The style here is a chic marriage between heritage Greece (there’s lots of white) and quirky contemporary designer touches, but with an emphasis on comfort and loungeability. Hardly surprising as it was once home to local nobility. It’s a perfect spot too for a combination stay – sun worshippers can idle the hours by the curved pool and bar terrace, but step outside the front door and the bustle and excitement of Oia awaits. Santorini is most proud of its world-famous sunsets, but after the sun goes down - well, that’s when the fun really begins.
Highs
- It’s got a good-sized pool, which is extremely rare in Oia's pedestrianised centre
- The central location is within walking distance of all the boutiques, bars and eateries, but still surprisingly quiet
- With 14 rooms of varying size, there's usually something to suit most budgets and occupancies
- The Seaview suites have incredible 360º views that are perfect for a sunset cocktail
- By Oia's prices, this counts as a very affordable boutique stay. And it's a Greek Ministry of Culture-classified monument, to boot!
Lows
- Entry-level Double Rooms are very compact, and lack balconies
- Some rooms look onto the street – if noise is an issue for you, ask for a pool-facing room
- The pool can also be overlooked from outside, so not completely private (and sometimes outside guests use it)
- Reception is not manned 24/7 but there's an emergency number should you need help after hours
- The whole town of Oia can feel overrun with tourists in high season
Best time to go
Our top tips
For the best views of the island, take a walk from Oia to Fira, which is about 12km. You hike along the Caldera and it’s one Instagram shot after another along the way. You won’t need proper walking shoes as it’s relatively smooth and flat – but do bring extra sunscreen as there’s little to no shade.
- Boutique Hotel
- 14 rooms
- Breakfast only, walk to restaurants
- All ages welcome
- Closed: mid-Nov to end March
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Laundry service
Rooms
There are 14 in total, of various sizes and designs, all with (generally low-slung) kingsize beds. Expect a white on white vibe in walls and furniture with fun embellishments, perhaps painted totem poles or lime-washed wooden headboards or vintage style mirrors. There are colourful barrel-shaped ceramic stools and succulents in pots. Sleek ensuite shower bathrooms are clad in marble - some guests comment that it can get steamy or slippery - with toiletries by Korres.
The two Seaview Suites are the most glamorous, with private terraces offering 360° views across the island. Each has an additional single bed, so can sleep three. The Cave House Suite is a perfect couple’s retreat as it gives out onto the pool and features a raised sleeping area.
The two Deluxe double rooms on the first floor have a private balcony and overlook the pool. The Deluxe Triple room has a private balcony overlooking the sea.
For families, the Deluxe Pool Suites sleep up to four and open up onto the pool area, while the two Junior Pool Suites also boast their own private pool terraces.
The Deluxe Double and Double Room are compact, at around 12-17 sq.m.; we think it's defintely worth paying a bit more to have a balcony. They look out onto the main street, so a bit of noise is to be expected, though we reckon that they are quieter than many other Oia hotels.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- Mosquito net
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
You choose from two breakfast menus: Santorini features more local fare such as a homemade pitta (pie), scrambled eggs with feta cheese, or cake of the day; while Continental offers cereal, omelette or scrambled eggs, croissants and pancakes. It is served in the pool area (you need to order the night before), or in your room for a small charge.
Otherwise, Oia is filled with cafés and eateries. This being Greece, seafood is big on every menu. Fine diners will want to head to Black Rock for the Athinaiki (fish salad), octopus stifado, wagyu fillet, lobster and sea views. Also check out the views (and the grouper fricassee, crayfish risotto, red snapper) at Catch , which doubles as a hip cocktail bar in the evenings. And romantic Petrosia is also worth a visit for its cuttlefish in linguine and the pasta ring with octopus, squid and mussels.
For such an upmarket destination, there's also a surprising number of good quality cheap eats – Nikos Place Grill House, Melitini and PitoGyros Grill House have had glowing reviews for their inexpensive, unpretentious but hearty fare. And VR café/bar in Fira is highly recommended for any time of stay. Come for breakfast, stay for the sunset sundowners, then dinner and cocktails.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
Activities
- Take a wine tour – the island has 18 wineries, mainly concentrated around Megalochori and Fira, and include names such as Santo, Venetsanos (on a stunning cliffside) and Gavalos
- Embark on a day-long boat cruise. There are myriad choices which will take you to the island’s major beaches, all around the volcano and caldera and back in time for that oh-so-important sunset
- Ammoudi Bay is the island’s premier destination – a glorious beach with crystal clear waters for swimming, an abundance of cafes and eateries, and stunning clifftop walks. It’s just 300 steps down from Oia (and 300 back up, of course).Also check out White Sand Beach and Perissa Black Sand beach
- Go exploring away from the tourist hotspots. The island is filled with hidden gems off the tourist trail – decades-old bookstores, cave churches, ancient tombs, microbreweries and lighthouses
- The hotel has a small spa offering a range of beauty services and massages
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Private guided tours
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
- Well being
- Wine tasting
Kids
The hotel accepts children of all ages, and the pool will be a godsend for them, though we should add that the ambiance remains a fairly grown-up one. There are two family-sized suites: Seaview (sleeps 3) and Deluxe Poolfront (sleeps 4). Also some Deluxe rooms can be set up for triple occupancy, using a single sofabed.
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The Museum Project is situated in the picturesque small town of Oia, which is on the northwestern tip of Santorini in the Cyclades.
By Air:
Fly to Santorini International Airport, which is about 17km away. The Museum Project can arrange airport transfers, taxis are also freely available on arrival. The journey will take around 25-30 minutes.
By Ferry:
There are also ferries from Piraeus (Athens) and Heraklion (Crete) which arrive at Port Athinios, around 23km away.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- International Santorini Airport 16.0 km JTR
Other:
- Beach 0.6 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 5 independent reviews from i-escape guests