Katikies Kirini Hotel in Oia, Santorini

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By Santorini Dave

Essentials
• Location: On the caldera at the entrance to Oia village
• Map
• Hotel website: katikies.com
• Hotel phone: +30 22860 71214
• Check prices for Katikies Kirini

The shared pool at Katikies Kirini in Oia. Because most suites have their own private jacuzzis or pools, the shared pool is rarely crowded.

Hotel Review

Katikies Kirini – Elegant caldera hotel with a tranquil spa, two pools, and an incredible restaurant.

This heavenly, all-suite hotel boasts traditional, cave-style architecture and sweeping caldera views throughout the property. Most suites include a private jacuzzi, pool, or both, and range from 30 to 40 sqm, with the higher categories featuring the largest verandas. The main infinity pool offers spectacular views, while the heated spa cave pool is hidden from the sun. Its spa features a steam room and three private suites, one of which is on the rooftop, perfect for couples’ sunset massages. Service is incredible and personalized with their 1:2 staff to guest ratio. Their Katikies Club, which all guests become part of just by staying, offers exclusive experiences from sailing to wine tastings, VIP access to the archaeological site, and more.

See Also

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Katikies Kirini – Location

Excellent location on the caldera at the entrance to Oia. The hotel is within 3 to 20 minutes’ walking distance to the best restaurants, shops, and attractions in the village, but in a quiet section removed from the hordes of cruise ship tourists.

• How to Get There:
The hotel is located on a footpath just off the main road into Oia, making it very easy to travel to and from, whether by taxi, 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 nearest bus stop, it’s just a 14-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 Katikies Kirini 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, Katikies Kirini offers free valet parking onsite (a major perk).

• Handy to: The Oia-Fira hiking trail, Oia Bus Terminal, and the restaurant/shopping heart of Oia.

Map of Katikies Kirini

Katikies Kirini – The Basics

• Ages: An adults-only hotel, only ages 13 and older are allowed. Guests tend to be couples celebrating a special occasion, usually a honeymoon, anniversary, or even having their wedding here.
• Beach: The closest swimming spot (though it is not a proper beach) is at Ammoudi Bay, the port immediately below Oia, 2 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: Overlooking the caldera with excellent views.
• Private Pools/Jacuzzis: Most room categories feature a private jacuzzi, pool, or both. Wet Junior Suites and Honeymoon Suites feature outdoor jacuzzis; Superior Suites have indoor jacuzzis; Katikies Kirini Suites have indoor jacuzzis and outdoor plunge pools; while the Master Suite has a private pool.
• Parking: Free valet parking onsite.
• Extras: Boutique with exclusive Greek-designed products; hospitality room for early arrivals or late departures; choice of in-room luxury amenities; Katikies Club exclusive experiences; small weddings and events.
• When to Book: The hotel operates from April 1st until November 15th. Reserve at least 4 months in advance (6 months is better) for stays during the 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 71214
• Email: info@kirini.com
• Website: katikies.com

Katikies Kirini – Amenities

• Pool: Two pools. One infinity pool with caldera views and one indoor, heated cave pool at the spa.
• Spa: Holistic spa with an extensive treatment menu, all performed in private suites. The best spa suite for couples is the rooftop suite with sweeping caldera views. The spa also offers a steam room in addition to the cave pool.
• Fitness Center: Small but well-equipped gym that can be reserved for private workout sessions.
• For Disabled Guests: This is a caldera hotel with lots of steps. There is an elevator, but it does not serve every floor. This hotel is fine for guests with mild mobility issues who can stay on one of the higher floors, but it is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs.
• For Families: An adults-only hotel, only guests 13 and older are permitted. There are no special facilities or amenities for children, and none of the suites can accommodate more than 3 guests.
• Activities: Exclusive activities are available through the Katikies Club for an additional fee: wine tasting, caldera cruises (catamaran, speed boat, or Riva boat), VIP access to the archaeological site, car tours of the island, private dining, exclusive spa treatments, and private transfers with champagne.

Katikies Kirini – Food and Drink

• Restaurant: Therasia is open all day for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks. The atmosphere is casual yet refined during the day, and romantic in the evenings. The menu focuses on Mediterannean flavors, especially inspired by Tuscan regional cuisine.
• Lounge/Bar: The Pool Lounge and Cocktail Bar serves refreshing and inspired cocktails and light bites from Therasia’s kitchen throughout the day.
• Breakfast: Complimentary breakfast is available every morning from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. There is a buffet supplemented by an a la carte menu at Therasia, or breakfasts can be ordered ahead and served to the suite at no additional cost.
• Room Service: Available 24 hours.

Katikies Kirini – Rooms

• Room Types: Junior Suite • Senior Suite • Wet Junior Suite with Open Air Jetted Tub • Superior Suite • Honeymoon Suite with Open Air Jetted Tub • Kirini Suite with Plunge Pool • Master Suite with Private Pool
• Smoking Rooms: The hotel does not allow smoking in any of their room categories. It is allowed on the private outdoor terraces, and in the outdoor common areas.
• Best Room: The Kirini Suite with Plunge Pool is the best room. Offering 45 sqm of indoor space, it is the hotel’s largest suite. This 1-bedroom suite boasts a king bed, separate living room with a small dining area, plus a large veranda (almost the size of the room) with an al fresco dining table, heated plunge pool, and 2 sun loungers.
• For Families: An adults-only hotel, only guests ages 13 and older are permitted. There are no special amenities or facilities for children, and no rooms sleep more than 3 guests.

Katikies Kirini – Local Transport

• Walking: The hotel is located at the entrance to Oia, along the Oia-Fira trail. Walk 14 minutes west to get to the center of Oia, where you’ll find an endless choice of restaurants, shops, and attractions, as well as the bus terminal. Head east to find the traditional village Finikia, which has a couple of great restaurants and Sigalas winery. The Oia Castle ruins are just 22 minutes away, while Ammoudi Bay is just 5 more minutes past the castle at the bottom of the caldera.
• Bus: The hotel is right in between 2 bus stops. The closer of the 2 is at the entrance to Finikia village, a 13-minute walk east on the main street in front of Alonistra Oia Houses. The Oia Bus Terminal is 14 minutes west of the hotel. All buses that go through Finikia also serve Oia, but the Baxedes bus to Oia does not pass through Finikia. 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. Because of this, it’s better to catch the bus at the Oia Bus Terminal, which is the first stop, if you are leaving the hotel to explore. Coming back, get off the bus in Finikia, so you have a shorter walk to the hotel.
• 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 (with 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 near the parking area. 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.

Katikies Kirini – 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 half-hour walk down takes longer coming back up, but the waiter will be happy to call a cab.

Best Nearby Bars and Breweries

• Fino Cocktail Bar & Restaurant: The best cocktails in 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.
• 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

• BLOW by Labro: High-end designer boutique with unique pieces.
• Bligaki: Santorinian accessories, especially jewelry and bags, mostly handmade.
• It’s a Beautiful Day: Greek-designed clothing and luxury-brand accessories.
• 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: Santorini’s best winery, with options for tours, tastings and tapas.
• 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).
• 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.

Katikies Kirini – The Hotel

The entrance to Katikies Kirini is near their private parking area, surrounded by a garden.

Built into the caldera, the property spreads down from the top over several levels.

They have an elevator, but like all caldera hotels, there is still a fair number of stairs to climb. However, the sweeping views certainly make it worthwhile.

The main reception area is sunny and polished…

…while the concierge lobby is decorated in true Santorinian cave style.

Anthos Restaurant also plays up the cave-style architecture in its indoor dining area.

Anthos’ outdoor dining area sits next to the infinity pool, and showcases gorgeous views of the caldera, especially at sunset.

Anthos is also where the sunset wine tastings take place every evening, featuring wines from Santorini and Greece expertly paired with local cuisine, local and international cheeses, and charcuterie.

The infinity pool overlooks the caldera, and includes a section with hydrotherapy jets. There are a few sun loungers on this level, as well as some covered Bali beds one level below, in front of the pool. Most suites have their own private jacuzzis or pools, so the shared pool is rarely crowded.

View of the Sun Deck.

The pool is served by the Pool Lounge and Cocktail Bar all day, with food from the kitchen at Anthos.

The hotel’s second pool is an indoor, heated cave pool inside the spa.

The full-service spa offers an extensive list of treatments for individuals or couples in their 3 spa suites.

All suites here are completely unique due to the geography of the caldera, and the fact that each room has been carved out using hand tools. Here is one example of a Senior Suite. It features a separate living area in front of the bedroom

A different Senior Suite features more of an open-plan style, with the bathroom at the back. All Senior Suites are about 35 sqm.

An example of a Senior Suite bathroom. Some have walk-in showers without bathtubs.

Superior Suites are a little bit larger (40 sqm) than Senior Suites, and add an indoor, 2-person jacuzzi.

A closer look at the jacuzzi.

Master Suites have the same interior size as Superior Suites, but their terraces are huge, and feature a private swimming pool.

Master Suites are the most private suites in the hotel, and have their own Bali beds, dining area, and sweeping views of the caldera.

View of the caldera with Thirassia Island from the Master Suite veranda. Check prices and availability: Katikies Kirini

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