PS: On the volcano tour (definitely do that, if you can tear yourself away from your balcony for one day) we met some people who were staying at Aris Caves and they loved it. It sounded like they got better service there -- the hotel booked the tour for them -- and they spoke highly of the management, but of course there was no pool.

I agree with what was said about Aris Caves. I stayed there last Sept. and would go back in a heartbeat.

No pool but the service is great. The view of course is incredible. The location can't be beat. The units are attractive and impeccable. Christa, the host, makes sure that you feel welcome and are comfortable.

cheryllj-I'm glad to hear back from you about your trip. We leave Friday! I have a lot of questions to ask you about Strogili since that's where we're staying also. Do they supply towels for sunbathing as well as for showering? Or do you just use the bath towels if you want to go down to the ocean? Or should we bring our own beach towels? Other than the pool, was there any way to cool off on the veranda, such as a hose maybe? Also, were there wine glasses in the room? Is there anything else you might suggest that we bring with us? How far is the nearest ocean swimming area that brotherleelove talks about? Is it walkable or should my husband and I plan to rent a quad or scooter? Does the fridge have a freezer and is ice readily available at nearby stores? And, do you happen to know if there is wireless internet connection available at Strogili?

Yes, they supply beach towels for use at the pool.

I guess you could also take the towels to the beach if you want to visit Kamari or Perissa, but be advised that those beaches are at the opposite end of the island, quite a long drive.

When you say "ocean area" do you mean Ammoudi harbor? We traveled to Ammoudi by car, so I don't know how long it would take to walk down the steps. It's about a 15 or 20-minute walk from Strogili to the top of the Ammoudi steps, and it's about 250 steps down to the harbor. (I'm sure BLL has the exact count, but it's a long way. We didn't try it because we had enough steps just to our room and back - 50 or so each way.)

Yes, there are wine glasses and dishes in the kitchenette area (at least in the one-bedroom cave house - can't speak to the studios, but I think they have kitchenettes also).

Yes, there is a hose on the terrace area (again, this is true for our one-bedroom cave house, but maybe not for all rooms). There was also a clothesline with pins which came in handy.

Lots of people rent quads or scooters but you could not pay me enough money to do so. Good luck with that, and get a helmet if you can. Drivers in Greece are crazier than the ones in Italy and that's saying something.

We called our taxi driver "Mario" as in Andretti because he insisted on risking our lives around every curve even though we told him repeatedly that we had plenty of time to catch our flight.

IIRC, I think our room had wi-fi but I really didn't pay much attention because I don't use that and don't even know how it works. There was something sticking out of the wall that we ignored. :)

I'm sure Popi can answer your questions via e-mail if you have specific needs.

I forgot to respond to your question about a freezer. I honestly don't know.

There is a mini-fridge that may or may not have a freezer compartment. We used it to store water and snacks and didn't put anything frozen in there. There is a mini-market right next door to Strogili (Connie and Christos who run it are very nice and helpful), but I don't know if they have ice. We didn't have any need for ice so I didn't look.

Thanks Cheryl, we are in a cave house as well so your answers were very helpful!

Cheryl, another question for you. I am starting to pack and although I know you went in May and I leave this Friday, I was wondering if you think I will need a sweater for the evenings if I plan to wear a spaghetti strap type sundress to dinner. I am trying to weed out what I don't need so if its not all that important, I would consider not taking one. What do you think?

I would bring at least one sweater/cardigan for evenings.

I was in Oia May 19-23 and while it was hot during the day, it was definitely windy and a bit chilly in the evenings (it was downright cold in Mykonos one night). I wore a short-sleeved cardigan and was fine, but my friend wore a jacket.

Thanks again Cheryl!