Oia Mare Villas

Oia Mare Villas is the quintessential all-white Cycladic hotel with exposed stone accents on patios and a blue plunge pool that stands out from afar. Harbor boat traffic can be seen from tiered balconies and terraces on the property. Intrepid tourists walk down to the water via a long series of (sometimes uneven) stairs with donkeys carrying returning travelers uphill. The hotel’s interior furnishings are simple and up-to-date, having been renovated in 2014. Despite the crowds of tourists, the property is peaceful and delivers gorgeous sunset vistas, living up to Oia’s reputation. Mostly couples seeking a quiet romantic retreat stay here, but rooms that suit solo guests are also available. This property isn't the best fit for families as the plunge pool is on the small side and the extensive stone stairs aren't suited to children playing. 

Perched high above Amoudi Bay, this hotel enjoys a quiet setting with uninterrupted sunset views of the Aegean, the caldera, and Thirasia. The downside of this elevated location means that it’s a steep walk to the waterfront seafood restaurants and harbor with chartered boat trips. To get to the water travelers must navigate a long, winding staircase -- that's uneven in several places -- and may pose a challenge for those with limited mobility. The trip takes approximately 10-minutes, depending on speed and agility. However, donkey rides are available for the trip back up the cliff. (They cost around five Euros and cut the walking time in half.) The Byzantine Castle Ruins are a short two-minute walk from the hotel, and a few souvenir shops are on the cliff. Katharos Beach is a lengthy 23-minute walk or three-minute drive away. Driving to the Sigalas Winery takes 10 minutes. Transfers to the Santorini Airport, which is 30 minutes away, can be arranged through the front desk.

The hotel offers 14 comfortably furnished rooms with arched Cycladic designs, whitewashed furniture, and wooden double doors that open onto terraces or balconies, facing the Aegean. Small Single Cave Rooms and Cave Standard Studios -- with mini-fridges and electric kettles -- are suitable for solo travelers (space is limited). One- and two-bedroom suites and studios have living rooms and kitchenettes that offer wet bars and two-burner stovetops. Two-bedrooms also have two bathrooms. Free fruit and wine are offered in the ultra romantic Honeymoon Cave Suites with hot tubs on terraces and private entrances. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, free bottled water, pool towels, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, daily housekeeping, slippers, and safes. Bathrooms have cave-like showers, modern vessel sinks, and hairdryers. 

In comparison to other Santorini hotels, the Oia Mare Villas’ pool isn’t large, but its turquoise color nonetheless stands outs against the monotone cliffside landscape. Lounge chairs sit facing the sea on the deck of the pool, which has a grotto feature and a snack bar that serves a free Mediterranean buffet breakfast. Wooden folding chairs and tables both in the shade and on the sunny terrace provide a dining spot, and takeaway breakfast can be packed for guests who check out early. A lower sundeck offers more cushioned lounge chairs and gorgeous sunset views. The front desk can arrange boat tours or car rentals on request. Public parking is available near the hotel at no additional cost. And Wi-Fi is free throughout.