Vedema Resort in Megalochori, Santorini

Essentials
• Location: Near the main square in the traditional village of Megalochori
• Visual Representation
• Hotel online page: marriott.com
• Hotel phone: +30 22860 81796
• Check prices for Vedema resort

Hotel Review

Vedema Resort – Five-star resort that is family friendly, with spacious suites, a luxurious spa, and a pool set in a medieval village in the heart of Santorini’s wine country.

Intended as a hamlet within a hamlet, Vedema Resort offers one and two-room suites as well as three-bedroom villas scattered among gardens, dining areas, a pool, a hot tub, and a spa. Situated within the conventional village of Megalochori, the resort is built surrounding a 400-year old winery and a 100-year old mansion, all restored and expanded in traditional Cycladic style. Its refined dining restaurant Alati is one of the finest on the island, and its spa presents magnificent Greek and Asian-influenced treatments. Just meters from the main square, the resort lies close to a lovely church and bell tower, and many local-style eating establishments. Perks include complimentary transportation to Fira and Perivolos Beach)..

See Also

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

Vedema Resort – Location

• Area: Vedema Resort is situated near the main square in traditional Megalochori, less than a 5 minute walk to several eateries, the church, and bell tower, roughly 6 minutes from the nearest bus stop, and about 8 minutes to the caldera’s edge. Megalochori is a tranquil, medieval village away from the tourist crowds, surrounded by award-winning vineyards, between the caldera overlook and the inland highlands. This is truly the ideal village for an authentic local experience.

• Getting There: The hotel is situated near the primary road leading south from the port, making it convenient to travel to and from, whether by taxi, driving yourself, or riding the bus. It is approximately 5km from the Athinios ferry port and 7km from the Santorini Airport to the hotel.

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Travelers can take taxis from the port or airport on Santorini, though only around 25 serve the whole island, often resulting in a wait; to avoid delays, arrange rides in advance through a private transportation service like Welcome Pickups. Fares on Santorini aren`t based on meter rates, so be sure to agree on costs before departing. A taxi from the airport or ferry port to Vedema Resort would be around €20. Booking through a private service like Welcome Pickups adds a small surcharge but saves time and allows pre-payment.

For those who prefer to drive themselves, we recommend renting a motor vehicle either on arrival at the airport, or in Fira. The road from the ferry port is steep and narrow, with many winding turns, large trucks, and buses. Leave the navigation to the locals familiar with those conditions. We strongly advise reserving a vehicle ahead of time, particularly if you need an automatic transmission. Upon arrival at Vedema, the resort provides free valet parking in their nearby lot (a major perk).

• Nearby: The Megalochori church, several dining establishments within a one-minute walk, the Hatzidakis Winery (with vineyards directly adjacent to the hotel though a 10-minute drive to the tasting room).

Map of Vedema Resort

Vedema Resort – The Basics

• Ages: The hotel is open to guests of all ages as well as pets (1 pet per room, up to 5 kg, €50 per night). Guests tend to be a good mix of couples and families.
• Local Coastlines: The hotel can be easily reached by a short drive from all of Santorini`s best shorelines. Guests are offered complimentary transportation to a sister property`s beach. Access is given to amenities like beach chairs and umbrellas in a full-service coastal zone belonging to that nearby resort. Among the island`s most attractive beaches is one with delicate black sand close by, situated in an area known for outstanding beach clubs and eateries. Drives of under quarter of an hour bring one to this gorgeous beach from the hotel. Additionally nearby is a beach within the caldera itself, just a slightly shorter commute. For an intimate coastline away from crowds, another superb choice involves a commute under fifteen minutes southward.
• View: Most rooms face toward the resort’s inner courtyard and the village. Some rooms have views toward the sea and beaches in the southeast, though the sea is in the distance.
• Kitchen: The Presidential Villa has a fully stocked kitchen.
• Private Pools/Jacuzzis: The Aegean Suites come with outdoor, personal jacuzzis. The Olympian Villas and Presidential Villa include private exterior jacuzzis and personal pools.
• Parking: Complimentary valet parking.
• Extras: Complimentary shuttles to Fira and Perivolos Beach, boutique, helipad, turndown service, increased privacy, and fewer stairs than hotels in the caldera.
• When to Reserve: The lodging works from right on time May to late October. Book no less than 3 months ahead of time (4 months is superior) for travel amid the high season from June through September. Book no less than 2 months ahead of time for visits amid low or shoulder season.
• Method of Reservation: Booking.com is anticipated to feature the most competitive rates.
• Phone: +30 22860 81796
• Website: anaxmykonos.gr
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Vedema Resort – Amenities

• Pools: Vedema features 1 unheated pool near the Pergola Restaurant and Bar, and a sizable heated hot tub close to the Jacuzzi Bar.
• Spa: The full-service Asian Spa, located in a converted wine cellar, provides Thai, Ayurvedic, and Shiatsu massages as well as skin, nail, and body treatments, couples massages, and a steam room. In-room treatments are also available.
• Fitness Center: The newly renovated small gym is built into a converted wine cellar, and includes cardio machines, free weights, a sauna, and a steam room.

• Vedema provides a few ground-floor rooms with wide, 0.8 meter entrances for guests with disabilities; the swimming pools, fitness center, business facility, and eating places all have accessible entrances. However, there are fewer steps here than at most hotels on Santorini, there are no elevators.

• For Families: This is a property suitable for all ages, with most rooms accommodating up to 3 guests. Athenian Suites can sleep up to 5, and the Presidential Villa can fit up to 6. Olympian Villas sleep up to 3, but have the option to connect for larger families. Vedema is also pet-friendly for animals up to 5 kg. Family amenities and services include babysitting, kids’ menus at the restaurants, cribs, and rollaway beds.
• Activities: Tastings of wine produced onsite are available at the Canava Wine Bar within the property, and private meals can be organized exclusively at Privé. The concierge team can also help plan excursions, like tours of the surrounding wine region, sailing in the caldera, horseback riding, scuba diving, and visits to the archaeological site at Akrotiri.

Vedema Resort – Food and Drink

• Eateries: Alati is Vedema’s signature fine dining establishment, specializing in Mediterranean seafood cuisine. The principal restaurant is situated inside a 400-year-old wine storage facility with an upscale, Game of Thrones atmosphere. There is also a rooftop dining terrace overlooking the village and vineyards, ideal for sunsets and star gazing. An excellent wine list is also provided. Open for dinner from 7:00 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. ($$$$) – Pergola Pool Restaurant is accessible for breakfast from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., and for lunch from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Its bar remains open until midnight. Casual Mediterranean fare along with some international choices are served here. – Privé is Vedema’s private dining room for couples or small groups, available by request alone. For couples, the chef typically prepares a 5 or 7-course tasting menu with wine pairings. For small groups, a customizable 9-course menu is standard. The romantic setting is inside another section of the same 400-year-old wine cellar as Alati and Canava Wine Bar. Open for dinner from 7:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Lounges/Bars: Canava Wine Bar (in the converted wine cellar) offers wine tastings daily from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. for groups up to 8 guests. – The Jacuzzi Bar is a small bar serving the hot tub area. Its operating hours depend on the season and hotel occupancy.
• Breakfast: Breakfast is offered for an additional cost, and is served at Pergola. Guests can choose between an American and Greek Champagne buffet for €38, or a continental breakfast for €18.
• Room Service: Available around the clock.

Vedema Resort – Rooms

Room Types: Dorian Suite – Aegean Suite – Athenian Suite – Olympian Villa – Presidential Villa
• Smoking Areas: Smoking is allowed in the private terraces and outdoor common areas of the hotel but not permitted in any of the rooms.
• Best Room: The most suitable accommodation for couples is the Olympian Villa. This 1-bedroom villa features a private outdoor hot tub and plunge pool. Inside, guests will find a hydromassage bathtub and separate shower, a spacious walk-in closet, and complimentary Santorinian white wine.
• For Families: The optimal choice for families is the Presidential Villa. The Presidential Villa is the most secluded unit available, and comes equipped with a fully stocked kitchen, 3 bedrooms (each with an adjustable king-sized bed), and 3 bathrooms (each featuring rainfall shower heads and separate hydromassage tubs). Additionally, the villa boasts over 200 square meters of outdoor space including a jacuzzi and heated swimming pool.

Vedema Resort – Local Transport

• Walking: The hotel is situated in the heart of Santorini`s wine country, near the center of Megalochori village. This lodge is away from the heavy tourist trails, with several local restaurants within a 5-minute stroll of the property, along with a picturesque church and bell tower. Hatzidakis Winery’s vineyards run almost directly up to Vedema’s border, though their tasting area takes around 40 minutes to reach on foot. Gavalas Winery has a closer tasting room only a couple of minutes away, though Gavalas’ vineyard is situated elsewhere. The optimal sunset vista over the caldera can be found at Heart of Santorini, about a 12-minute walk; there visitors can admire the sunset from the caldera rim, or hike down the gravel path to the sea for an unblocked wide view.
• Bus: The public transportation stop for Megalochori village is on the primary road outside of the town, diagonally across from Villa Aegeon. It is an easy 6-minute walk from Vedema to the bus stop along a generally flat route. Buses here serve all of the major villages and beaches on the island, though you will need to change transportation in Fira if heading toward Oia, Imerovigli, or the airport; the total trip to Oia or the airport can take approximately an hour or more by bus. Tickets are purchased onboard, and range from €1.80 to €2.50 per individual in the daytime, depending on the route. Night buses (12:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.) run less regularly and cost a little more, from €2.30 to €3.10. There are only 23 buses serving the island, so they can become crowded, especially during high season, so much that they often fill to capacity and are unable to accept additional passengers. If your time is restricted, it may be preferable to catch a taxi or rent a car.
• Taxis: Car transportation on the island is limited, with only around 25 taxis serving Megalochori. It`s wise to have the hotel contact a taxi for you when needed rather than searching yourself. Booking ahead helps avoid delays given the small fleet, and requesting pick up directly at the hotel is convenient. A small additional charge applies for reservations and baggage, usually just a couple euros. The average fare from Vedema Resort to Fira or the ferry port and airport is roughly €20.
• Motorcycles and scooters: Scooters are mainly how locals get around, but if you`re unfamiliar with the layout, it can be very dangerous. The roads here zigzag up and down hills with narrow lanes and no guardrails or streetlights in most areas. A lot of dirt roads and potholes too.
• 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.

Vedema Resort – What’s Nearby?

Best Nearby Restaurants

• Feggera: Aegean restaurant specializing in traditional dishes using organic produce from Crete and Santorini.
• Musical nook: Charming eatery for Greek comfort dishes, small plates (tapas), and raki. Best known for their moussaka and lamb skewers; gluten-free selections, too.
• Avlogyros: Family-run taverna serving traditional Greek flavors and tender meats in generous portions.
• Raki: Casual tavern serving Greek dishes from every region using seasonal ingredients.
• Petrino: This local restaurant is known for its flavorful and filling breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, in addition to their heavenly loukoumades (Greek-style honey donuts) which should not be missed.

Best Nearby Bars and Breweries

• SantAnna Mykonos: Considered one of the most lavish beach clubs in Mykonos, with two restaurants, two bars, full-service spa facilities, a pool area containing ten private islands available for rental, an underwater suite, and helicopter landing capabilities.
• Franco’s Pyrgos: In neighboring Pyrgos hamlet, Franco’s is an absolute necessity for champagne beverages and panoramic sunset views over the caldera and towns, from the highest point on the isle.

Best Nearby Cafe

The Family Bakery Megalochori, located at this address, is considered the top bakery on the island. It provides almost countless varieties of pastries, breads, sandwiches, ice cream, and hot meals all day long. In addition, a small selection of grocery items and beverages can also be found there

Nearby Attractions

• Panagia Ton Eisodion: Also known as Megalochori Cathedral, this place of worship is the most identifiable landmark in the village, with its intricate wood carved steeple featuring a small passageway to walk through.
• Bell Tower: There are a few smaller belfry structures in Megalochori, but the most notable features 6 bells and an underground passageway. Directly to the north of Vedema Resort and Panagia Ton Eisodion.
• The Heart of Santorini: Vantage point on the caldera at sunset with a walking trail winding down the caldera slope to naturally occurring heated pools nearly reaching the ocean.
• Hatzidakis Winery: Hatzidakis Winery has a huge vineyard with amazing wines and traditional wine canavas (caves). The vineyard begins next to Vedema, while their tasting room is at the other end, near Pyrgos village.
• Pyrgos: Traditional village at the highest point on the island, known for its spectacular sunsets, well-preserved traditions, and steep, narrow walking streets.
• Beaches: Caldera Beach (the only beach inside the famous caldera), Vlychada (tranquil beach with wind-shaped cliffs), Perivolos Beach (popular beach with several eateries and bars).

Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores

• Mini Market: Small store with staple groceries, souvenirs, and a decent selection of wine and drinks. Across from Avlogyros Restaurant.
• The Family Bakery Megalochori: An excellent bakery offering a good assortment of essential items, drinks, and cigarettes along with sandwiches, ready to eat foods, and freshly baked breads.

Vedema Resort – The Hotel