Delicious free breakfast buffet, full restaurant service, and tiered infinity-edge pools
The features at Apanemo go above and beyond what's usually on offer for a mid-range hotel in Santorini. The day starts with an incredibly tasty free breakfast buffet of hot and cold Greek and international items. The spread includes housemade donuts, bacon, pancakes, Greek yogurt in glass jars, freshly squeezed orange juice, egg dishes, spinach pies, and eggs that have been boiled for either four or seven minutes. After breakfast, the restaurant offers a la carte items for lunch and dinner, either served by the pool or in the dining room. Food quality is excellent, and there's also a selection of local beers and wines.
The tiered-infinity edge pools offer a gorgeous place to lounge and enjoy the views, but the water is unfortunately ice cold and swimmable only on the hottest days. Wi-Fi is free and fast throughout the hotel. There's a paved parking area just in front of the entrance, which is convenient. The hotel's owner provides an on-call shuttle service to nearby attractions like Red Beach.