Canaves Hotel in Oia, Santorini

Greece › Santorini › Hotels › Canaves Review
by Santorini Dave • Updated: January 24, 2022

Essentials
• Location: Fantastic location on the caldera at the entrance to Oia village
• Map
• Hotel website: canaves.com
• Hotel phone: +30 22860 71453
• Check prices for Canaves Hotel

Hotel Review

Canaves Hotel – Impeccable, luxury hotel with a pool and dazzling caldera views throughout the property.

Perched on the edge of Oia’s caldera, this 5-star boutique property boasts stunning views from every suite and private plunge pools in most. The hotel blends traditional, Santorinian cave-style architecture with contemporary, minimalist décor and design. Suites are all a little bit different, being hand-carved from the cliff, but each is elegantly appointed with perks that include pillow menus, a bottle of wine, and Hermès amenities. Dining is incredible at their Greek-Mediterranean restaurant, Infinity, whether for a casual lunch, sunset cocktail, or candlelit dinner with a sweeping view. With only 18 suites, service is very personal, from reception to restaurant and everything in between.

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Canaves Hotel – Location

• Area: Fantastic location on the caldera’s edge at the beginning of Oia, just a short walk from the pedestrian-only zone. The hotel is less than 5 minutes from several restaurants, cafes, and boutiques, and about 12 minutes from the Oia Bus Terminal.

• How to Get There:
The hotel is located just off the main road into Oia, making it very easy to travel to and from, whether by taxi, private transfer, driving yourself, or riding the bus. It is approximately 18km from the Athinios ferry port and the Santorini Airport to the hotel, though they are in different directions.

There are always buses waiting at the ferry port for every ferry arrival, as well as buses departing hourly from Santorini Airport. There are no direct buses from the port or airport to Oia, however; buses from both locations go to Fira, where you must then board a different bus to Oia – the entire trip from the port or airport to Oia will take at least an hour and cost about €5 in total. Tickets are purchased on the bus, in cash only. From the Oia Bus Terminal, it’s an easy 12-minute walk to the hotel.

Taxis are also available from the port or airport, though there are only about 25 taxis serving the whole island, so there is often a wait; schedule a ride through a private car service in advance to avoid this (I use and recommend Welcome Pickups). Taxis on Santorini are not metered, so be sure to agree on a price with the driver before setting out. A taxi from the airport to Canaves will cost roughly €35 to €40. A taxi from the ferry port will cost around €35 to €40. Booking through a private car service will cost only a bit more – about $60 (or €50), but is worth it to avoid the wait and for the convenience of paying ahead.

For those who prefer to drive themselves, we recommend renting a car either at the airport on arrival, or in Fira. The road from the ferry port is steep and narrow, with many tricky switchbacks, large trucks, and buses. Leave that for the locals to navigate. We strongly recommend reserving a vehicle in advance, especially if you require automatic transmission. Upon arrival at the hotel, Canaves offers free parking in their lot nearby.

• Handy to: The beginning of the pedestrian street at Passaggio, Church of Panagia of Platsani.

Map of Canaves Hotel

Canaves Hotel – The Basics

• Ages: An adults-only property, only ages 13 and older are allowed. Most guests are couples celebrating a special occasion, usually a honeymoon or anniversary.
• Beach: The closest swimming spot (though it is not a proper beach) is at Ammoudi Bay, the port immediately below Oia, 1.5 km from the hotel. This is a popular spot for swimming and cliff diving; though it’s too rocky and small to do much lounging. Ammoudi Bay is the main port of Oia, and is served by several spectacular seafood restaurants. It’s a steep trek down and back again, but it’s relatively easy to catch a cab at the bottom to bring you back up the hill. (Buy a snack at one of the restaurants and the waiter will be happy to call one.)
• View: Gorgeous panoramic views of the caldera throughout the hotel.
• Private Pools/Jacuzzis: Private, heated plunge pools in most suite categories: Superior, Honeymoon, Grand, and River Pool.
• Parking: Free parking in their lot nearby.
• Extras: Welcome drink, welcome bottle of wine and fruit basket, pillow menu, iPods or tablets on request, wine tasting experience (for an additional fee).
• When to Book: The hotel usually operates from early April until late October/early November. Reserve at least 4 months in advance (6 months is better) for stays during high season from June through September, and about 2 months in advance for the low and shoulder seasons.
• How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
• Phone: +30 22860 71453
• Email: [email protected], [email protected]
• Website: canaves.com

Canaves Hotel – Amenities

• Pool: Fantastic partially-shaded pool overlooking the caldera. Not heated.
• Spa: Access to the spa at their sister property, Canaves Suites, close by.
• Fitness Center: Access to the gym at Canaves Suites.
• For Disabled Guests: This hotel is located in the caldera, and is full of stairs with no elevator. This hotel is not suitable for guests with mobility issues.
• For Families: An adults-only property, only ages 13 and above are permitted. For families with older kids, they offer the Grand Suite, a 2-bedroom/2-bathroom unit that sleeps up to 5 guests.
• Activities: A private wine tasting experience is available for an additional fee.

Canaves Hotel – Food and Drink

• Restaurant: Infinity Pool Bar Restaurant is open all day, from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. Their menu focuses on Greek and Mediterranean flavors, and the atmosphere is casual. Dinner is served by candlelight with stellar sunset views. Great cocktails are available all day. The restaurant is reserved for guests only during the day, but opens to the public for dinner, so it’s a good idea to make reservations to get a table with the best view.
• Breakfast: Complimentary breakfast daily. An American Champagne buffet breakfast is served at Infinity every morning from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m., or it can be served to the suite at no additional charge.
• Room Service: Available during restaurant hours.

Canaves Hotel – Rooms

• Room Types: Classic Suite • Junior Suite • Superior Suite with Plunge Pool • River Pool Suite • Grand Suite with Plunge Pool
• Smoking Rooms: Canaves Hotel does not allow smoking in any of its room categories. Smoking is allowed on private verandas and in outdoor common areas.
• Best Room: The River Pool Suite is a unique gem, featuring a river-like, heated plunge pool that is half cave-style and half open to the sun, with jacuzzi jets in the open area. This 1-bedroom suite has a king bed, separate living area, and a private veranda with an al fresco dining space.
• For Families: The Grand Suite sleeps up to 5 guests. Its master bedroom has a king-bedded loft and a bathroom with a hydrotherapy tub. The second bedroom has one king bed or two twin beds, and a bathroom with a shower. There is a separate living area, which can sleep one more guest, plus an outdoor terrace with a heated, plunge pool and al fresco dining area.

Canaves Hotel – Local Transport

• Walking: The hotel is located near the beginning of Oia, not far from the marble, pedestrian path, surrounded by an endless choice of restaurants, shops, and attractions. Oia Bus Terminal is just 12 minutes away on foot, as is Oia’s most photographed church, Panagia of Platsani. The castle ruins, the island’s most popular sunset viewpoint, is a 20-minute walk west, while Ammoudi Bay is just a little further, 26 minutes from the hotel.
• Bus: Canaves Hotel is very close to the Oia Bus Terminal, just 12 minutes away. Buses here serve all of the major villages and beaches on the island, often with a change in Fira. Tickets are bought on board, and range from €1.80 to €2.50 per person in the daytime, depending on the route. Night buses (12:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.) run less frequently and cost a little more, from €2.30 to €3.10). Buses can get very crowded, especially during the high season, so much so that they often fill to capacity and are unable to take on more passengers. There are only 23 public buses serving the island.
• Taxis: The nearest taxi stand is at Stathmos Taxi, near the Oia Bus Terminal. There is often a wait here as there are only 25 taxis serving the entire island (including guests from about 1,000 hotels, villas, and Airbnbs). Book ahead to avoid the wait, plus you can have them meet you directly at the hotel. There will be a small surcharge for advanced reservations and for carrying luggage, usually just a couple of Euros. The average rate from Oia to Fira is €20, and from Oia to the airport runs about €35 to €40.
• Scooters/Motorcycles: Scooters are the main mode of transportation for the locals, but if you’re unfamiliar with the terrain, it can be very dangerous. The roads here are zigzagging, hilly, narrow, and have sheer drop-offs with no guardrails and no street lights in most areas. Lots of dirt roads and potholes.
• ATVs/Quads: ATVs are a fun and popular mode of transportation with tourists, but for the locals stuck driving behind them, they move too slowly and hold up traffic in an area where getting around is already a hassle. For those who don’t ride quads regularly (i.e. most people), they can be dangerous at high speeds and on turns. Crashing your ATV is a sure-fire way to ruin your vacation.

Canaves Hotel – What’s Nearby?

Best Nearby Restaurants

• Anemomilos Restaurant: Located next to the hotel of the same name; refreshingly local vibe, not touristy at all. Great food, friendly atmosphere.
• Melitini: 100% Greek menu, using local Santorinian, Cycladic, and Greek ingredients only. Quaint, cozy interior, and stellar caldera views from the rooftop terrace.
• Lefkes: Cozy, romantic restaurant in a converted wine cellar in the charming Finikia village.
• PitoGyros: Hands-down, the best gyros in Oia. Seating is limited.
• Candouni: Cozy, family-owned restaurant with live Greek music, and absolutely delicious food.
• Roka: Authentic, Santorinian menu with solid dishes, especially the meatballs and octopus.
• Lotza: Simple, honest Greek comfort food with stunning caldera views.
• Ammoudi Bay Restaurants: Each of these waterfront restaurants is phenomenal, offering the freshest fish on the island. The steep 25-minute walk down takes longer coming back up, but a waiter will be happy to call a cab.

Best Nearby Bars and Breweries

• Fino Cocktail Bar & Restaurant: The best cocktails on Santorini. Plus inspired Mediterranean food and an extensive wine list.
• Sunset Sangria Bar: Chill spot for sangria, cocktails, and tapas with excellent sunset views (though not of the caldera).
• Marykay’s Bar/Hassapiko: The only nightlife in Oia, this is where to go for dancing, as they regularly host live bands and DJs.

Best Nearby Cafes

• Mes Amis: Amazing little spot on a covered patio looking over the caldera. Super casual, fantastic views, and great food.
• Passaggio: The best coffee in Santorini, solid breakfast, killer cocktails, and pretty ok sunset views from the balcony, just a little back from the caldera.
• Meteor: Excellent coffee and breakfast with sweeping caldera views, though a little on the pricey side. Turns into a bar at night.

Nearby Shopping and Cool Shops

• Bligaki: Santorinian accessories, especially jewelry and bags, mostly handmade.
• BLOW by Labro: High-end designer boutique with unique pieces.
• It’s a Beautiful Day: Greek-designed clothing and luxury brand accessories.
• Atlantis Books: Widely considered to be the best bookstore in the world. Nat Geo calls it a “Destination of a Lifetime”.
• B.Loose: Greek-made, casual linens for men and women.
• Steps to Art: Truly unique metal sculptures, replicas inspired by Akrotiri, and jewelry made with volcanic sand and watch parts.
• Spilia Cave Greek Clothing: Handmade, leather sandals, cotton and linen Greek clothes, located in one of the original living caves of Oia.

Nearby Attractions

• Oia-Fira Hiking Trail: One of the top attractions on the island is this scenic 10.5 km hiking trail connecting Oia and Fira. A mix of sidewalk, cobblestones, and dirt trail, this route boasts gorgeous vistas the entire way. Hiking south to Fira, the full length of the path from the Byzantine Castle Ruins takes from 2 to 5 hours; Add about an hour for a detour at Skaros Rock in Imerovigli. 1-minute walk from the hotel.
• Church of Panagia of Platsani: The most iconic church in Santorini, beautiful inside and out.
• Museum of Ancient, Byzantine Musical Instruments: Faithful replicas of Greek instruments dating from the prehistoric through Byzantine eras.
• Maritime Museum: Small museum focused on Greek Naval and Santorinian seafaring history. Only €3 to enter.
• Castle of Agios Nikolaos (aka Oia Castle aka Byzantine Castle Ruins): The medieval castle ruins are the most popular sunset viewpoint on the island.
• Domaine Sigalas Winery: Tour the vineyard to learn about the island’s unique wine-making process, and sample 10 supreme wines paired with local delicacies. Domaine Sigalas is due north of Finikia.
• Ammoudi Bay: Best known for its fresh fish restaurants, Ammoudi is the rocky port of Oia; boats sail to Thirassia and cruise the caldera from here. It’s an incredibly popular spot for cliff diving and is one of the best places to swim on the island.

Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores

• Perivolas Market: Small store with a decent selection of drinks, wine, and bread.
• Village Super Market: Good selection of staples at a fair price (for Santorini). Located just across the road behind Passaggio.
• Elliniki Diatrofi Supermarket: Great selection of local cheeses, wine, liquor, fresh produce, and staples. Open until after midnight, sometimes as late as 2:00 a.m.
• Proton Supermarket: Small market, but usually has the best prices. This is where most locals shop in the area.

Canaves Hotel – The Hotel

Sitting right on the edge of the caldera, Canaves Hotel commands excellent views over the Aegean.

Outside the hotel, facing the caldera. The road on the right leads to the center of Oia and the pedestrian-only zone. Most restaurants that are walking distance from Canaves Hotel are this way, though a handful are located in the opposite direction.

View from above the hotel.

Reception is straight through this arch.

Just outside reception, there’s an amazing view to Skaros Rock in the caldera at Imerovigli.

Inside, the reception area is cozy and contemporary in a style that is repeated throughout the property.

The free-form pool (unheated) faces toward the caldera and is mostly open to the full sun…

…with a small portion shaded buy a hand-carved cave. There’s a chandelier in this portion for evenings.

There are plenty of sun loungers next to the pool.

As well as the Infinity Pool Bar.

Infinity Restaurant sits just above the sun loungers, with stunning views over the caldera to Thirassia.

Outside the River Pool Suite. This is its private veranda with two sun loungers, an al fresco dining area just behind, and the exterior portion of the pool in the back.

Inside, the suite opens to a living space…

…and a dining area with a caldera view.

Just next to the living room, an ample-sized bedroom (with a king bed) is designed in Cycladic style with arches and a vaulted ceiling.

The sunny bedroom opens up to the terrace through a set of double doors.

The bathroom is spacious and features a glass rain shower.

The bathroom opens up to the river pool, with a little step stool to get in. The cave roof is arched and hand-carved and the tunnel follows a couple of gentle curves.

Close up inside the cave pool.

Uncovered portion of the cave pool. There are jacuzzi jets and a bench at this end. Check rates and availability: Canaves Hotel

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