White Pearl Villas Hotel in Oia, Santorini

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By Santorini Dave

Essentials
• Location: On the caldera in the center of Oia, at the beginning of the pedestrian zone.
• Hotel website: whitepearlvillas.com
• Hotel phone: +30 69880 64128
• Check prices for White Pearl Villas

Each of White Pearl’s villas features a private pool, jacuzzi, or both.

Hotel Review

White Pearl Villas – Adults-only, luxury villas with caldera views, all featuring a private jacuzzi or pool.

Romantic villas in the heart of Oia, with sweeping sunset views. Traditional, cave-style architecture blends seamlessly with modern elements, elegant décor, and luxurious amenities. Each spacious villa is between 30 to 60 sqm, and includes a kitchenette and a private jacuzzi and/or pool overlooking the caldera. With only eleven villas in total, service is intimate and personalized. These private villas are spread throughout various sites, all within a short walk of each other.

See Also

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

White Pearl Villas – Location

Superb location in the caldera at the center of Oia. Sitting at the beginning of the pedestrian zone, the villas are less than 5 minutes from several restaurants, cafes, and boutiques, and just shy of 9 minutes from the Oia Bus Terminal.

• How to Get There:
The villas are situated on the pedestrian path just off the main road into Oia, making it very easy to travel to and from, whether by taxi, driving yourself, or riding the bus. 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 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. From the Oia Bus Terminal, it’s an easy 7-minute walk to reach the meeting point at the beginning of the pedestrian street, where staff will assist with luggage and guide you to your villa.

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 White Pearl 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 in Oia, White Pearl offers free parking in their lot nearby.

• Handy to: The beginning of the pedestrian street, Church of Panagia of Platsani.

White Pearl Villas – The Basics

• Ages: Guests 16 and older only (though this is flexible). There are a couple of 2-bedroom/2-bathroom villas for up to 5 guests. Typical guests are couples on honeymoon or having a destination wedding (which they can help arrange).
• Beach: The closest swimming spot (though it is not a proper beach) is at Ammoudi Bay, the port immediately below Oia, 1.5 km from White Pearl Villas. 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: Jaw-dropping views of the caldera and volcano from all but one villa: Villa Aqua Dream. It has a limited caldera view (still pretty awesome, though), and an indoor pool with a waterfall to make up for it.
• Kitchen: Most villas have a fully-equipped kitchenette; just one lacks a stove-top.
• Private Pools/Jacuzzis: All villas have some type of water feature in pretty much any combination you could think up: 2 with outdoor jacuzzis, 2 with outdoor heated plunge pools, 1 with an indoor heated plunge pool, 1 with both indoor and outdoor jacuzzis, 1 with an indoor jacuzzi and outdoor heated plunge pool, and 1 with an indoor heated plunge pool and an outdoor jacuzzi.
• Parking: Private parking is available nearby.
• Extras: Complimentary bottle of wine on arrival, cell phone in each room to reach staff (since there is no lobby area), luggage assistance and storage.
• When to Book: The villas are in full operation from mid-March until early November. For off-season stays, contact them directly and they will arrange it.
• How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
• Phone: +30 69880 64128
• Email: whitepearlvillas@gmail.com
• Website: whitepearlvillas.com

White Pearl Villas – Amenities

• Pool: Each villa has at least 1 pool, jacuzzi, or both. There is also a shared pool area.
• Spa: No spa, but services can be arranged in the villas.
• Fitness Center: No fitness center.
• For Disabled Guests: Lots of stairs. Not accessible for anyone with mobility issues.
• For Families: An adults-only property for guests over 16 years. No specific family-friendly amenities, though they do have 2-bedroom villas large enough for 5 guests.
• Activities: None on site, but they offer a concierge service to recommend and arrange cruises, excursions, and tours.

White Pearl Villas – Food and Drink

• Restaurant: Luno Café is just at the top of the caldera. The menu features light fare, tapas, coffee, and cocktails all day in a casual setting.
• Breakfast: Complimentary, a la carte breakfast at nearby Luno Café or delivered to your villa.
• Room Service: Available all day from Luno for a fee.

White Pearl Villas – Rooms

• Room Types: Villa Aqua Dream • Villas Mystic Luxury (2 villas usually rented together) • Villa Full Moon • Villa Aegean Magic • Villa Hidden Gem • Villa Infinity Blue • Villa Pure Bliss • Villa Sunset Chaser • Villa Secret Escape
• Smoking Rooms: Smoking is not allowed inside the rooms. It is allowed outdoors on the private terraces.
• Best Room: Villa Sunset Chaser is the best, boasting the best view of Oia’s famous sunset from its 100 sqm terrace with a private jacuzzi and an 18th century chapel. 1 bedroom has a queen bed and a sofa bed, while the other has a king bed that can be divided into 2 singles on request. 2 bathrooms with cave-style open showers, a separate living room, and fully equipped kitchenette complete the space. This villa sleeps up to 5 guests.
• For Families: Families should opt for the Villa Sunset Chaser, or the Villa Secret Escape for up to 4 guests. This 2-story villa has a queen bedded room, kitchenette, and bathroom upstairs, and a queen bedded room, bathroom, indoor jacuzzi, and 2 private verandas downstairs, 1 of which boasts a private pool.

White Pearl Villas – Local Transport

• Walking: The villas are located in the heart of Oia, at the beginning of the marble, pedestrian path, surrounded by an endless choice of restaurants, shops, and attractions. Oia Bus Terminal is just 9 minutes away on foot, as is Oia’s most photographed church, Panagia of Platsani. The castle ruins, the island’s most popular sunset viewpoint, are a 16-minute walk west, while Ammoudi Bay is just a little further, 22 minutes total from the villas.
• Bus: White Pearl Villas is very close to the Oia Bus Terminal, just 700m away. 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 (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 beginning of the pedestrian street, 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 from Oia to Fira is €20, and from Oia 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.

White Pearl Villas – What’s Nearby?

Best Nearby Restaurants

• Melitini: 100% Greek menu, using local Santorinian, Cycladic, and Greek ingredients only. Quaint, cozy interior, and stellar caldera views from the rooftop terrace.
• Anemomilos Restaurant: Located next to the hotel of the same name; refreshingly local vibe, not touristy at all. Great food and friendly atmosphere.
• 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.
• Lefkes: Cozy, romantic restaurant in a converted wine cellar in the charming Finikia village.
• Ammoudi Bay Restaurants: Each of these waterfront restaurants is phenomenal, offering the freshest fish on the island. The steep 20-minute walk down takes longer coming back up, but the waiter will be happy to call 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

• Bligaki: Santorinian accessories, especially jewelry and bags, mostly handmade.
• BLOW by Labro: High-end designer boutique with unique pieces.
• 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

• Village Super Market: Good selection of staples at a fair price (for Santorini).
• 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.

White Pearl Villas – The Hotel

The villas at White Pearl are scattered at various points in the caldera. Wherever there is a villa nearby, you’ll see this sign marking the entry to its path.

Upon arrival you will be greeted by a staff member waiting for you at Passaggio. They will give you some personalized recommendations, assist with luggage, and guide you to your villa.

The Full Moon Villa opens with a kitchenette, dining area, and a bathroom at the back.

In the bathroom is a traditional cave shower and rock sink in vivid red.

The villas preserve the Cycladic architecture, with arched ceilings and built-in furniture, while adding modern, large windows and elegant décor.

The indoor jacuzzi is opposite the bed, under an exposed, natural rock in the wall.

Full Moon Villa also boasts a second jacuzzi outdoors…

…and a gorgeous view from its private terrace.

Infinity Blue is the same size as Full Moon, 40 sqm, but with a completely different décor and an open layout. The door opens to the living room and kitchen, with the bed just behind.

The sleeping area, with a natural exposed rock in the right wall, and the bathroom to the left.

Traditional, cave-style, open shower, and natural rock sink.

Infinity Blue also has an outdoor heated plunge pool and a covered veranda for more privacy.

Pure Bliss is a larger villa, 55 sqm, also in an open layout with a half-wall hiding the bed from the entrance. It opens into the dining area and glass shower on the left…

…close up of the shower…

…and the kitchen on the right.

The bed and living area face away from the kitchen, toward the entrance to the terrace.

The veranda offers a private jacuzzi and sunbeds on the caldera’s edge.

View from the veranda.

Villa Secret Escape is the best choice for families. The top floor has one bed just behind the dining table and kitchenette as well as a bathroom on the left.

The dining area and kitchenette…

…queen bed…

…and the upstairs bathroom.

Downstairs is a second bedroom, an indoor jacuzzi, and a shower.

Facing the bed.

The shower and jacuzzi.

The door just past the jacuzzi leads to the first veranda with a private, heated pool.

A second veranda with sunbeds and a panoramic, caldera view is just below. Check rates and availability: White Pearl Villas