Esperas or Ikies in Santorini
 

Any recommendations for these hotels?

Hi there - I have only stayed in Esperas and I wouldn't dream of staying anywhere else in Oia. The reason is because of its position. It is on the 'right' side of Oia which means that you have a direct view of the sunset right until it dips below the waterline. People gather at the ruin up above Esperas just for this view. At Esperas, every room has a private terrace facing the sunset. Hotels on the 'wrong' side of Oia simply lack this. Another plus for Esperas is that there are steps beneath the hotel (imagine how lovely it is to hear the donkey bells as they are coming/going) which take you straight down to the tavernas serving delicious, freshly caught seafood! Esperas is completely laid back with very few staff - they are very discreet and there is an atmosphere of the guests having the run of the place. They are there if you need them but equally low-key when you jsut want to sit and read. I last visited two years ago - I have already booked to go again this year - and at the time they employed a lovely bartender named Julian who will make you the most fantastic drinks and plays fantastic music while you are just wallowing over the caldera. The rooms at Esperas, like many in Greece, are simple. You are paying for the view here. More info can be found on a fantastic website called www.i-escape.com

Good luck!

There's much to be said for the view of the sunset, I agree. The light off the water at dusk just before the sun sets can be surreal, turning the whitewashed houses a creamy pastel apricot/peach. It's really something unique and not to be missed. And being able to sit on your own private terrace in the evening sipping wine and eating pistachios instead of among those perched on every wall and roof like a flock of crows definitely makes the Esperas a terrific hotel and desirable for many other reasons as well, as so aptly stated by AllyPally.

I have to disagree, however, that there is a "wrong" side of Oia, especially as far as the view is concerned. What is blocked from the Esperas' line of sight is an unobstructed view of the Caldera, the clifftop villages in the distance (especially at night with all the flickering lights), all the ships coming and going below Fira and, if you're lucky enough to be there at the right time, the moon goddess Selene's fireworks reflecting out over the water as she rises up over the far end of the island.

You'll have to decide whether you want to miss all this for the sake of an unobstructed view of the sunset. You can't have both from the Esperas. Personally, I look forward to spending a portion of my day, not just at sunset, relaxing and gazing out over the caldera, which is what most people come to Santorini to see. As lovely as the sunset is, it's only present for a short time. Everything else is visible throughout most every day. Waking up fresh in the morning and being able to look out to see this wonderful and hypnotic island is for me the essence of the Santorini experience.

You decide.

brotherleelove2004 is right, actually. When I said 'wrong' side of Oia, I am only talking about an unobstructed view of the sunset. When I think of Oia, all of is RIGHT! It is very difficult to decide. I visited all of the other popular hotels that get mentioned on this board (Katikies, Perivolas and lots of others on the caldera side) but still preferred Esperas - it is away from the main thoroughfare and a nice walk back late at night from the restaurants. I enjoyed the view that brotherleelove2004 mentions many, many times throughout my stay, either from cafes, restaurants or just simply sitting and watching. What is simply amazing about the place is because you are so high up, you see everything - the ships, ferries, etc - but you can't really hear them. It's very difficult to describe the sense of peace you get. As much as I would like to try the other hotels, I know that Esperas is the place for me and since you asked for a recommendation, I can give you a 100% for this one.

Here is another good website with pics of Esperas:

http://www.idomemories.com/hotelesperas

AllyPally -- I have enjoyed reading your description of Esperas, and I just wanted to say thank you for sending the additional link of pictures. My husband and I are making our first trip to Greece in April and staying at Esperas for a week -- I am getting more and more excited. Thank you for sharing so much info!

One thing to keep in mind is where on the horizon the sun will be setting when you happen to be there. If it's early in the year it might set behind the island of Therassia, which is across from Oia, just south of west, off the north end of Santorini. I can't remember if Therassia gets in the way in April, it's been too long since I was there at that time, but looking at maps I think it might.

I hope I'm wrong:(

Brotherlee, do you happen to know the name of the island right at the bottom of Oia, with the church on it? I don't even know the name of the church. All I know is that this is a big recommendation from me to all who visit. I took my boyfriend, now husband, down the steps from Esperas, walked around the corner, stumbled over all the fallen rocks and we had the time of our lives swimming around and jumping off the platform next to the church (bigger drop than it looks). Lots of local kiddies doing the same. It was FUN!

To Bean: can you tell I'm a fan? I first visited Greece in 1992 and have been going back ever since, especially to Santorini which is where I want my ashes scattered when I'm dead. Appropriate, I think, as it's a volcanic island :-)

Have fun!

You're talking about my favorite sunbathing hideaway, affectionately known as "The Rock". I've spent so many hours on that little island I couldn't begin to count them. It's Agios Nickolaos, and was originally built for fishermen to spread out their nets for repair. Every year there is a rededication to St. Nickolas by the village priest and some of the locals. I don't know when but I've seen them there from above. I've been in the little chapel, there's a key hidden under a rock near the door. I've got a photo of me diving off the upper platform that someone took from the shore just across the little channel. I look like I'm flying over the caldera. If you'd like to see it, send me your email address and I'll send you a jpeg. :)

Oh yes, send it to me!!! my email is [email protected]

Thank you!

Check your email:)