Mythique Villas & Suites Hotel in Oia, Santorini

Greece › Santorini › Hotels › Mythique Villas & Suites Review
By Santorini Dave

Essentials
• Location: Above the caldera on the Oia-Fira Trail, just south of Oia in Finikia village.
• Hotel website: mythiquesantorini.com
• Hotel phone: +30 22860 72363
• Check prices for Mythique

Each villa at Mythique Villas & Suites has its own private pool with caldera views.

Hotel Review

Mythique Villas & Suites – Three spacious luxury villas with caldera views and private pools in a quiet neighborhood just outside of Oia.

This private collection of villas has one, two, and three-bedroom units, ideal for couples or families. Ample villas range from 80 to 110 sqm interiors, and have their own private pools overlooking the caldera with stunning views throughout the property of Skaros Rock, the volcano, and Thirassia. The villas feature traditional white, boxy, Cycladic architecture with marble and lava rock accents, designer furnishings, and large glass doors facing the sea and opening to private terraces. Service is completely personalized, and though this is a self-catering hotel, staff is always capable and available to handle any request, or to arrange exclusive experiences.

Mythique Villas & Suites – Location

The villas sit just above the caldera on the Oia-Fira Trail, just south of the entrance to Finikia village, one of the very first medieval settlements on the island. The area is much more private and quiet than anywhere inside Oia, but it may feel a little remote for some. There are several fantastic restaurants and a bus stop within a 10 minute walk of the hotel, while Oia’s best-known attractions are about 20-25 minutes’ walk away.

• How to Get There:
The villas are situated right along the main road connecting Oia and Fira, near the walking trail, making it easy to get to whether arriving by bus, taxi, or driving yourself. 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 Finikia, 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 Finikia stop on the Fira-Oia route, it is a 5-minute walk to the villas.

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 Mythique Villas 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 villas, Mythique offers free parking on site.

• Handy to: Finikia village, the start of Oia’s marble pedestrian path (shopping, dining, bars), and Domaine Sigalas winery.

Mythique Villas & Suites – The Basics

• Ages: All ages are allowed at the hotel, and kids under 5 stay free. Guests tend to be a good mix of families on vacation (especially in the summer months), and couples celebrating honeymoons or anniversaries.
• 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: Gorgeous views over the caldera to Skaros Rock, Thirassia Island, and the volcano.
• Private Pools/Jacuzzis: All villas have a private (unheated) swimming pool.
• Parking: Free parking onsite.
• Extras: Complimentary drive to Oia, private helipad.
• When to Book: The hotel operates from May 1 to October 31. Reserve at least 3 months in advance (4 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 72363
• Email: info@mythiquesantorini.com
• Website: mythiquesantorini.com

Mythique Villas & Suites – Amenities

• Pool: All villas have their own private pools. There is no shared pool.
• Spa: No spa; in-room massage can be arranged on request.
• Fitness Center: No gym, but yoga can be arranged on request.
• For Disabled Guests: The villas sit on the caldera, and have stairs to access each one but no elevator. There are fewer stairs here than in most caldera properties, making this suitable for those with mild mobility issues, but the villas are not wheelchair accessible.
• For Families: This is an all-ages property, and kids under 5 stay free. Villa Aspa sleeps up to 4 guests, and Villa Estia sleeps up to 5.
• Other Facilities: Private helipad, free parking, Bulgari amenities.

Mythique Villas & Suites – Food and Drink

• Restaurant: There is no restaurant onsite; these are self-catering villas. They can arrange private, al fresco dinners on request.
• Breakfast: A rich, customizable, complimentary breakfast is served to each villa daily.
• Room Service: For breakfast only.

Mythique Villas & Suites – Rooms

• Room Types: Villa Lava • Villa Aspa • Villa Estia
• Smoking Rooms: Smoking is not allowed inside any of the villas. It is allowed on the private terraces and in outdoor common areas.
• Best Room: The best villa for couples is Villa Lava. This 80 sqm, 1-bedroom, 2-bathroom villa offers direct caldera views from the bed. It is the only villa here with a soaking tub and a steam room.
• For Families: Villas Aspa and Estia are the best for families. Villa Aspa sleeps up to 4 guests and features 2 bedrooms (king beds in both), 2 bathrooms, and a large private pool. Villa Estia sleeps up to 5 guests with 3 bedrooms (2 kings and 1 single), 2 bathrooms, and the largest pool onsite.

Mythique Villas & Suites – Local Transport

• Walking: The hotel is located near the entrance to Finikia village, but up the hill and overlooking the caldera. Walk 16 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 north to find the traditional village Finikia, which has a couple of great restaurants and Sigalas winery. The Oia Castle ruins are 26 minutes away, while Ammoudi Bay is just 5 more minutes past the castle at the bottom of the caldera.
• Bus: The Finikia Bus Stop is near the entrance to Finikia village, a 7-minute walk east on the main street in front of Alonistra Oia Houses. Most buses that serve Oia also serve Finikia, except for the Baxedes bus which takes the northern route around. 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, 18 minutes from the villas. 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 at the Finikia Parking lot, which is much closer. There will be a small surcharge for advanced reservations and for carrying luggage, usually just a couple of Euros. The average rate to Fira is €20, and 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.

Mythique Villas & Suites – What’s Nearby?

Best Nearby Restaurants

• Lefkes: Cozy, romantic restaurant in a converted wine cellar in the charming Finikia village.
• Meze Meze: Friendly Greek restaurant ideal for a casual, romantic night out, or a hearty lunch away from the crowds of Oia. Great sunset views from the terrace (over the Aegean, not the caldera).
• 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.
• 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 your waiter will be happy to call you 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.
• 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

• Mini Market: Near Santorini Mou Tavern. 2-minute walk
• Perivolas Market: Perivolas Market: Small store with a decent selection of drinks, wine, and bread.
• 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.

Mythique Villas & Suites – The Hotel

The exterior of Mythique’s reception area is built in a contemporary Cycladic style using lava rocks. The villas are in a more recognizable Cycladic style, seen here in white with an arched roof behind the reception. The reception office faces north, toward Finikia.

The small, cheery reception is the only shared area in the property. A staff member is available 24 hours daily for assistance with anything at all.

The south-facing side of the property sits above the Oia-Fira trail, with sweeping views of the caldera.

Facing the caldera, make a right on the path to reach the heart of Oia, with shopping, dining, attractions, and a little bit of nightlife. Or take the long route to the left, and hike all the way down to Fira, via Imerovigli and Firostefani.

Villa Lava is the smallest villa, designed for just 2 guests to share, but it is still a spacious 80 sqm with a private pool and caldera views.

It features a hammock and 2 sun loungers on its terrace, along with an al fresco dining space.

It is named for its large natural lava rock, incorporated into the architecture in the area connecting the bedroom and living area with the steam room and shower.

The shower is in the front, with the steam room just behind it.

Villa Lava is the only villa with a steam room…

…and the only villa with a soaking tub.

The tub is behind the bedroom, and has clear views of the caldera.

The open-plan bedroom, living room, and dining area get a lot of light from the caldera-facing, sliding glass doors.

Décor is minimal yet comfortable, with a neutral palette, glass, marble, and modern lighting.

The black marble dual vanity.

From behind the bed, facing the door to the terrace and pool.

Villa Aspa is the medium-sized villa, offering 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, plus a larger pool with sun loungers, and wide views over the caldera.

There is a dining table for 4 on the terrace near the pool.

The interior features a greyscale palette, minimal décor, and traditional built-in bed platforms and sofas.

This room gets a lot of sun with its large glass doors.

Each bedroom has its own ensuite bathroom with a natural rock sink, and views to the caldera even from here.

The second bedroom mirrors the first in size, layout, and décor…

…except that the bed faces toward the caldera, not the side.

The second bathroom is the same as the first, with a rock sink and caldera view.

Villa Estia is the largest villa onsite, featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and more indoor and outdoor space for lounging.

It boasts the largest pool on the property, with more sun loungers, and the same breathtaking view as the other villas. Check rates and availability: Mythique Villas & Suites