Greece › Santorini › Hotels › Meltemi Village Review
By Santorini Dave
Essentials
• Location: In Perissa village, about 400 meters from Santorini’s longest stretch of black sand beach.
• Hotel website: meltemivillage.gr
• Hotel phone: +30 22860 81325
• Check prices for Meltemi Village
The charming entrance to Meltemi Village hotel in Perissa village.
Hotel Review
Meltemi Village – Charming, family-friendly hotel with a large swimming pool, a popular cocktail bar, and an adults-only luxury wing; all within a few minutes’ walk of Perissa Beach.
This family-run hotel offers three distinct experiences: an upscale-casual family section (the Village), an adults-only luxury wing (the Excelsior), and a beachfront villa separate from the rest of the hotel. Rooms and suites in the Village and Excelsior have the option of private, outdoor jacuzzis or pools and access to the palm-fringed swimming pool at the Village, while Excelsior guests have access to an additional, smaller pool. The Meltemi Cocktail Bar is one of the most popular in the area, serving fantastic cocktails and a Greek and international food menu; open late with karaoke at least twice a week. One of the first hotels to open in Perissa, Meltemi has a long history of exceptional service and true Greek hospitality.
See Also
Meltemi Village – Location
Meltemi Village is located about 400 meters from the ocean in small Perissa village, with several excellent restaurants and bars within a short walk of the hotel. Perissa is on the northeastern edge of the longest stretch of black sand beach in Santorini, bordered by Mesa Vouno in the north which separates Perissa Beach from Kamari Beach. The hotel itself sits right on the main road into and out of the village, making it a great jumping-off point for exploring the island, especially the nearby beaches Perivolos and Kamari, the wine region, Fira’s nightlife, and 2 sets of ruins: the famous Prehistoric Village of Akrotiri as well as the lesser-visited Ancient Thera on top of Mesa Vouno.
• How to Get There: Meltemi Village is located on the main road heading into Perissa, making it easy to travel to and from, whether by taxi, driving yourself, or riding the bus. It is approximately 10km from the Athinios ferry port and 13km 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 Perissa, however; buses from both locations go to Fira, where you must then board a different bus to Perissa village – the entire trip from the port or airport to Pyrgos will take at least an hour (and can take up to 2) and cost about €5 in total. The bus stop for Perissa village is on the same street as Meltemi Village, just 250m away, about a 3-minute walk.
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 Meltemi Village will cost roughly €35 to €40. A taxi from the ferry port to the hotel will cost around €25 to €35. Booking through a private car service will cost only a bit more – about $45 (or €37), 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, Meltemi Village offers free parking across the street (a major perk).
• Handy to: Perissa Beach, the base of Mesa Vouno and boat to Kamari, Ancient Thera (at the top of Mesa Vouno).
Meltemi Village – The Basics
- Ages: A family-friendly property, Meltemi Village is open to guests of all ages. Guests tend to be couples between 35 and 55 years old, about 90% from the UK. Most families with children visit in July and August.
- Beach: Meltemi Village is a short, 5-minute walk to Perissa Beach, a black sand beach that marks the start of the longest, uninterrupted stretch of beach on the island. Perissa Beach is well-organized, served by beach clubs, restaurants, shops, and hotels along its entire length. From Perissa Beach, it is only a 12-minute walk to Perivolos Beach for more dining, shopping, and nightlife options, and only a 20-minute boat trip to Kamari Beach, the most popular, family-friendly beach with more beach clubs and the Open-Air Cinema.
- View: Rooms and suites at Meltemi Village face toward the pool or the garden, though rooms are not sold by the view category.
- Kitchen: Studio Rooms have small kitchenettes with kettles, mini-fridges, dishes, utensils, but no burners. The Villa has a full kitchen.
- Private Pools/Jacuzzis: Meltemi Village’s suites all include private jacuzzis. Suites in their adults-only, luxury wing, Meltemi Excelsior include private jacuzzis (top floor suites) or private plunge pools (ground floor suites). The jacuzzis here are not heated, more like jetted plunge pools.
- Parking: Meltemi Village offers free parking in the lot across the street.
- Extras: 24-hour reception, children’s playground, art and jewelry gallery.
- When to Book: The hotel is open from May 1 to October 31. Reserve at least 3 months in advance (4 months is better) for travel during the high season from June through September, and at least 2 months in advance for stays during low or shoulder season.
- How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
- Phone: +30 22860 81325
- Email: meltemi@otenet.gr
- Website: meltemivillage.gr
Meltemi Village – Amenities
- Pool: The property has 2 pools: 1 large community pool at the Village and 1 smaller, adults-only pool reserved for guests of the Excelsior.
- Spa: Guests have access to the spa and jacuzzi at their sister property Atlantis Beach Villa in Perivolos.
- Fitness Center: There is a small gym with basic cardio and strength training equipment.
- For Disabled Guests: The hotel’s lobby, pool, restaurant, bar, and many rooms are on the ground floor. There are very few steps here compared to other hotels in Santorini. Though they do not offer roll-in showers or wheelchair-specific rooms, this is a good option for travelers with mild to moderate mobility issues.
- For Families: This is a family-friendly hotel, and guests of all ages are allowed. Several room categories in the Village can easily accommodate groups of 4 or more, while the Villa sleeps up to 4 adults and 2 kids. There is a playground at the Village section.
- Activities: The staff is happy to schedule a range of activities, including yachting, wine tasting, cooking lessons, diving, and more. Reception is open 24 hours a day to make any inquiries.
Meltemi Village – Food and Drink
- Restaurant: Meltemi Cocktail Bar offers a casual menu of Greek and international dishes, with especially good gyros and burgers, and some of the best cocktails in Perissa. Portions are large and better priced than at any of the beach clubs or restaurants on Perissa Beach. This is one of the most popular restaurants and bars in Perissa, especially on karaoke nights. Open from 10 am until midnight or later.
- Lounge/Bar: The Pool Bar offers light fare, snacks, and drinks all day from 10 am until 7 pm.
- Breakfast: Complimentary breakfast is served daily in their Breakfast Hall. Meltemi Village is part of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels and so offers a full Greek breakfast buffet featuring local products and recipes, along with a standard continental selection. Served daily from 8 am until 10 am.
- Room Service: No room service.
Meltemi Village – Rooms
- Room Types: Standard Room • Superior Room • Junior Suite with Outdoor Whirlpool • Maisonette with Outdoor Whirlpool • Honeymoon Suite with Outdoor Whirlpool • Junior Suite with Private Pool • Beachfront Villa • Suite with Private Pool (at Meltemi Excelsior Suites) • Suite with Spa Bath (at Meltemi Excelsior Suites)
- Smoking Rooms: Meltemi Village does not allow smoking in any of their rooms. Smoking is allowed on the private terraces and in the outdoor common areas.
- Best Room: The best rooms for couples are the Suite with Private Pool and the Suite with Spa Bath, both of which are located at Meltemi Excelsior. These suites are identical in layout and amenities, with an open-plan design, queen beds, and private balconies or patios. The Suites with Private Pools are on the ground floor, while the Suites with Spa Baths (what they are calling their outdoor jacuzzis) are on the top floor.
- For Families: The best options for families are the Maisonettes with Outdoor Whirlpool, the Honeymoon Suite with Outdoor Whirlpool, or the Beachfront Villa. The Maisonette (split-level suite) and the Honeymoon Suite are both 1-bedroom units with 1 queen bed and 2 sofa beds, and comfortably sleep up to 4 guests. Each has its own private, outdoor jacuzzi. The Beachfront Villa sleeps up to 6 guests (4 adults and 2 children) with 2 bedrooms with queen-sized beds, 2 sofa beds, a full kitchen, living room, dining room, washing machine, and beach chairs and umbrellas. The Beachfront Villa does not have a jacuzzi or pool, but guests have access to the community pool in the Village section.
Meltemi Village – Local Transport
- Walking: Meltemi Village is located in Perissa village on the main road leading into and out of the village. Perissa Beach is just a short 5-minute walk from the hotel; an organized beach, it is served by plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops along its promenade. Several great restaurants and beach clubs sit within a 1 to 7-minute walk of Meltemi Village, and there is a supermarket practically next door. Its own Meltemi Cocktail Bar is one of the most popular bars in Perissa, though there are a few more night spots directly on the beach. Two other beaches, Perivolos and Agios Georgios, are within walking distance of the hotel, and Kamari Beach (and with its Open Air Cinema) is easy to reach by boat; the Kamari-Perissa boat picks up 14 minutes away at the base of Mesa Vouno mountain.
- Bus: The bus stop for Perissa village is on the same road as Meltemi Village, about 3 minutes’ walk away. Buses here all head to Fira, where you’ll need to get out and change buses to reach Oia or the other villages. An exception is the stop along the way in Megalochori where you can get out to explore the traditional village and vineyards, or you can connect to a second bus to reach Akrotiri. All other destinations require a change in Fira. The entire trip to the port or the airport will take at least an hour or two by bus. 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. There are only 23 buses serving the island, so the buses can get crowded, especially during the high season, so much so that they often fill to capacity and are unable to take on more passengers. If your time is limited, it is best to call a taxi or rent a car to explore outside Perissa.
- Taxis: There is no official taxi stand in Perissa, so it’s best to have the hotel call a taxi for you as needed. There are only 25 taxis serving the island, so book ahead when possible to avoid a wait, and 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 Meltemi Village to Fira or the ferry port is roughly €25 to €35, and from the hotel to the airport is around €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.
Meltemi Village – What’s Nearby?
Best Nearby Restaurants
- Grandma’s Recipes: Hefty plates of rich Greek favorites (albeit a little Americanized). Their specialty is pork gyros, though they have lots of vegetarian options too. Right across the street from Meltemi.
- Ntomatini: Beach club and restaurant specializing in Greek meze (small plates) made with fresh, local ingredients, along with a large selection of ouzo, raki, and local wines.
- Visanto Bar Restaurant: Nice beach bar serving Thai and Indian curries all day, plenty of vegetarian options, plus a solid English breakfast. Not mind-blowing but a welcome break from the usual Greek food.
- Noma Kuzina Mediterra: Great little family-friendly restaurant with Greek and Mediterranean dishes plus burgers. Dine in the restaurant or at their beach club.
- Mezedaki: Wonderful, contemporary taverna serving elevated, fresh Greek and Mediterranean fare with the traditional welcome raki and complimentary semolina cake to finish.
- 41 Forty One: Upscale restaurant and beach bar serving an exceptional menu of creative and modern Greek cuisine in stylish Agios Georgios Beach. Do not miss their feta doughnuts.
- Sea Side by Notos: Fine dining seafood and sushi restaurant with a champagne beach bar. The most romantic beach restaurant, perfect for a date night or pampered beach day.
Best Nearby Bars and Breweries
- Tranquilo: Phenomenal beach bar with excellent tropical cocktails and lots of vegetarian options. This is one of the most popular beach bars all day and the best night spot in Perissa with live music several nights a week during high season.
- Wet Stories: Chic beach bar and restaurant with fantastic cocktails, attentive beach service, and local and international DJs most nights. The vibe is chilled out during the day and becomes a lively beach party at night.
- Franco’s Café: In nearby Pyrgos village, Franco’s is an absolute must for champagne cocktails and panoramic sunset views over the caldera and villages from one the highest villages on the island.
Best Nearby Cafe
- Corner Food and Drinks: Excellent beach club and restaurant open all day, though best known for their breakfast and lunch. Great spot for coffee, waffles, sandwiches, and salads.
Nearby Shopping and Cool Shops
- Riga Clothes and Accessories: Colorful selection of women’s clothing, beachwear, and gifts.
- Studio Leather Zafiropoulos: Local, handmade leather goods including sandals, handbags, backpacks, and more. Right at the base of Timiou Stavro church; look for the blue domes.
Nearby Attractions
- Mesa Vouno and Ancient Thera: Mesa Vouno, Santorini’s second highest peak, divides Perissa and Kamari Beaches and affords spectacular views of the Aegean and landscape from an altitude of 400m. At the top are the ruins of Ancient Thera, a Dorian settlement founded in the 9th-century BC. and active until the 8th-century AD.
- Wine Country: Perissa is located due east of the island’s renowned wine region, known mostly for its white Assyrtiko variety but with a couple varieties of fantastic reds, too. Most tasting rooms are in Megalochori and Pyrgos villages. 10 to 12-minute drive.
- Open Air Cinema Kamari: Fantastic outdoor movie theater with a full bar, snacks, and great ambiance. Movies are in English with Greek subtitles. €8 per person; doors open at 8:30 pm; movies start at 9:30 pm.
- Kamari Beach: The most family-friendly beach on the island, with several affordable beach clubs, restaurants, and an open air cinema.
- Sunsets: The hotel is located on the eastern side of the island, so there are no sunset views here, but there are several great spots nearby to catch the sunset. Try Franco’s Café in Pyrgos (panoramic island views), the Akrotiri Lighthouse (secluded and romantic), or the capital Fira (sunset over the volcanoes and lively nightlife)
Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores
- Village Market: Small supermarket with a great selection of produce, beverages, groceries, wine, and local products. Usually open until around midnight.
- 1st Market: Mini market well-stocked with wine, groceries, beach gear, and souvenirs, along with freshly-baked sweet and savory pastries and pies.
Meltemi Village – The Hotel
Arriving at the Meltemi Village hotel, the sign for the cocktail lounge is the most noticeable feature.
Right next to the cocktail bar is their jewelry shop, Meltemi Art and Jewellery…
…also known as Meltemi Gold & Silver. The shop was closed for the day when this picture was taken.
A look inside Meltemi Cocktail Bar, one of the friendliest and best-loved bars in Perissa. Like the rest of the hotel, it is filled with palm trees and bougainvilleas.
The bar itself is a lively spot for excellent cocktails, local wine, local and international beer, plus karaoke a couple of nights a week and live sports broadcasts.
The entrance to Meltemi Village is to the left of the cocktail bar under a bougainvillea, while its interior courtyard area is filled with palm trees and flowering plants.
Following the pathway leads to the lobby, with a reception desk staffed 24 hours a day. The interior of the hotel highlights contemporary, Cycladic design, traditional dark wood accents, and a marble floor.
Turning around, there is another spacious sitting area and views to the main pool.
From the lobby, it’s just a short walk to the Breakfast Hall.
Meltemi Village offers a traditional Greek and continental breakfast buffet here every morning from 8 to 10 am.
Heading toward the pool area leads past the private, adults-only Meltemi Excelsior wing. Each suite in this section has its own private jacuzzi or pool, along with a second pool exclusive to guests of the Excelsior.
The community pool of the hotel features a ring of palm trees and palm-fringed umbrellas.
Since several suite categories in the Village section have their own private jacuzzis or pools, the shared pool doesn’t usually get too crowded, even when the hotel is full.
The Pool Bar is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm serving snacks, ice cream, drinks, and light meals at a fair price.
The Junior Suite with Outdoor Whirlpool is one of their mid-level suites for 2. The open-plan suite includes a queen-bed, desk, and ensuite bathroom.
Moving into the suite, the outdoor jacuzzi is visible in the window in front of the bed.
The Junior Suites are the smallest suites in the hotel but are clean and well-maintained.
The bathroom features a glass shower with a rainfall shower head.
Stepping outdoors, there is a secluded patio with 2 lounge chairs, an al fresco dining table, high walls, and more flowers. You will not find this much privacy in any of the hotels in the caldera.
The private jacuzzi is under a cover with glass panels for light. Jacuzzis here are not heated, so they are more like jetted plunge pools. Check rates and availability: Meltemi Village
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