Greece › Santorini › Private Villas
Updated: September 25, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
The 5-star villas at Canaves Epitome.
Santorini Villas – My Advice
- Best Villa in Santorini: Villa with Private Pool at Grace Santorini in Imerovigli is the best luxury villa in Santorini.
- Best Villa in Oia: Oia Mansion has incredible sunset views and sleeps up to 8. This is one of my favorite places to stay on Santorini. It feels more like a home than a hotel villa, though it’s closer to 4-star than pure luxury.
- Best Villa in Fira: Aria Villas – I love these villas. Private pools, caldera views, and an excellent location a short walk from the center of Fira.
- Best Villa in Pyrgos: Patina Vivera Estate – 2 secluded gated villas next to the Church of the Holy Apostles outside Pyrgos, with lots of space and beautiful sunset views.
Santorini Villas – Where To Stay
I recommend renting a villa if you’re in Santorini for longer than four or five days or are traveling with a large group. The best hotels in Santorini are hard to beat for service, convenience, and caldera views. But a villa gives you more space and privacy, and often a private pool, full kitchen, laundry facilities, and parking. Oia has a large selection of villas, while many of the best villas in Fira and Imerovigli are attached to luxury hotels. Pyrgos, Megalochori, and the quieter parts of the island are good places to look if you want more space and don’t need to be within walking distance of restaurants and shops.
Be sure to check and double-check the location before booking. Many villas look like they’re close to a main town or beach but are actually in the middle of nowhere. That’s not necessarily bad, especially if you want privacy, but you might need a rental car for every meal and outing. If you can’t get a good feel for where a villa is located, ask me and I’ll take a look.
Book early for July, August, September, and large groups. The best villas have limited inventory, and a specific 3 or 4-bedroom villa can sell out for your dates long before hotels do.
Check the payment and cancellation terms before booking, especially with independently managed villas. Also check the rules before planning a wedding, party, or large gathering. Many villas do not allow events, even if the property looks perfect for one.
Booking.com is my favorite site for renting villas on Santorini. It’s easy to compare locations, cancellation policies, and reviews from guests who booked through the site.
Is Airbnb good for Santorini? Yes and no. Airbnb and VRBO offer excellent villas, but you’ll find the best caldera hotels and hotel villas more easily on hotel booking sites. Don’t assume Airbnb will be cheaper, and don’t assume an Airbnb is someone’s private home. Most Santorini listings are professionally managed villas, apartments, or hotel rooms.
One of two villas at Patina Vivera Estate in Pyrgos.
The 28 Best Villas in Santorini
These range from true standalone villas to private villas within luxury hotels. For couples, I generally prefer a hotel villa with a private pool and full hotel service. For families and larger groups, a standalone villa with a kitchen and plenty of indoor and outdoor space usually makes more sense.
1. Villa with Private Pool at Grace – Imerovigli
Sleeps 4 – Part of Grace Santorini but with its own private pool, large living area, and big outdoor terrace. You get the privacy and space of a villa along with the service, restaurant, and infinity pool of one of Santorini’s best hotels. My favorite luxury villa on Santorini.2. Nafsika Estate – Megalochori
Sleeps 10 to 12 – Large and very private 5-bedroom villa on the caldera near Megalochori, with 5 bathrooms, a full kitchen, pool, jacuzzi, huge terrace, barbecue area, and excellent views across the caldera. One of the best choices for a large group that wants a true private villa rather than several rooms at a hotel.3. Aria Villas – Fira
Sleeps 4 to 6 – One and two-bedroom villas with private outdoor plunge pools and wonderful caldera views. Aria Suites is just up the path, and villa guests get the privacy of a villa with the service and amenities of a hotel. Excellent location on the quieter southern side of Fira, but still an easy walk to restaurants, shops, and nightlife.4. Oia Mansion – Oia
Sleeps 8 – One of my favorite villas for families and groups. Excellent central Oia location with good restaurants steps away and both caldera and sunset views, which is an unusual combination in Oia. Huge kitchen and a rooftop hot tub. More private home than luxury hotel, and that’s a big part of its appeal.5. Patina Vivera Estate – Pyrgos
Two secluded luxury villas on the outskirts of Pyrgos, one with 3 bedrooms and one with 6. Both have infinity pools, hot tubs, outdoor kitchens and dining areas, gourmet kitchens, sea views, gated entry, and EV charging. Lots of space and privacy, with a scenic 10-minute walk into Pyrgos village.6. Canaves Epitome – Oia
Superb 1, 2, 3, and 5-bedroom villas with private pools and sunset views toward the Aegean and Thirassia. No classic caldera view. Excellent privacy, especially for Oia, and one of my favorite choices for honeymooners who want a private pool. It’s a short but slightly awkward walk into Oia.7. Villas at Andronis Arcadia – Oia
Sleeps 4 to 12 – Large hotel villas with private pools and west-facing sunset views, but no caldera view. Best for families and groups who want plenty of space while keeping the restaurants, pools, spa, and service of a 5-star hotel. Easy walk into central Oia.8. Celestia Grand – Mesaria / South Fira
Sleeps 2 to 6 – A small collection of villas on the caldera south of Fira with direct views over the volcano. Villas have kitchenettes, private pools, and large terraces; some also have outdoor jacuzzis. Quieter and more private than staying in central Fira, but you’ll rely more on transfers, taxis, or a rental car.9. Aenaon Villas – North of Imerovigli
Sleeps 2 to 4 – Six villas in a spectacular location north of Imerovigli, high on the caldera with wide views in both directions across the island. The shared infinity pool is one of the best on Santorini. Very quiet and private, but isolated enough that I recommend a rental car if you’re staying more than a night or two.10. Vora Villas – Imerovigli
Sleeps 2 to 3 – Contemporary villas with dramatic caldera and sunset views. Each has a heated outdoor infinity jacuzzi and black marble bathtub. Alpha and Ro have full kitchens, while Omikron is a cave villa with a vaulted ceiling and the largest terrace. Breakfast is included. Excellent, walkable location in Imerovigli.11. Villa Murat – Fira
Historic 4-bedroom villa on the caldera in Fira with a private heated jetted plunge pool and wonderful volcano views. There are 4 bathrooms, 2 living rooms, 2 kitchens, and a large furnished terrace, so it works especially well for families and groups. Breakfast is served at the villa. Excellent location between central Fira and Firostefani, with restaurants, shopping, and nightlife an easy walk away.12. White Pearl Villas – Oia
Sleeps 2 to 5 – Cave-style villas with kitchenettes and private outdoor jacuzzis or pools. Excellent caldera views and a central Oia location within an easy walk of restaurants, shops, and the main pedestrian lanes. A good choice if you want the privacy of a villa without being isolated from town.13. Santorini Sky Luxury Resort – Pyrgos
Villas for couples high above Pyrgos with some of the widest views on Santorini. All have a king bed, private pool or jacuzzi, indoor and outdoor showers, and a kitchenette or full kitchen. Breakfast is included, and the Sky Lounge serves food, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day. Santorini Sky, The Retreat and Santorini Sky, The Lodge are even more secluded. Great if you want privacy and views; not a good choice if you want to walk to restaurants every night.14. Santorini Heights – Pyrgos
Sleeps 2 to 4 – Adults-only villas and suites high above Pyrgos with full kitchens and large outdoor terraces. Accommodations have outdoor jacuzzis or heated private pools, and the villa has both. Very quiet location with broad sea and countryside views. You’ll want a car here.15. 3-Bedroom Villa at Canaves Oia Suites – Oia
Sleeps 7 – Large 3-bedroom villa with a private pool and excellent caldera views. No direct sunset view. A great choice for families or 3 couples who want a private villa but still want the service and amenities of one of Oia’s best hotels.16. Epos Villas – Imerovigli
Four villas on the east side of Imerovigli, each with a private heated pool and sunrise sea views, but no caldera view. Breakfast is served at the villa. The setting is quiet and private, with not much within walking distance. A car is handy for staying here, and parking is available.17. Windmill Villas – Imerovigli
Sleeps 6 – Santorini windmill villas with two bedrooms, full kitchens, and private jetted pools. Quiet location on the eastern side of the island near Imerovigli.18. Virginia’s Traditional Cave Houses – Oia
Sleeps 2 to 5 – Attached cave villas in a great Oia location, tucked into a quiet corner but close to the sunset viewpoint. Most have private hot tubs.19. Pegasus Villas – Imerovigli
Sleeps 7 – Villa privacy with hotel convenience. Private pool, breakfast delivered daily, and access to the hotel’s restaurant and wine bar.20. Onar Villas – Oia
Sleeps 2 or 4 – One and two-bedroom villas with hot tubs, caldera views, and breakfast served daily on your terrace.21. Kastro Oia Houses – Oia
Sleeps 2 or 4 – Traditional cave villas near Oia Castle with hot tubs, daily breakfast, and an on-site restaurant. Excellent location for Oia’s famous sunset views.22. Fira White Residences – Fira
Sleeps 6 – Two-bedroom villa with a jacuzzi terrace, excellent caldera views, and a central Fira location.23. Olia Villa – Imerovigli
Sleeps 6 – Three bedrooms, each with a private bathroom, plus a pool, full kitchen, and great caldera views from the rooftop terrace.24. Blue Canaves Luxury Villa – Oia
Sleeps 2 – Quiet Oia location just below the shops and restaurants, with daily breakfast, indoor hot tub, and a private view terrace.25. Blue Angel Villa – Fira
Sleeps 9 – Spacious three-bedroom cave villa tucked away in central Fira with an indoor hot tub, kitchen, and rooftop jacuzzi.26. Villa Ariadni – Oia
Sleeps 4 – One and two-bedroom Oia villas with kitchenettes, furnished balconies, and sunset views.27. Anemi House & Villas – Oia
Sleeps 2 to 8 – Oia cave villas with private hot tubs, plunge pools, or sunset-view balconies.28. Anema Residences – Imerovigli
Sleeps 4 – One and two-bedroom self-catering villas with sea and countryside views, many with private pools. Quiet location on the east side of the island, a short drive from Vourvoulos Beach.Read More
Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to 
Hey Dave,
I will be traveling for my honeymoon in July, and have 3 nights booked at Villa Irini Fira (adults only). I don’t see anything about this place on your site, and I was wondering if it’s as nice as it looks (or if it’s a tourist trap).
As a backup, I also have 3 nights booked at Kastro Oia Houses. Any thoughts?
Thank you in advance!
Amy
I think both are wonderful places to stay. I would focus on where you want to stay as opposed to which hotel. Villa Irini Fira is located south of Fira (towards Akrotiri) and somewhat isolated. It’s walking distance to Fira but for most people, it’s too far to walk in the summer heat. Kastro Oia Houses is smack in the middle of Oia – so you’d be steps from shops and restaurants. If you rent a car and plan on exploring the island’s nooks and crannies then the differences are less important.
Hi Dave,
Would you choose the Cosmopolitan Suites or the Chromata for a group of 5?
Both two-bedroom villas are wonderful. If you’re interested in nightlife, then I’d recommend the Cosmopolitan. If not, Chromata. But it’s basically a coin-flip.
We are a family with teenagers and considering staying at the Oia Mansion. A few questions. Is it too big for a family of 4? Are there good restaurants within walking distance of Oia Mansion? We’ll have friends in Santorini at the same time – are they able to visit the villa for sunset viewing? How many could comfortably fit on the top patio?
Thanks!
Oia Mansion is great for a family of 4. We recently stayed there with our two kids (ages 12 and 15) and everyone appreciated the extra room. Yes, friends are welcome to visit you at the villa – no problem at all. The top patio could easily have 20 or more people. I know they do wedding receptions up there so the max could be even more (though in its typical layout there is only seating for 8 or 10).
Hello Dave,
A beautiful resource!
And I come to you because I need help:
My grown children are set – they want the family reunion to be on Santorini, hopefully in Oia, the last week of June. We will be 16 in all. While we have had tremendous success in both Portugal and Spain for accommodations for all of us, I am having great difficulty finding a large villa in Santorini in Oia. But perhaps there are two wonderful villas in very close proximity to each other that would fit our expectations. The youngest of the family is 18, the eldest is 81. We are all professionals. I love your suggested Oia Mansion. Is there another such one really close by it (so we can be together for lunch and dinner and conversation)? I would appreciate any suggestions you may have for us.
All the very best,
Rosemarie
Directly across from Oia Mansion (my favorite villa in Oia) is Poseidon Mansion Sunset. Both have private plunge pools, sleep 8, and have fantastic sunset views. I stayed at Oia Mansion in July and took this picture of the Poseidon Mansion from the top floor patio of Oia Mansion.
Hi Dave –
Thanks for the amazing site. We have 5 adults booked into Oia Sunset Villas in June, in fact, we’ll be there on the solstice. I thought from the booking that it faced west, but a comment you made above indicates it faces north. Given that the sun will be at it’s most northerly point I’m guessing we’ll be good, but wondering if you can shed any more light on what we can expect in terms of view and in general for this villa.
Mainly though I’d like your advice on renting a car. Many bookings say they can arrange transfer from the ferry port or assist in hiring a car. Are we better off renting our own at the port or using transfer through the Villa and allowing them to hire a car? Also, with 5 people and luggage, should we consider 2 smaller vehicles instead of one larger one, especially given what I imagine are narrow streets? We will also be in Mykonos and assume the same answer logic would apply there.
Thanks for your help.
Gil
The easiest/most expensive way to get a rental car would be to take the hotel transfer and get the hotel to rent you a car. My preferred way (and pretty easy) is to take the bus from the port to the airport and then pick up your reserved car there. If you want two cars for the convenience and flexibility then do that, but you’ll get around Santorini fine in a larger vehicle.
Hello Dave,
Enjoying your site great travel info. My wife and I and our two young adult daughters are planning on heading to Greece in August for 7-10 nights. We have read your recommendations and would like to stay on Santorini . However, we found some very nice villa rentals on other islands such as Zakynthos, Corfu and Crete. What are your thoughts about staying on these islands (in general) for that length of time and perhaps using them as a base to explore other islands. Also please keep in mind that we do not want to be on the go all the time and enjoy good food.
Would appreciate your comments.
Thank You
Paul
Zakynthos, Corfu, and Crete are all wonderful islands (Crete and Corfu especially) but none of them are great for exploring other islands. If you’re going to any of them (for 7 to 10 days) go there and there only. Perhaps a small exception for Crete as you could get to Santorini for a few nights if you wanted (but don’t do it as a day trip).
Hi Dave,
I am torn between an apartment and a hotel. Canaves Oia Hotel, for example, looks great at about EUR850/night.
But on the other hand Bluedome Cave Houses seem just as impressive (from pictures on booking.com), seems to be in a similar location, yet is half the price.
What are the pros/cons of the above 2? This is a once-in-a-life-time trip, and I don’t mind spending more, but at the same time don’t want to spend unnecessarily either. Is Bluedome Cave houses therefore a better choice to the Canaves Oia Hotel?
Mark
The big differences are that Bluedome Cave Houses are located smack in the center of Oia which is great but will also have lots of walk by traffic. Canaves is in a much quieter section of Oia but you will have to walk along the road for 90 seconds to gain access to the main Oia pedestrian path. You will also feel much more pampered at Canaves whereas Bluedome you’ll be left to your own.
Hi Dave,
My daughter is getting married in July at the Princess Hotel in Imerovigli and she is staying at Vallais Villa. I am travelling alone and want to stay near to my daughter. I am looking online and am overloaded! I am on a tight budget and was wondering if you have any suggestions for cheap accommodation near to my daughter. I would like a Caldera view too. Local knowledge is always best! Thanks in advance.
Angela.
A great budget hotel in Imerovigli is Merovigliosso. It has a small pool and super friendly/helpful owners. Though some rooms mention a caldera view it’s not right on the lip of the cliff so I’d call this a non-view hotel – but views are steps from the entrance. It’s a 3 minute walk from Merovigliosso to Valais Villas.
Hi Dave,
My 21 year old son will be travelling with a group of 5 friends next July and they are keen to reserve a villa so they can all stay together. We have spent days looking at villas online and feel that the Porto Fira Villa may suit them the best. I believe they would be compromising views for a really cool place to stay. I also want to know what you think about the immediate area surrounding this villa. Would it be OK at night? We are chipping in a couple off thousand dollars to help the kids out so want to be very careful with our selection process. We don’t want his friends to hate him when they start seeing the views towards Firostefani and Oia!! As you often say, you can’t have it both ways, not on this budget anyway. One other option is the Anemi House and Villas. I just can’t really work out whether the location is OK and whether it appears a bit isolated. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!
Gabby Harris
Both are great places. But in different towns with a very different vibe. Being young, I imagine your son and friends would appreciate being in Fira (Porto Fira Villa) rather than the peaceful/romantic atmosphere of Oia (Anemi House or Anemi Villa). Area and views for Porto Fira are wonderful, there’s no compromising here. Lots of steps up to Fira but no problem for 20 somethings.
Hi Dave. We are a family of 4 with two teens ages 17 and 18 who will be going to Santorini next July. I have booked both Dreams Suites in Imerovigli and Porto Fira Villas in Fira. Do you recommend one place over the other as far as niceness? Both have private pools and are spacious. Very very challenging to find a place for 4 of us with a private pool and also a view of the caldera. Any other suggestions? Also looked at Hyperion Oia suites as well Thanks in advance! Cheers! Lynne
Both are good choices. Your kids will likely prefer being in Fira for the shops and activity (maybe nightlife).
Hi Dave,
Do you have any experience with the “Ivory Suite” villa in Oia? It looks amazing, but there are not many reviews. Any information is much appreciated!
Best,
Nancy
I don’t recommend using Airbnb in Santorini. I hear of plenty of fraud and last-minute cancellations. But you’re right, it does look nice.
Hi, Dave. Is it possible to find any standard apartment anywhere in Santorini, since I’m planning to move there for 2 months because of the job? I was searching on the Internet and I really couldn’t find anything reasonably priced.
Thanks in advance!
It’s best (easiest) to wait until you’re there and then ask around and look at posted rental sheets scattered around Fira and Oia.
My boyfriend and I are interested in staying in a villa or hotel that is close to the beach and has great views. Which one would you recommend?
Sasha Borowsky
Basically, you have to pick one (caldera views) or the other (beach). The beach and caldera are on opposite sides of the islands so you can’t have both.
Hi Dave,
We are planning to stay at the Santorini Mansion in Imerovigli. Looking at the location it looks good. Any thoughts/suggestions ?
Thanks.
Bhavik
A nice 3-star hotel with good views from most rooms of the volcano. Depending on when you visit, most likely won’t have a sunset view as it’s south of the Skaros Rock headland.
Please can you help?
Have you heard of Greek Villa Escapes?
Would you recommend booking a villa with them?
I cannot find any reviews of them but on the website it all sounds very good.
Would just like to put my mind at rest before booking with them.
Thank you so much Dave for any help you can give.
This would be very much appreciated!
Krgds Yvette
I have not heard of Greek Villa Escapes (good or bad) but looking at the site I’m very skeptical. The sheer number of places all with idyllic pools and views. Some of those places I know and I’d be very surprised that they’d be using a 3rd-party to rent their villas. And finally (and most important) the site was just registered in December and now has all these great villas for rent. I can not say for sure, and I could certainly be wrong, but there is no way I would book a place on that site.
Hi Dave,
My husband and I are looking to stay at Amaya Villas in Oia for 3 nights. Do you have any comments about this property? Do they all have caldera views to watch a beautiful sunset? Aryaa
Very nice place in a great (quiet) location. Wonderful caldera views but no sunset views – you’ll need to walk into town (about 10 minutes) to see the sunset.
We are 10 women travelling to Santorini in September and wondering where would be the best place for a range of ages and 10 of us to stay. Looking for $1200 range per night for all of us. Are hotels or villas the best way to go? Villas seem to have booked up fast.
The 7-bedroom presidential villa at the Ambassador Suites will be able to fit you but there aren’t many that size and otherwise you’re best at a hotel (in multiple rooms) in one of the main towns: Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia.
Hi Dave,
Watched your video again with my daughter. We are all excited to see Santorini. Thank you for getting back to me. Staying in Fira sounds like the best option. Do any of the hotels have larger Villas attached? Do you know of a luxury concierge service that may be able to help us locate a private home with 6 rooms? It is always so much more fun to all hang out together in a home. If there is no other option, what nice Hotel would you recommend for a group of our size? I appreciate any advice you may have!
ευχαριστώ,
Lynn Valverde
I don’t know of a large villa like you need. For hotels Aria Suites in Fira has a nice patio/pool area and beautiful suites that would work perfectly for a large group. But they might not have the availability you need for June.
Hi Dave,
Great website and video on Santorini! Looks fun and beautiful can’t wait to go! We are looking for a luxury house for a vacation the last week of June. My sister and I along with our husbands and 6 adult children (ranging 18 to 25 – Ideally 6 bedrooms). It looks like Fira may be more fun for the kids – but we are all up for a good time. Also wondering about paddle boarding and charting boats for day excursions to other islands. Would appreciate any advice.
ευχαριστώ!
Lynn Valverde
Yes, Fira will offer more to do. Unfortunately not a lot along the caldera for a group that large. Better to go with a hotel and multiple rooms. You could find something in Akrotiri (for example) but then you have to deal with getting a large group into Fira anytime you want to do something.
Dave,
I would like a cave apartment with a private pool, covered outdoor space and caldera views that is walking distance to bars and restaurants for 3-4 people. It is next to impossible to pick one from the rental sites. Do you have any suggestions for something moderately priced in early June?
Angela DioGuardi
The King Suite with Whirlpool at Keti Hotel is marvelous and sleeps 3 (there’s a pull out sofa). If there were 4 of you you could take both King Suites (there are 2 of them right beside each other and down at the base of the hotel with lots of privacy).
Does private pool at Grace villa mean only usage for those within your party?
David Harper
Yes. Pool use is only for the guests at the villa.
Hi Dave, really interested to find your website. My husband and I have always wanted to visit Santorini. We have the opportunity for a break in early July. We are looking for a truly private villa (not over-looked) with sunset views and struggling to work out whether there is such a thing!
We are planning a 10 day break – first week in a villa and last few days at a hotel. Should we stay on another island for the truly private villa week and then come to Santorini for the last few days or can you recommend a villa on Santorini that fits our hopes?!
Thank you,
Sally
It sounds like you really want privacy and a sunset view and you’re right, that’s rare on Santorini. You can have privacy and no sunset/caldera view. And you can have modest privacy and a sunset/caldera view but not one with complete privacy and a view. Paros and Naxos will be a better bet.
I want a luxury villa for 6 adults with great views and a large pool.
What do you think of 270 Oia’s View?
Ruth
They are very nice villas with a nice perch overlooking Oia – but they don’t really have caldera views. They’re back from the cliff a little bit and look more to the east than the west, which isn’t bad but most people come to Santorini for the caldera (west) view so you might feel a little cheated here. It’s a pleasant 15 minute walk along the caldera path to central Oia and its shops and restaurants.
Good day Dave,
I am completely torn. I would like to book a family holiday in June or July next year. I have a 2 year old who will be about 2,5 years when we travel. Santorini look lovely and glamorous in pictures, but is it really “all that” I’m looking for a get away that is 5-7 days long, spending most of our days on the beach moasing about little eateries, access to bakeries and mini market if required without having to travel in a car if it can be prevented. I don’t want to be surrounded by hundreds of tourists, specifically if young and intent on a party. Which is awesome but just not what I’m looking for. I love the cave like houses so pretty, but is Santorini for me or should I be looking rather at Corfu or Kefolonia that look not so idyllic? Santorini in theory is great but will it work for what I’ve mentioned above. Stacey
If beaches and a small village feel are the most important factor then look at Naxos (staying in Naxos Town or in one of the beach towns) or Ios (staying at Mylopotas).
Hi Dave coming to Santorini in early August for 4 nights group of 6. Can you please recommend a villa that is reasonably priced? Many thanks Joy
“Reasonably priced” means different things to different people, but the Cave Villa at Blue Angel in Fira has incredible views with 3 bedrooms, a kitchen, hot tub (in room), and plunge pool (on roof, not heated). Not 5-star and not cheap, but far from the most expensive and pretty good value for what you get.
Dave
A group of us-in total 4 are contemplating to stay in Rhenias House in Oia.
Your advices will be much appreciated regarding architecture, comfort, location, and views.
Thank you
Peter
I’ve never been inside but it has a good central location and nice views of the caldera (but no sunset views).
Hello,
We are hoping to visit Santorini in June, 4-6 adults. Family vacation celebrating a big birthday. We would love to stay in a villa with views and walking distance to a town and close to a beach if possible.
Any suggestions?
Nina Marco
You have to choose between caldera views or beach? You can’t have both: the caldera is on one side of the island, the beaches are on the other. Oia has the most villas (though that word means different things to different people and often they just want a large hotel suite) – but it’s the farthest caldera town from the beach towns.
Hi Dave,
I plan a week in Santorini (the dates still have to be precisely defined – sometime between April 1st and 15th) and I fell mad in love with the “Villa Insolito” in Emporio, through the pictures I’ve seen. Do you have any feedback or advice?
We will be 4 to 5 people, from 35 – 47, and not afraid to be a little bit isolated, But I couldn’t find anything regarding the exact location, or the view. We also planned to rent a car.
Diane Mars
A little remote is an understatement. Emporio itself can feel isolated from the main towns of the island and this is 10 minutes from there. You’re looking at 30 minutes or more to get to the caldera towns (e.g. Fira). Pictures do look nice but the view is of the east coast – you’re a long way from views of the caldera.
Thanks a lot for your answer. I will double-check. You were really helpful!
Going with my husband for three nights in mid October, would like to have a private pool with beautiful views and also a hot tub with maximum privacy. Can you advise the best ones?
Is the weather warm at this time of the year (Mid-October)
Very few villas have both private pool and hot tub – but the villa at Grace has both and is wonderful. Lots of privacy from other guests. It is a 2 bedroom villa so if you chose it you would have some extra space. The weather in mid October can be anything from coolish to warm but sunny weather is likely regardless of the temperature.
Hey Dave, looking at renting a villa for late September. It needs to sleep 6 people for 7 nights. Any ideas please? Kinda want to be close to a town. Will this set me back a fortune?
Caroline
Oia Sunset Villas is beautiful, walking distance to Oia, sleeps 6, and is not crazy expensive. The catch is that it doesn’t have a caldera view (it looks north towards Oia) and there’s not a lot immediately around it. Yes, if you want it all (caldera view, sleeps 6, right in town) then it’s going to be a lot more. If you compromise on something (usually location) the price will come down a lot.
Hi Dave – what are your thoughts on Cavo Ventus? I’m thinking about hiring it out for a wedding. It looks like it’s in the middle of nowhere, so I’m a bit worried about transport into town. Do you have any other suggestions for a private villa for a wedding?
Yes, a beautiful place but a little isolated. You’d need a rental car and getting your guests back to their hotels would be a concern. Oia Mansion is a beautiful villa right in the heart of Oia with great sunset views (but not sure on the size of your group).
Hi,
Really wonderful and helpful site!
I am traveling to Santorini in a group of 5 adults + 1 baby (5 months) in July. We are interested in renting a villa in one of the caldera towns. Do you have any good recommendations? Our budget is flexible but I know we may have little options considering we will have a very young child with us.
Thanks very much,
Alisha
Oia Mansion is awesome. I love this place – one of my favorites on the island. Incredible views of the sunset and right in the heart of Oia. The villa sleeps 8 and accepts children (as you have the whole place to yourself).