Greece › Santorini › Private Villas
Updated: October 30, 2023
By Santorini Dave
See Also
The 5-star villas at Canaves Epitome.
Santorini Villas – Where to Stay
- 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 – incredible sunset views, sleeps 4 to 8 people. This is one of my favorite places to stay on Santorini. Feels more like a home than a hotel villa, though also is closer to 4-star than pure luxury like some of the other places.
- Best Villa in Fira: Aria Villas – I love these villas. Great views and wonderful luxurious suites.
- Stay in a villa if you’re in Santorini for longer than 4 or 5 days – or are traveling with a large group. The best hotels in Santorini are stunning and not many villas can match them for luxury, convenience, caldera views, or private pools.
- Booking.com – the best site to use for renting villas. Like with booking hotels, the site has verified guest reviews so you’re not reading fake reviews written by the owners.
- Most private villas are located in Oia. Villas in Fira and Imerovigli tend to be part of a hotel.
- Check and double check the location of any villa. Many look like they’re close to the main towns (or close to the beach) but are located in the middle of nowhere. Which can be fine, but obviously good to know what you’re getting. If you can’t get a good feel on where it’s located ask me and I’ll take a look.
- Book early. People plan trips to Santorini months (sometimes years) in advance. Hotels fill early in the year, and villas get booked even earlier.
- If you’re paying the owner upon arrival you’ll sometimes need to pay cash, even if you booked online and used a credit card to reserve the villa.
- Weddings and wedding receptions are common at villas and rental homes. If you need more info ask the owner.
- Is AirBnb good for Santorini? Yes and no. Few of them are right on the caldera with good views. Airbnb (and VRBO) are good if you’re looking for inexpensive places to stay without a caldera view. If you do see a good place with a caldera view it’s often a hotel listing some of their rooms on Airbnb (and usually charging more).
The 26 Best Villas in Santorini
Most of these rentals have full kitchens. Most have internet (free wifi), washer/dryer, and either a private pool or jacuzzi. Book very early in the year as the best places fill up more than 6 months in advance.
1. Villa with Private Pool at Grace – Imerovigli
Sleeps 4 – Part of the Grace Santorini hotel but with its own private pool and huge living area and deck. It’s the best of both worlds: the convenience and service of a hotel with the privacy of a private villa. Guests have easy access to the hotel’s infinity pool with caldera views. This is the best villa on Santorini. Full Review of Grace Santorini Hotel.2. Nafsika Estate by Vedema – Megalochori
Sleeps 10 to 12 – Ultra-luxe, super private villa with jawdropping caldera views over the volcanoes. Nafsika Estate has 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and a full kitchen; outside is a huge terrace with a jacuzzi, pool, sun deck, barbeque area, and a helipad. Butler, private chef, and arrival and departure transfer services are included in the rate. Located on the caldera near the traditional village of Megalochori in the heart of Santorini’s wine country.3. Aria Villas – Fira
Sleeps 4 to 6 – There are four brand new one and two-bedroom villas here. Each has a private outdoor plunge pool, some have an indoor pool as well. Views are amazing. The hotel (and suites) are a one minute walk away and there’s a large pool that villa guests are welcome to use. Full Review of Aria Suites and Villas.4. Oia Mansion – Oia
Sleeps 8 – This is a marvelous Santorini villa for families or larger groups. Great location in central Oia. Good restaurants within steps. Incredible views (one of the few villas in Oia with both caldera and sunset views). Huge kitchen and rooftop hot tub. Sonos speakers throughout house.5. Canaves Epitome – Oia
Incredible 1, 2, 3, and 5-bedroom villas with private pool. Marvelous sunset views (but no caldera views). A short (but also a little awkward) walk into Oia. Good privacy for couples and honeymooners. Full Review of Canaves Epitome.6. Villas at Andronis Arcadia – Oia
Sleeps 4 to 12 – Andronis Arcadia in Oia has a handful of luxury villas with private infinity pools and sunset sea views (not of the caldera). Two, Three, and Four Bedroom Villas spread over two floors, with an equal number of bathrooms per bedroom. Three and Four Bedroom Villas adds an outdoor jacuzzi. The 6-bedroom Eden Villa has three floors with two infinity pools, a full kitchen, spa room, and a private gym. Villa guests enjoy access to the hotel’s main pool, spa, complimentary breakfast, and excellent restaurants. Full Review of Andronis Arcadia.7. Celestia Grand – Mesaria / South Fira
Sleeps 2 to 6 – Glamorous villa collection on the caldera’s edge south of Fira boasting direct sunset views over the volcanoes. Each villa includes a kitchenette, a private heated pool, and a spacious sun terrace. A few add outdoor jacuzzis. Services include complimentary arrival and departure transfers, an all-day shuttle to Fira, and daily breakfast delivered to each villa. Full Review of Celestia Grand Villas.8. Aenaon Villas – North of Imerovigli
Sleeps 2 to 4 – A peaceful hideaway with an enviable perch on one of the caldera’s highest viewpoints. Aenaon Villas is made up of 6 exclusive villas built in traditional Cycladic style and decorated in a minimalist style, all with direct sunset caldera views, 1 with an outdoor jacuzzi, and 1 with a private pool. Highlights include a caldera-view pool and complimentary daily breakfast served to each villa. Full Review of Aenaon Villas.9. Vora Villas – Imerovigli
Sleeps 2 to 3 – Contemporary villas with dramatic caldera sunset views. Spacious villas boast heated, infinity jacuzzis outside and black marble bathtubs inside. Villas Alpha and Ro feature full kitchens and a split-level. Villa Omikron is an original cave house dug deep into the caldera with a vaulted ceiling and the largest outdoor terrace. Breakfast is included, and room service is available until midnight. Excellent, walkable location in Imerovigli.10. Canaves Elefas Villas – Imerovigli
Sleeps 4 to 8 – Three exquisite villas overlooking the caldera, all with full kitchens, living and dining rooms, sun terraces, and private, heated plunge or swimming pools. A complimentary Greek breakfast is served to each villa daily. Great location at the south end of romantic Imerovigli village, easily walkable to charming Firostefani and the dining and nightlife of Fira.11. White Pearl Villas – Oia
Sleeps 2 to 5 – Collection of 11 elegant villas in the heart of Oia, all with kitchenetes, private outdoor jacuzzis or pools, and sweeping caldera views. Villas feature traditional, cave-style design and contemporary, minimalistic decor. Excellent location in Oia, walking distance to fantastic dining, boutique shopping, and attractions. Full Review of White Pearl Villas.12. Santorini Heights – Pyrgos
Sleeps 2 to 4 – Adults-only private villa and suites with full kitchens, wine fridges and outdoor terraces with al fresco dining tables. Suites feature outdoor jacuzzis or heated private pools; the villa has both a jacuzzi and heated pool. The property boasts its own garden, growing vegetables used in the daily breakfast, and a vineyard for their own wine production. Located high up in traditional Pyrgos village, Santorini Heights offers a tranquil getaway with panoramic views over the sea and countryside.13. 3-Bedroom Villa at Canaves Oia Suites – Oia
Sleeps 7 – Huge wonderful private villa with pool and caldera views (but no sunset view). You can see video of the layout in my full review of Canaves Oia Suites.14. Mythique Villas Santorini – Finikia
Sleeps 2 to 5 – Luxurious 1 to 3-bedroom villas with caldera views, private pools, and floor to ceiling windows in a quiet neighborhood just outside of Oia. A la carte breakfast is served to each villa. Service is excellent, especially the exclusive experiences arranged by the concierge. Great location less than a 5-minute walk to the beginning of Oia village and about a 15-minute walk to the marble pedestrian path with tons of restaurants and shops. Full Review of Mythique Villas.15. Windmill Villas – Imerovigli
Sleeps 6 – Authentic Santorinian windmill two-bedroom villas have full kitchens and private jetted pools. Located on the eastern slope of the island, near Imerovigli.16. Virginia’s Traditional Cave Houses – Oia
Sleeps 2-5 – Attached villas in a great Oia location, tucked in a quiet corner but close to the sunset view point; most with private hot tubs.17. Pegasus Villas – Imerovigli
Sleeps 7 – Villa privacy with hotel convenience; private pools, breakfast delivered daily, on-site restaurant and wine bar.18. Onar Villas – Oia
Sleeps 2 or 4 – One- or two-bedroom villas with hot tubs, caldera views, and breakfast served daily on your terrace.19. Kastro Oia Houses – Oia
Sleeps 2 or 4 – Traditional cave villas near Oia Castle; hot tubs, daily breakfast, and on-site restaurant.20. Fira White Residences – Fira
Sleeps 6 – Two bedroom villa with jacuzzi terrace, centrally-located in Fira with excellent caldera views.21. Olia Villa – Imerovigli
Sleeps 6 – Three bedrooms, each with a private bathroom; pool, full kitchen, great caldera views from the rooftop terrace.22. Blue Canaves Luxury Villa – Oia
Sleeps 2 – Quiet Oia location, just down from shops and restaurants; daily breakfast, indoor hot tub, and view terrace.23. Blue Angel Villa – Fira
Sleeps 9 – Spacious three-bedroom cave villa tucked away in central Fira; indoor hot tub, kitchen, rooftop jacuzzi.24. Villa Ariadni – Oia
Sleeps 4 – Charming Oia sunset view villas with one or two bedrooms, kitchenettes, and furnished balconies.25. Anemi House & Villas – Oia
Sleep 2-8 – Oia cave villas with private hot tub, plunge pool, or sunset view from your balcony.26. Anema Residences – Imerovigli
Sleeps 4 – One- and two-bedroom self-catering villas with sea and countrtyside views, many with private pools. Quiet location on the east slope of the island near Vourvoulos beach.
I'm Santorini Dave. I started this site in 2011 with a short article on tips for visiting Santorini with kids. We're now a small team of writers and researchers dedicated to providing the best travel content on the internet. We focus on 
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.
Hi Dave,
My Fiance and I are going to Oia for our honeymoon next year (early October) and considering staying at White Pearl Villas. How is the location for those villas? On the map, it looks great. I want us to be close to shops and restaurants, but not too close to the business.
I was also considering booking a catamaran excursion during our time there – will the water be warm enough for that or should we skip it since we’ll only be on the island for 5 days?
P.S. I’d love to see a specific post on favorite restaurants on the island!
Thanks!
Danielle Ferrario
Most of the villas at White Pearl are located around Katikies and La Perla (watch the video to get a sense of the area). There is also the Sunset Chaser Villa that is located about a 10 minute walk from here (more central but both locations are easy walks to restaurants and shops) and has sunset views (the others have caldera views). With 5 days I would take an afternoon to do a boat tour of the caldera and volcano. These are my favorite restaurants on Santorini.
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 Vantus?
I’m thinking about hiring it out for a wedding.
It looks like its the middle of nowhere so I’m a bit worried about transport into town.
Do you have any other suggestions for private villa for 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).
Hello:
We are traveling to Santorini in July they recommend us the West East Suites in Imerovigl. Do you recommend them?
Are they conveniently located, please advise.
Thank You
Fiorella
They are brand new and very nice. Great views of the caldera and sunset. Imerovigli is about a 10 to 12 minute walk away (up hill). There you will find a few small grocery stores and a half-dozen very good restaurants.
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).