Ok ... just when I think I have things figured out ...
I am planning on staying in Thea Studios at the very end of May. I understand that it has a great caldera view (which I first thought equated to a sunset view!). So, I guess my question is: if you can't have both (or can you?) which view would you prefer and why?

Hi

You're in luck. You can have both! That's the best part of Santorini - sunset over the caldera. It is the most beautiful sight I have ever seen. And you're in Oia too. For 47E a night? Somebody pinch me - I'm dreaming!

Have fun and good luck.

Well now I've really got myself confused!! I thought I just read recently that you don't get both. Well then ... Thea seems great - and it's right next to Katikies - so same great views as there for a mere fraction of the price!

If you have a view of the sunset then you'll also have a view of the caldera. From some spots on the caldera you can't see the sun at the moment it actually sinks into the water but it's easy enough to get to a spot where you can see it happen.

Have a look at this webcam during daylight hours (Greek Time). Even though this camera is not in Oia this is similar to the view you'll have from the Thea Studios, just not with quite so much foreground. Whether or not the sun will be visible setting into the sea depends on the time of year and the convolutions of the cliffside where your hotel sits. Chances are pretty good that in May the view will be fantastic.

http://hotel.heliotopos.net/62.html?&no_cache=1

Thank you everyone! Guess I got myself questioning my choice for nothing!

I could be wrong (and don't have a problem if someone corrects me)...but in late April/early May, we stayed in Oia at Esperas. We had a completely perfect/unobstructed view of the sunset (which is the same view folks standing at the castle ruins would enjoy by looking out over Esperas). Katikies was on "around the bend" from us - based on where the sun was setting during our stay, I would think it was on the *opposite* side and therefore not visible from Katikies. Am I wrong? Perhaps my sense of direction was skewed after all the Mythos we consumed on our terrace...

beanweb24 - it wasn't the Mythos - and I'd love one right about now. You're right - We stayed at Katikies in early June, and we definitely could NOT see the sunset from there. Though if we walked 10 minutes we could. Loved the caldera view.

We are a party of 10 adults and are stopping in Santorini & Rhodes on a cruise so we're only at these Islands for a day and we're thinking of either renting a car or moped, any recommendations?
Thank you,
Som

Scooters are fun if you're experienced, but dangerous if you're not. Some of the roads on Santorini are treacherous, narrow and high up with no guardrails. With 10 of you the chances are good that someone will get hurt. Do you want to take that chance? Car rentals are cheap and plentiful. Wait until you're there to get the best price.

I'm glad to get the sunset view issue cleared up. I wasn't sure where on the horizon the sun would set in May. thanks for the good info!

Ok ... it's settled ... I most likely won't have a sunset view, but I will have the caldera that will be there to look at whenever we are on our balcony! Thanks everyone for your input.