Finikia Memories

Finikia Memories consists of several whitewashed Cycladic structures built into a cliff, connected by steep steps and separated by short stone walls. The charming homestyle restaurant and its adjacent pergola covered garden are at the top of the cliff, directly next to the living room-style lobby. The lobby includes a flat-screen TV and small cluster of seating. The front entrance is decorated with potted plants, cacti, and flowers. Guests then walk down steep steps to their rooms and the large kidney-shaped pool at the bottom of the property. The hotel overlooks Finikia village, famous for its vineyards and cave-style homes, and then the Aegean Sea in the distance. Most guests (a mix of couples and families) start their day at the restaurant and then move on to Oia, possibly returning to the hotel for dinner after sunset. Overall, the hotel is beautifully maintained and quiet, and it has a slight Scandinavian vibe. 

For those that don't mind a 10-minute walk to the edge of Oia, Finikia Memories has an ideal location. It's outside of the picturesque village's chaos and prices are lower here. Expect a 40-minute walk to Amoudi Bay, the furthest tip of Oia. There's a bus stop about two blocks away for guests who want to take the bus (about 15 minutes) deeper into Oia, or south to Fira Town (about 25 minutes). Note that the street just outside of the hotel is busy with busses, ATVs, and cars...it's not the safest for walking after dark (few streetlights) but there's a narrow sidewalk that's safe enough during the day. The Santorini Airport is about a 40-minute drive from the hotel. 

Rooms are available in configurations of Double Rooms (for one or two people), Superior Rooms (for two to three people), or Suites (for two to three people). They're divided on first and second floors, and most require stairs to reach as even the majority of the first floor rooms are built into a hill. The main difference between rooms is space, and Suites include a living area with built-in sofas. Some of the Superior Rooms have a spiral staircase that leads to a second-floor lofted bedroom. Each unit has the same straightforward white walls and concrete floors, with splashes of bold color in the bed runners, curtains, and rugs. Bed linens and pillows are of a much nicer quality than what we found at competitor hotels. Amenities across the board include mini-fridges, free bottled water, kettles, coffee, safes, telephones, and air-conditioning. None of the rooms have a TV, and only rooms closest to reception can access the free Wi-Fi.

Bathrooms vary a bit. The Double Rooms have handheld shower wands and annoying clinging fabric curtains. Nicer rooms upgrade to cave-style showers, but the handheld shower wand is still a problem. Spacious vanities provide ample room for unpacking personal items. Hairdryers, toiletries, and towels are provided.  

Each room has a nicely furnished outdoor area. Some rooms lead directly to the pool deck. The rooms at the top of the hill have the best views of the village below and the Aegean Sea in the distance. 

Features at Finikia Memories are truly lovely. All guests receive a free breakfast that's served either in the quaint dining room or out on the adjacent patio, covered with a pergola and dotted with potted plants. Breakfast includes feta cheese, olives, sliced tomatoes, spinach pies, croissants, and freshly squeezed juice, plus coffee. Guests can order a la carte items like eggs and bacon if they wish. The restaurant then serves a la carte lunch and dinner with Greek specialties and seafood. Wine and beer are on offer. At the bottom of the property, the kidney-shaped pool is surrounded by sun loungers and body pillows. There's an adjacent whirlpool, but it's not heated. Free parking is available in a paved lot near the pool. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but the signal is only dependable by the restaurant and in the lobby. Staff can arrange tours and excursions. This is one of the only pet-friendly properties in Santorini. Staff is available to assist with carrying luggage.