We have been scouring the net (hotel websites and Trip Advisor), reading the posts, trying to pick an Oia hotel for next May.

We've come up with these that appear to be in our range of 120E - 180E.

What we are stuck on is location. Of course they all say that they have great views. We'd like to be near a bus stop, and near a bakery/grocery store, and shopping, but in a quieter location. We'd also prefer to have more spread out places with somewhat private terraces, than places right on top of one another.

Since I am quite claustrophobic, we also don't want a miniature cave. A bigger, lighter one is OK.

Can anyone comment on the location of any of these?

Ifestio Villas
Filotera Traditional Cave House
Lava Oia
Aris Caves (looks a bit claustrophobic and dark to me)
Chelidonia Villas
Golden Sunset Villas

Ifestio (this is a new one for me), Chelidonia and Aris Caves are all together in the same section of the cliff, just below the main village square, very centrally located. Ifestio looks great, by the way.

Filotera is about 5 minute's walk away from the village square in the direction of Fira, in the opposite direction of the sunset so I guess that would be easterly.

I can't remember where Lava Oia's is located.

Golden Sunset Villas is at the edge of the village that faces west into the sunset, about 10 minutes from the village square in the opposite direction from the others. Of all the places you've mentioned it's the only one with a sunset view. It also has a caldera view as do all the rest. It also has the most 'open' feel so you might want this one if you're claustrophobic.

Understand that they all adhere to a particular architectural style that takes its cues from the cave-house concept, so to some degree they're all going to feel cave-like.

I actually like the cave style. Just some appear much smaller and cramped than others. I also have to worry about air quality (mold, etc.) as my husband has very bad asthma.

Of all the locations -

Filotera - 5 min from the main square

Golden Sunset Villa - 10 min from the main square with a sunset view also

Ifestio, Aris, Cheladonia - all in the same location

Which location, given what we are looking for, would be preferable?

p.s. Lava Oia says "next to the main car road, a short walk from the village in a quiet area"

Address is listed as "Ai-Giorgis, Oia" (I think this is an address anyway).

While in Oia, be sure to go down to sea level and have lunch or dinner at the restaurants there. I only remember a dirt path to get there but it was really neat. It overlooks the calder but right at the water level. Best thing I experienced there.

I think Ai-Georgis might refer to the church of St. George, which is across from the Laokasti Villas/Restaurant where the pedestrian footpath begins. If so, this meand Lava Oia's is about another 5 minutes' walk past Filotera.

If by "what we're looking for" you mean a beautiful view, rest and relaxation and pleasure, any of these will do that. It's up to you, no one can make that happen for you.

To get to the restaurants below Oia there are steps and a paved road....Have been for many years.