Canaves Ena in Oia, Santorini

Essentials
• Location: Fantastic location on the caldera at the entrance to Oia village
• Map
• Hotel website: canaves.com
• Hotel phone: +30 22860 71453
• Check prices for the lodging known as Canaves Ena

Hotel Review

Canaves Ena – Immaculate, luxury hotel with a swimming pool and dazzling caldera views throughout the property.

Situated on the edge of Oia’s caldera, this luxury boutique property boasts breathtaking views from each suite and private plunge pools with most. The hotel blends traditional, cave-like Santorinian architecture found on the island with contemporary minimalist decor and design. Each of the suites are carved individually into the cliffside but are elegantly furnished with amenities like pillow menus, a complimentary bottle of wine, and Hermès products. Dining at their Mediterranean-style Greek restaurant, Infinity, is incredible whether for a casual lunch, picturesque sunset cocktail, or candlelit dinner with sweeping views. With only 18 suites, service remains highly personalized from check-in to the restaurant and beyond..

See Also

• The Top Accommodations in Santorini
• Where to Lodge in Santorini
• Top activities and experiences in Santorini

Canaves Ena – Location

• Location: Fantastic place on the rim of the caldera at the start of Oia, just a brief walk from the pedestrian-only zone. The hotel is less than 5 minutes from several restaurants, cafes, and boutiques, and about 12 minutes from the Oia Bus Terminal.

• How to Get There:
The hotel is located just off the main road into Oia, making traveling to and from very convenient, whether by taxi, private vehicle, driving yourself, or taking the bus. It is around 18km from the ferry port in Athinios and the Santorini Airport to the hotel, though they are in opposite directions.

Vehicular transportation waits at the ferry dock for each ferry arrival, along with buses departing every hour from Santorini Airport. There are no direct buses from the port or airfield to Oia; buses from both locations travel to Fira, where another bus must then be boarded to Oia – the total trip from the port or airport to Oia will take at minimum one hour and cost approximately €5 altogether. Tickets are purchased on the bus using cash only. From the Oia Bus Terminal, it’s an easy 12-minute walk to the hotel.

Vehicle rentals are also accessible from the port or airport, though there are approximately 25 available serving the whole island, so a wait is common; schedule a ride in advance through a private car service to avoid this (I use and recommend Welcome Pickups). Cars on Santorini are not calculated by meter, so be sure to agree on a price with the driver before departing. A ride from the airport to Canaves Ena will cost roughly €35 to €40. Transport from the ferry port will cost around €35 to €40. Booking through a private car service will cost only slightly more – about $60 (or €50), but is worth it to avoid waiting and for the ease of prepayment.

For those who prefer to self-drive, we advise securing a rental car either at the airport upon arrival, or in Fira. The road from the ferry dock is steep and narrow, with many tricky winding routes, large trucks, and buses often passing through. Best leave the local driving to the locals to navigate. We strongly recommend reserving a vehicle beforehand, particularly if you require an automatic transmission. Upon arrival at the hotel, Canaves Ena provides free parking in their nearby lot.

• Nearby: The beginning of the pedestrian pathway, Church of Panagia of Platsani.

Map of Canaves Ena

Canaves Ena – The Basics

• Patrons: An adults-only property, only ages 13 and older can stay. Most guests are couples commemorating a special event, usually a honeymoon or anniversary.
• Beach: The nearest location for swimming would be Ammoudi Bay, the harbor directly under Oia, 1.5 km from the hotel. This is a popular area for diving into the water and jumping off cliffs, though the rocky shoreline is too small for much lounging. Ammoudi Bay serves as the main port for Oia, housing several spectacular seafood eateries. Though a steep descent and climb, it`s easy to get a taxi at the bottom to bring you back uphill after buying a snack at one of the restaurants, with the waiter gladly phoning for a ride.
• View: Breathtaking panoramic views of the caldera throughout the hotel.
• Private Pools/Jacuzzis: Private, heated plunge pools in most suite groups: Superior, Honeymoon, Grand, and River Pool.
• Parking: Complimentary parking in their nearby lot.
• Extras: Welcome beverage, welcome bottle of wine and fruit basket, pillow menu, iPods or tablets on request, wine tasting experience (for an additional fee).
• When to Book: The hotel usually operates from early April until late October/early November. Reserve at least 4 months in advance (6 months is better) for stays during high season from June through September, and about 2 months in advance for the low and shoulder seasons.
• How to Reserve:Booking.com will offer the most competitive rates.
• Phone: +30 22860 71453
• Contact methods:[email protected],[email protected]
• Website: canaves.com

Canaves Ena – Amenities

• Pool: Fantastic partially shaded pool overlooking the caldera. Not heated.
• Spa: Access to the facilities at their sister property, Canaves Oia Suites, nearby.
• Exercise Facilities: Access is granted to the gymnasium at the Canaves Oia Suites.
• For Disabled Guests: This hotel is located in the caldera, and has many staircases with no elevator. This hotel is not suitable for guests with mobility issues.
• For Older Children: An adults-only property, only guests age 13 and over are permitted. For families with teenagers, they offer the Grand Suite, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit that can sleep up to five visitors.
• Activities: A private wine tasting experience is available for an additional cost.

Canaves Ena – Food and Drink

• Restaurant: Infinity Pool Bar Restaurant is open all day, from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. Their menu spotlights Greek and Mediterranean flavors, and the environment is casual. Dinner is served by candlelight with stellar sunset perspectives. Quality cocktails are available all day. The restaurant is reserved for guests only during the day, but opens to the public for dinner, so it’s a good idea to make reservations to get a table with the best view.
• Breakfast: Complimentary breakfast is served daily from 8-11 a.m. at Infinity or delivered to suites at no extra cost.
• Meals can be requested during dining hours.

Canaves Ena – Rooms

• Room Types: Classic Suite – Junior Suite – Superior Suite including a Private Plunge Pool – River Pool Suite – Grand Suite with Plunge Pool
• Smoking Areas: Canaves Ena does not permit smoking inside any room types. Smoking is allowed on private verandas and in outdoor common spaces.
• Best Room: The River Pool Suite is a unique gem, featuring a river-like, heated plunge pool that is half cave-style and half open to the sun, with jacuzzi jets in the open area. This 1-bedroom suite has a king bed, separate living area, and a private veranda with an al fresco dining space.
• For Families: The Grand Suite sleeps up to 5 guests. Its master bedroom has an elevated king bed and bathroom including a tub with hydrotherapy features. The second bedroom contains either one king bed or two twin beds, and a bathroom with a shower. There is a separate living area which can sleep one additional guest, plus an outdoor terrace including a heated plunge pool and al fresco dining area.

Canaves Ena – Local Transport

• Walking: The hotel is positioned near the start of Oia, not far from the marble, pedestrian path, surrounded by endless choices of restaurants, shops, and attractions. Oia Bus Terminal is merely 12 minutes away on foot, as is Oia’s most photographed church, Panagia of Platsani. The castle ruins, one of the island’s most popular sunset vantage points, is roughly a 20-minute walk west, while Ammoudi Bay is just slightly farther at 26 minutes from the hotel.
• Transport: Canaves Ena is extremely near to the Oia Transport Center, simply 12 minutes away. Transports here serve all of the key towns and beaches on the island, regularly with a shift in Fira. Tickets are purchased aboard, and vary from €1.80 to €2.50 per person in the daytime, depending on the route. Night transports (12:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.) function less regularly and cost a little more, from €2.30 to €3.10). Transports can get really jam-packed, especially during the high season, so much so that they frequently load to ability and are not able to take on more passengers. There are only 23 public transports serving the island.
• Public transportation: The handiest place to find a taxi is at the Stathmos Taxi stand near the Oia Bus Terminal. Often there is a wait here as approximately 25 taxis service the whole island including guests from about 1,000 establishments for lodging. It`s best to make a reservation ahead of time so you won`t have to wait, and they can pick you up directly from your hotel. There will be a small additional charge for booking in advance and for transporting luggage, usually just a few Euros. Generally the fare from Oia to Fira is around €20, and from Oia to the airport costs about €35 to €40.
• Motorbikes: Locals commonly use motor scooters as transport, but unfamiliar roads present hazards. Thoroughfares zigzag steeply upwards and downwards on narrow paths sometimes without guardrails or nighttime illumination. Unpaved trails and potholes are common.
• ATVs/Quads: ATVs are an enjoyable and popular method of transportation with visitors, but for the locals required to drive behind them, they maneuver too gradually and hold up traffic in an area where moving around is already challenging. For individuals who don’t routinely ride quads (i.e. most people), they can be risky at high speeds and on turns. Crashed your ATV is a guaranteed way to ruin your vacation.

Canaves Ena – What’s Nearby?

Best Nearby Restaurants

• Anemomilos Restaurant: Situated next to the hotel of the same name; refreshingly local atmosphere, not touristy at all. Great cuisine, friendly ambiance.
• Eastside Kings Festival – This mid-September event presents a weekend of blues, gospel and jazz acts celebrating some of the greatest living musicians.
• A restaurant in Finikia village: Cozy, romantic restaurant in a converted wine cellar in the charming village.
• PitoGyros: Undoubtedly, the finest gyros in Oia. Seating is limited.
• Candouni: Cozy, family-run restaurant with live Greek music, and absolutely delicious cuisine.
• Roka: Authentic, Santorinian menu with solid dishes, especially the meatballs and octopus.
• Lotza: Basic, straightforward Greek comfort food with stunning caldera views.
• Ammoudi Bay Eateries: Each of these waterside restaurants is phenomenal, offering the freshest seafood on the island. The steep 25-minute descent takes longer returning up, but a attendant will be happy to call a cab.

Best Nearby Bars and Breweries

• Fino Cocktail Bar & Restaurant: visitors can find some of the best cocktails on Santorini here along with inspired Mediterranean cuisine and an extensive wine list.
• Evening Bar with Drinks and Snacks: Relaxing spot for sangria, cocktails, and appetizers near scenic sunset views (though not of the caldera).
• Marykay’s Bar/Hassapiko: This establishment is where one should go for dancing, as they frequently feature live bands and DJs.

Best Nearby Cafes

• Mes Amis: Excellent spot on a covered patio overlooking the caldera. Very casual setting, amazing views, and quality cuisine.
• Meteor: Excellent coffee and breakfast with sweeping caldera perspectives, though a little on the pricier side. Turns into a bar at night.

Nearby Shopping and Cool Shops

• Bligaki: Santorinian accessories, especially attire and bags, mostly handmade.
• BLOW by Labro: Top-grade designer boutique with distinctive items.
• It’s a Beautiful Day: A luxury boutique selling elegant Greek-inspired clothing items as well as high-end accessories.
• A prominent Greek brand offering casual linens for men and women isB.Loose
• Steps to Art: Truly exceptional metal sculptures, replicas motivated by Akrotiri, and adornments made with volcanic sand and watch parts.
• Spilia Cave Greek Clothing: Manually crafted, leather sandals, cotton and linen Greek outfits, situated in one of the initial living caves of Oia.

Nearby Attractions

• Oia-Fira Hiking Trail: Stretching 10.5 km, this scenic trail connects the towns of Oia and Fira on the island while offering beautiful scenery the whole way. Using a mix of sidewalk, cobblestones, and dirt paths, hikers can take in gorgeous views south toward Fira from the Byzantine Castle Ruins in 2 to 5 hours. Adding about an hour more allows for a detour to Skaros Rock in Imerovigli. The trail is just a 1-minute walk from the hotel.
• The renowned Church of Panagia of Platsani in Santorini is celebrated for its interior and exterior design.
• Museum of Ancient, Byzantine Musical Instruments: Faithful reproductions of Greek instruments dating from the prehistoric via Byzantine eras display at this location.
• Maritime Museum: Small museum focused on Greek naval and Santorinian maritime history. Only €3 entrance fee.
• Castle of Agios Nikolaos (aka Oia Castle aka Byzantine Castle Ruins): The medieval fortress ruins are the most well-liked sunset outlook on the island.
• Domaine Sigalas Winery: Explore the vineyard to gain knowledge about the island’s unique wine production method, and sample 10 premium wines paired with local delicacies. Domaine Sigalas is located due north of Finikia.
• Ammoudi Bay: Known best for its fresh fish restaurants, Ammoudi is the rocky port of Oia; boats sail to Thirassia and cruise the caldera from here. It’s an exceptionally popular spot for cliff diving and is one of the best places to swim on the island.

Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores

• Perivolas Market: Small shop with a decent selection of drinks, wines, and breads.
• Village Super Market: Good selection of essentials at a fair price (for Santorini).
• Elliniki Diatrofi Supermarket has an extensive choice of local cheeses, wine, spirits, fresh produce, and staple foods. It is open until late, sometimes as late as 2:00 a.m.
• Proton Supermarket: A small grocer, but often has the most affordable prices. Many locals do their shopping here.

Canaves Ena – The Hotel