Perivolas Hotel in Oia, Santorini

Greece › Santorini › Hotels › Perivolas Review
By Santorini Dave

Essentials
• Location: At the entrance to Oia, caldera views in a quiet area
• Map
• Hotel website: perivolas.gr
• Hotel phone: +30 22860 71308
• Check prices for Perivolas

The infinity pool at Perivolas overlooks the caldera, with views across the village of Oia.

Hotel Review

Perivolas – Cave-style luxury hotel with sweeping caldera views and a beautiful pool.

Set on the caldera’s edge at the entrance to Oia, this mainstay offers luxury facilities and amenities, including an infinity pool and spa. Rooms and suites follow traditional, Santorinian architectural style: hand-dug caves with windows in front, skylights above, rich wood accents, and marble dust and concrete built-in beds, sofas, and shelves. Emphasizing the view and tranquility, rooms are minimalistic in design and do not have TVs. All units face the caldera, with dreamy sea views from their private terraces – enjoy dinner with a view in private, or from the restaurant terrace. Expect top-tier service in every aspect from this hotel, family-owned and run for 3 generations.

See Also

• The Best Hotels in Santorini
• Where to Stay in Santorini
• Best Tours & Things to Do in Santorini

Perivolas – Location

• Area: Excellent location on the caldera at the entrance to Oia. Perivolas 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 throngs of sunset tourists.

• How to Get There:
Room rates include transfer to and from the Santorini Airport or Athinios ferry port. The hotel sits on a pedestrian path, just off the main road to Oia, making it very easy to travel to and from anywhere, whether by taxi, driving yourself, or riding the bus. It is approximately 18km from the ferry port and the 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. There is a bus stop an easy 2-minute walk from 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 Perivolas 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, Perivolas offers private parking about 2 minutes’ walk away.

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

Map of Perivolas

Perivolas – The Basics

• Ages: 16 years and older only. This adults-only property mostly hosts couples celebrating an occasion; usually a honeymoon, anniversary, or birthday.
• 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 sweeping sea views.
• Private Pools/Jacuzzis: Perivolas Suites have an indoor jacuzzi, and an outdoor cave pool (partially covered). Perivolas Luxury Suites offer an indoor jacuzzi and steam room. New Perivolas Suites have an outdoor swimming pool with hydrotherapy jets. Deluxe Suites have either an outdoor jacuzzi or an outdoor pool.
• Parking: Free parking in the private lot nearby.
• Extras: Complimentary airport or port transfers, boat tours with their private fleet (additional fee), complimentary champagne cocktail on arrival, nightly turndown service.
• When to Book: Perivolas usually operates from mid-to-late April until the end of October. 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 71308
• Email: info@perivolas.gr
• Website: perivolas.gr

Perivolas – Amenities

• Pool: Free-form infinity pool overlooking the caldera. Not heated.
• Spa: Small, full-service spa with an outdoor jacuzzi with caldera views, an indoor steam room, sauna, and jet shower. Full-service menu of face and body treatments.
• Fitness Center: Located just across the street, it features a 2 meter lap pool outdoors. The indoor gym has huge windows facing the caldera and offers cardio machines and free weights. Yoga and Pilates trainers are available on request.
• For Disabled Guests: The hotel is unsuitable for guests with mobility issues, as it is on the caldera and filled with stairs.
• For Families: 16 years and older only, no young children allowed, and no family-centric amenities.
• Activities: Boating, private dining.

Perivolas – Food and Drink

• Restaurant and Bar: The restaurant here is private, reserved for hotel guests only. The interior portion of the restaurant is a former wine cellar, while the outside terrace offers magnificent caldera views. The menu changes seasonally and features fresh, local produce, seafood, and meats prepared in a contemporary Greek style. They also offer romantic private dining, a 7-course degustation menu with wine pairing, and a 5-course full-moon dining experience. The restaurant is open for breakfast from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., for lunch from 12:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and for dinner from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Drinks and cocktails are available all day, from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.
• Breakfast: Complimentary for all guests, Perivolas offers buffet selections and a small a la carte menu, which can be taken in the restaurant or delivered to your room.
• Room Service: Available from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. for drinks or food.

Perivolas – Rooms

• Room Types: Lifestyle Studio • Junior Suite • Suite • Superior Suite • Deluxe Suite • New Perivolas Suite • Perivolas Luxury Suite • Perivolas Suite
• Smoking Rooms: Smoking is not allowed inside any of the rooms. It is allowed on the private terraces and in the outdoor common areas.
• Best Room: The Perivolas Suite is the best room onsite, with a king bed in the main lounging area, a small double-bed room, sunken jacuzzi indoors, and a heated cave pool with a caldera view. A skylight illuminates a small olive tree in the living room.
• For Families: Ages 16 and older only. No family-friendly rooms. Though there are larger suites with 2 beds available, in order to maintain a calm, peaceful atmosphere, the maximum occupancy for each room is set for 2 people.

Perivolas – 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: Perivolas 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.
• 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 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 €15, and from Oia to the airport runs about €25.
• 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.

Perivolas – 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.
• 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

• 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.

Perivolas – The Hotel

Outside the gate of Perivolas.

View of the hotel and caldera from the gate. The main pool is in the center and reception is one level above, where the closest open umbrella is.

The free-form, infinity pool with a caldera view.

Approaching the reception area.

Inside the reception, you’ll find the same architecture and décor as in the rooms. Hand-sculpted walls and ceilings, warm woods, lots of white built-ins, and bright pops of fuchsia and purple.

This is the interior of the restaurant, a former wine cellar, in a basic daytime set up. It is much more romantic at night.

The restaurant terrace, perfect for romantic dinners.

View to the west. All of the white buildings are Oia village. Thirassia Island is on the left.

The New Perivolas Suite has a king-sized bed in the spacious main room…

…with a second, smaller bedroom off to the left. There is a sink and minibar/fridge in this room.

To the right of the main room, there is the bathroom with a walk-in shower and steam room…

…a large sink and vanity area…

…and a smaller rinsing area next to the huge double doors…

…that lead to the private pool. Being cleaned at the moment, please pardon!

One category up, the Perivolas Luxury Suite also has a heated private pool.

View from the private pool.

This suite adds an indoor, sunken jacuzzi bath.

The room itself is very spacious…

…with a generous vanity area…

…and a wet bar with a kettle and 2 ways to make coffee, drip or espresso. Check prices and availability: Perivolas