Greece › Santorini › Hotels › Maregio Suites Review
By Santorini Dave
Essentials
• Location: Quiet location with sunset views in Oia
• Map
• Hotel website: maregiosuites.com
• Hotel phone: +30 22860 72218
• Check prices for Maregio Suites
The view of Ammoudi Bay from Maregio Suites in Oia, Santorini.
Hotel Review
Maregio Suites – An intimate hotel above Ammoudi Bay under the windmills, Maregio offers a villa and spacious suites with heated plunge pools, private dining, and direct views of Oia’s coveted sunset.
Maregio Suites boasts nine contemporary, cave-style suites and a villa, each with its own outdoor heated plunge pool overlooking Ammoudi Bay (technically not the caldera). This romantic hotel is known for its peaceful ambiance, flawless and friendly service, and dramatic sunsets that can be enjoyed from the suites’ private terraces. Aspa Restaurant serves high-end Greek and Mediterranean fare with an excellent selection of local wine. The hotel’s location is superb: within steps of the island’s best dining, shopping, and attractions, while remaining as private as possible on their small perch over the water.
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Maregio Suites – Location
• Area: Quiet location with gorgeous sunset views right underneath the windmills in a pedestrian-only area above Ammoudi Bay. Maregio Suites is walking distance to the Byzantine Castle ruins, Ammoudi Bay for dining, cruises, and cliff diving, and the shopping and dining of central Oia.
• How to Get There: The hotel sits midway down the side of the cliff along one of Oia’s maze-like footpaths, so it’s a bit difficult to find. Coordinate with the hotel directly to have them meet you at arrival and guide you to the entrance, whether arriving by bus, taxi or driving yourself. It is approximately 23km from the Athinios ferry port and about 17km from the Santorini Airport to the hotel.
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 8-minute walk to the hotel along a mostly flat route.
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 Maregio Suites 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 in Oia, there are a few free public parking lots within a 3 to 6-minute walk of the hotel, but be patient as you may need to check a couple of lots before finding an open space.
• Handy to: Byzantine Castle Ruins, Oia Bus Terminal, Ammoudi Bay.
Map of Maregio Suites
Maregio Suites – The Basics
- Ages: Maregio Suites has no official age limits, though they do recommend guests be 12 years or over due to the many stairs onsite. There are no amenities or facilities for children, and even the largest suites only accommodate up to 2 guests. Most guests are couples celebrating a romantic occasion, especially honeymoons, anniversaries, proposals, and weddings.
- Beach: The closest beach is at Ammoudi Bay, the port immediately below Oia, 500m down. 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: Each suite has a spectacular, direct sunset view over Ammoudi Bay (not the caldera but close).
- Private Pools/Jacuzzis: All suites have their own private, outdoor, heated plunge pools.
- Parking: There are a few free public parking lots within a 3 to 6-minute walk of the hotel, and even more if you check farther east. Be patient, as you may need to check a couple of lots before finding an open space, especially during the high season.
- Extras: More private than other Oia hotels (due to its location at the far end of the village and its high walls), complimentary cell phones, 24-hour reception, airport shuttle (additional fee).
- When to Book: The hotel operates from April 1 until October 31. Reserve at least 3 months in advance (6 months is better) for stays during the high season from June through September, and about 3 months in advance for the low and shoulder seasons.
- How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
- Phone: +30 22860 72218
- Email: info@maregiosuites.com
- Website: maregiosuites.com
Maregio Suites – Amenities
- Pool: There is a shared pool in front of the restaurant with views over Ammoudi Bay.
- Spa: No spa onsite. Spa and salon services are done in-suite.
- Fitness Center: No gym. Personal training and yoga can be arranged.
- For Disabled Guests: This is a cliffside hotel with plenty of stairs and no elevator. This hotel is not suitable for guests with mobility issues.
- For Families: Maregio Suites does not have a specific age policy, but they do recommend guests be at least 12 years old in order to safely navigate all of the stairs onsite. There are no facilities or amenities for children, and rooms accommodate a maximum of 2 guests, so larger groups will need to book at least 2 rooms.
- Activities: The concierge team is happy to arrange any activities on the island, including wine tours, caldera cruises, visits to the archaeological site, car tours, and more.
Maregio Suites – Food and Drink
- Aspa Restaurant: Contemporary Mediterranean plates in a stylish, poolside setting with sunset viess. The menu is filled with Greek and Santorinian favorites made with organic produce, fresh fish, and local ingredients. The food pairs exceptionally well with their well-curated selection of local wines and custom cocktails. Open from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
- Breakfast: A complimentary, a la carte breakfast is served directly to each suite at the time of your choosing from 8 am to 11 am. Breakfast is a real highlight here, made with local, organic ingredients and with exceptional eggs, coffee, and pastries.
- Room Service: Room service is available all day from 8 am until 10 pm.
Maregio Suites – Rooms
- Room Types: Junior Suite with Heated Plunge Pool • Premium Suite with Heated Plunge Pool • Honeymoon Suite with Heated Plunge Pool • Deluxe Villa with Heated Plunge Pool
- Smoking Rooms: Maregio Suites does not allow smoking in any of its rooms. Smoking is allowed on the private, outdoor terraces and in the outdoor common areas of the hotel.
- Best Room: The Deluxe Villa with Heated Plunge Pool is the top choice at Maregio. The Deluxe Villa is the most spacious at 90 sqm with a huge terrace and the largest private pool on site. The chic, minimalist villa features a king-sized bed and upgraded amenities, and is the only unit with an indoor soaking tub.
- For Families: The hotel allows guests of all ages, but for safety concerns, they suggest all guests should be at least 12 years or older. There are no facilities or amenities for children, and the largest suites accommodate a maximum of 2 guests, so families would need to book at least 2 suites.
Maregio Suites – Local Transport
- Walking: The hotel is located on the western point of Oia, walking distance to the area’s best restaurants, shopping, and sights. Ammoudi Bay is accessible via a steep and winding path, easy to descend the 500m down, but arduous going back up; many people taxi back to the top. The heart of Oia, with its fine dining, luxury boutiques, and a few bars is only a 3-minute walk from the hotel, while the castle is only 5 minutes away.
- Bus: Maregio Suites is close to the Oia Bus Terminal, just an 8-minute walk. Buses here serve all of the major villages and beaches on the island. Routes to Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Fira are direct, while all routes to the beaches, port, airport, or other villages require a change of bus 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 am to 5 am) 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, an 8-minute walk and near the Oia Bus Terminal, but there is often a wait 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 closer to the hotel. A taxi from the airport to Maregio Suites should be about €35 to €40, and a taxi to Fira or the ferry port from Maregio Suites should be about €25 to €35. There will be a small surcharge for advanced reservations and for carrying luggage, usually just a couple of Euros.
- 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.
Maregio Suites – What’s Nearby?
Best Nearby Restaurants
- Lotza: Simple, honest Greek comfort food with stunning caldera views.
- Roka: Authentic, Santorinian menu with solid dishes, especially the meatballs and octopus.
- Candouni: Cozy, family-owned restaurant with live Greek music and absolutely delicious food.
- PitoGyros: Hands-down, the best gyros in Oia. Seating is limited.
- Ammoudi Bay Restaurants: Each of these waterfront restaurants is phenomenal, offering the freshest fish on the island. The steep 10-minute walk down takes longer coming back up, but the waiter will be happy to call a cab.
- Melitini: 100% Greek menu using local Santorinian, Cycladic, and Greek ingredients only.
Best Nearby Bars and Breweries
- Marykay’s Bar/Hassapiko: The only real bar and the only spot for dancing in Oia, regularly hosting live bands and DJs.
- Fino Cocktail Bar & Restaurant: The best cocktails in Santorini. Plus, inspired Mediterranean food and an extensive wine list.
Best Nearby Cafes
- Vitrin Café Creperie: One of the best breakfasts on the island, plus AMAZING sunset views if you arrive early enough to snag a table.
- Meteor: Excellent coffee and breakfast with sweeping caldera views, though a little on the pricey side.
Nearby Shopping and Cool Shops
- B.Loose: Greek-made, casual linens for men and women.
- Spilia Cave Greek Clothing: Handmade leather sandals, cotton and linen Greek clothes, located in one of the original living caves of Oia.
- Steps to Art: Truly unique metal sculptures, replicas inspired by Akrotiri, and jewelry made with volcanic sand and watch parts.
- It’s a Beautiful Day: Greek-designed clothing and luxury-brand accessories.
- Bligaki: Santorinian accessories, especially jewelry and bags, mostly handmade.
- BLOW by Labro: High-end designer boutique with unique pieces.
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. 3-minute walk from the hotel.
- Maritime Museum: Small museum focused on Greek Naval and Santorinian seafaring history. Only €3 to enter.
- Museum of Ancient, Byzantine Musical Instruments: Faithful replicas of Greek instruments dating from the prehistoric through Byzantine eras.
- Castle of Agios Nikolaos (aka Oia Castle): The medieval castle ruins are the most popular sunset viewpoint on the island.
- Church of Panagia of Platsani: The most iconic church in Santorini, beautiful inside and out.
- 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.
- Domaine Sigalas: Santorini’s best winery, with options for tours, tastings, and tapas.
Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores
- Mini Market: There is a small market up the hill directly above the hotel with drinks, snacks, and some basic items.
- Asteras Supermarket: Small, but solid selection with a surprising amount of fresh produce for its size, along with prepackaged deli cuts, snacks, beer, wine, and some beach gear.
- Elliniki Diatrofi Supermarket: Great selection of local cheeses, wine, liquor, fresh produce, and staples. Open until after midnight, sometimes as late as 2 am.
Maregio Suites – The Hotel
Views above Ammoudi Bay from Maregio Suites in Oia.
Standing outside Maregio Suites, looking toward its enviable views. The suites are spread over multiple floors all connected by stairs, as is typical in Santorini.
Heading downstairs and turning back, you can see that the hotel sits directly under Oia’s picturesque windmills.
View of the sea from the stairs. The hotel sits on top of Ammoudi Bay facing Thirassia Island with direct sunset views.
Angling down to see 2 typical terraces with outdoor, private plunge pools and al fresco dining tables.
The 24-hour reception area is the only shared space in the hotel. All suites are self-contained for ultimate privacy, at least by Oia standards. This is one of the most private hotels in the village; many hotels closer to the center have public walking paths running through them.
Seen here is the terrace of the Premium Suite with Heated Plunge Pool. This is the most photographed suite on-site…
…because of its unique cave-style pool…
…with direct sea views.
Backing up to see the full size of the heated cave pool.
The Premium Suite’s private terrace has gorgeous views of Thirassia Island on the right, tiny Aspronisi Island in the center-right, the 2 volcanoes on the left, and Akrotiri peninsula in the left background.
Inside, the open-plan suite features a king-sized bed and generous living area.
Another angle of the Premium Suite.
The bathroom features a natural stone sink, large vanity, Apivita natural amenities, and an open-style Greek shower with a large rainfall showerhead.
Almost half of Maregio’s suites are Honeymoon Suites, similar to this one. No 2 suites are exactly alike, though.
Honeymoon Suites feature outdoor heated plunge pools, sunbeds, outdoor dining tables, and extra seating for perfect sunset viewing.
A better look at the terrace’s seating.
Honeymoon Suites offer ample indoor space with an open layout and king-sized bed…
…with mood lighting.
A view including the living area.
View of the suite from the bed.
The bathroom features a large vanity with a natural rock sink and a traditional, cave-style, open shower.
A look at the shower and its rainfall showerhead, bench, and lighting. Check rates and availability: Maregio Suites
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