After much deliberation, I plan to visit Santorini with my husband, sister-in-law, and niece and need to choose a hotel for the last two nights of April. Fingers crossed that's early enough in the season to avoid oppressive crowds, but we're still interested in staying somewhere a bit removed from (but still with easy access to) Oia and Fira -- perhaps in Firostefani? I welcome ALL recommendations! Some popular places are already booked up. Thanks!

Oh! And I forgot -- we do want balconies with ocean views!

We stayed just outside Oia at Olympic Villas, this was in May 2022. About 10-15 minutes walk into Oia, all along the caldera. We were a family group of seven and had 3 villas, two 2 bedrooms. One of these was a cave room, on a lower level, the others on the main level. All three had their own patio where we had breakfast, which was included in the price. All the villas had a small kitchenette, though we probably only made a cup of tea or coffee, if at all.

The hotel website directs you to booking.com. The property is lovely, with two swimming pools, one with sweeping caldera views. Similar views from the individual patios too, it was truly stunning. Unfortunately we were out most of the day, though my niece, nephew and girlfriend did sit around by the pool.

An added advantage for us was a car rental agency just across the street. They had their own parking, so it was super convenient for us.

Another hotel with similar suites is Blue Dolphin Apartments in Firostefani. Suggest you request a suite on the main level if you don’t want to climb many steps.

http://www.olympicvillas.com/
[email protected]

A rider to my earlier post as it was too late to edit.

The term villas or apartment actually means a suite, with a small kitchenette, the two bedroom villas we had had two bathrooms also. All had a small patio with chairs/loungers and a table where we could sit out.

From what I understand this is the same with many hotels on Santorini.

Oia was beautiful in the mornings and again later in the evenings, after the day trippers left. We had cars and went to visit other less touristy parts of the island, including the fabulous Akrotiri site, red and black sand beaches.

Big fan of Imerovigli, I'd return to Afroessa Hotel in a heartbeat.

I loved Canaves Oia, just steps away from the marble tile portion of Oia, but a world away. A friend had visited 14 years prior with her best friend and their daughters. They had a 3 or 4 br suite of cave rooms that went deeper than ours. . Ours was just a 1 bedroom with bath/ closet behind it and the living area had a sofa bed. It's one of my favorite places I've ever stayed. The views from the terrace were amazing. The first night we wanted to see the famous Oia sunset and the hotel recommended a particular restaurant with rooftop dining. They made reservations for us so we were able to see the sunset, without the crowds. But on the other nights, the view from our terrace was just as beautiful. Their restaurant was very good if you wanted to eat on site. My friend wanted to take out an ATV so it was delivered to a parking lot across the street. I think the same can be done with rental cars. I just wanted to sit on my terrace and veg. So beautiful. Can't wait to return!

Canaves has several new properties they have added. I stuck with the original one, because it was the one my friend visited and I fell in love with her photos.


Wonderful service including breakfast served on the balcony. Doors between terraces of suites for privacy from your neighbors.

A peek of the Canaves Oia sign from the road.

Headed to watch the sunset, but we headed to the recommended restaurant and skipped the crowds.

The entrance from the road. The office is down a few steps. The cave rooms with private terraces are down a series of steps. Beautiful infinity pool and restaurant/ bar with amazing views as well.

I would suggest the following:
1, White Concept Cave
2. Athena Luxury Suites.

Thost pictures are incredible of the Canaves Oia, especially the outdoor view is so good.

I stayed at Fira White Residence ten years ago in late April. It was wonderful then, from their web site now it looks like the owner has made some exceptional upgrades since then!

Thank you all! I so appreciate it!

It was truly amazing. I was sure it would not live up to my expectations.
Thankfully, it did. SO many great photos of views. Love taking photos of ships. I didn't want to leave the terrace while we were there.