If you're looking for a chic little hideaway - as we constantly are! - on Greece's most spectacular and popular island, then you can't beat this deliciously styled, semi-subterranean home for two. Tucked away in the lovely white-washed village of Pyrgos (our favourite), next to the chapel of Agios Demetrios (hence the name), it's got everything a couple needs for a short (or long) break. There's a lofty living area with kitchenette, a tiny private courtyard with plunge pool, and a super comfy double bedroom with ensuite bathroom burrowed into the tufa hillside. The one thing it lacks are those caldera-edge views; but what bliss to escape the selfie-snapping crowds and retreat to your stylish little sanctuary. And you can climb up onto your pueblo-style roof terrace, glass of chilled wine in hand, to enjoy the same spectacular sunsets, as well as wonderful vistas over the whole island.
The village - largely car-free - is worth exploring: churches and cafes, a crumbling castle at the top of the hill, and several tavernas serving authentic Greek fare in case you don't feel like cooking. It's a short drive to the black sand beaches of the east coast, or to the bars and boutiques of Fira, with its cable car down to the harbour for boat trips to lava islands and hot springs. Santorini is truly a unique and photogenic spot, and this is our favourite hideaway on the island.
Highs
- Service from owner Andrew is friendly, attentive but never intrusive; like a very boutique five-star hotel with concierge
- It's a super romantic bolthole, with heated jacuzzi pool, double shower and the cosiest of bedrooms
- For us, the location is perfect: in a picture-perfect village away from the crowds, but with stunning views
- The interiors feel spacious, smart and surprisingly bright , with everything you might need: fast WiFi, free movies, a sleek kitchenette, gorgeous Jo Malone toiletries...
- When you consider all this, it's amazing value for money - especially for Santorini
Lows
- You're not on the caldera edge but inland, a short drive from those classic plunging sea-and-cliff views
- This is an adult-only hideaway; kids stay home for this one
- Be aware that the island as a whole gets more than its fair share of tourists, with commensurate prices
- The hot tub doesn't have a sea view, but it is super private and not overlooked (a rarity in Santorini)
Best time to go
We think May, June, September and October are the best months to visit: the temperatures are generally lovely and warm (fine for swimming), and island not too crowded. However, even in midsummer, Demeter Cave House remains cool and quiet, with its own tiny pool and secluded courtyard. The house is closed for about 3 months in winter.
Our top tips
Eating out in Pyrgos is a foodie's dream: from authentic Greek tavernas to fine dining. Lunchtime is popular with the locals who gather for excellent meze plates and a glass of ouzo; in the afternoon enjoy iced coffee and cake in the shade of the pine trees in the main square. Early evening bag a table for cocktails to watch the blood-red sun sink into the horizon. Take dinner in one of the friendly village tavernas for delicious home-cooked dishes or sample innovative cuisine and Santorinian wines on candlelit terraces. Andrew (and the guest book) can fill you in on the latest recommendations.
- Cave House for 2
- 1 bedroom
- Self-catering; breakfast available, restaurants nearby
- Adults only
- Closed: December - March
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Laundry Service
- Caretaker
Rooms
The perfect hideaway for a couple, the cute vaulted cave begins with the open-plan kitchen and dining room, and leads into the bedroom which comes with a king-size platform bed (with Sealy mattress) and has a skylight allowing natural light. There's a built-in sofa and shelves, domed ceilings, alcoves, windows and doorways - all white-washed in keeping with the vernacular architecture hereabouts.
The bathroom at the farthest end of the cave has been plastered in grey and features a couples drench shower concealed behind the double sink partition.
Decor has a distinctively Scandi-chic vibe with pale wood cupboard doors and shelves, under-stated dove and indigo patterned fabric on cushions and bedspreads, and wicker pendant lights. There are lovely design touches, many inspired by Santorini's volcano; and everything you might need, from spare candles to free bottled water (as the island's tap water is not really drinkable).
The cave opens into a private courtyard with Jacuzzi and seating area to enjoy your breakfast in the shade. Walk up the alley around the house, and you will reach the panoramic roof terrace, with sun-loungers and long views to the sea.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Iron
- Minibar
- WiFi
Eating
The kitchenette, in the open-plan living area, is perfect for preparing breakfast, light meals and snacks. There's a neat whitewashed arrangement of open shelves above, and a built-in sink and 2-ring hob atop pine-clad cupboards concealing the fridge below. It comes with a toaster, kettle and coffee-maker, and is supplied with salt, pepper, cooking oil, washing up liquid and laundry tablets. There are several shops (including an excellent bakery) and a mini-mart in Pyrgos; Fira (the capital, 4km away) has a wider range.
If you don't fancy cooking, Andrew can serve an indulgent breakfast (extra cost, payable locally) - handy for the first morning. For other meals, there are several great eateries on your doorstep. Nip to the square (3-5 minutes) for traditional platters, fresh juice and thick yoghurt with thyme honey and seasonal fruit. Try Penelope's for authentic Greek cuisine, Cava Alta for a treat - both in easy walking distance; then round off with cocktails at Franco's.
Alternatively most restaurants in the village offer takeaways, so you can enjoy an easy feast on your private terrace while soaking up that panoramic view.
Features include:
- Coffee maker
- Hob or stove
- Kitchenette
- Restaurants nearby
- Toaster
Activities
- Make the most of your gorgeous hideaway including the terrace with long views to the village and sea beyond, and the private courtyard with hot tub
- Explore authentic and pretty Pyrgos, the highest village on the island, with its superb panoramas and stunning sunsets, winding medieval streets and blue-domed churches; all cobbled roads lead up to the oldest castle on the island
- Andrew can arrange outings and excursions such as a private tour of the island, or a romantic gourmet dinner at a top-notch restaurant
- Best of all - in our experience - is the semi-private sailing cruise around the caldera and volcano: a real highlight for us
- Pyrgos is surrounded by vineyards, there are some excellent wineries to visit
- The nearest beaches are the famous black-sand Kamari and Perissa (catch the bus from the main square if you don't want to hire a car)
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Cooking classes
- Fishing
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Private guided tours
- Sailing
- Shopping / markets
- Well being
- Wine tasting
Kids
This is a grown-up hideaway so under 18s are not permitted
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Demeter Cave House is in the village of Pyrgos, about 5km from Santorini;s main town Thera (Fira) and from its airport.
By Air:
Fly into Santorini or Athens (which has regular domestic flights to the island). It's about 15 minutes' drive from the airport; you can take a taxi or hire a car.
By Boat:
From Athens' Piraeus port, there are regular ferries and hydrofoils to Santorini; ferries take 6-8 hours, while hydrofoils take only 4-5 hours but cost more. The hotel is 20 minutes' drive from Santorini's Athinios ferry port.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Santorini 6.0 km JTR
Other:
- Beach 5.0 km
- Shops 0.2 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 14 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape