Esperas Hotel in Oia, Santorini

Essentials
• Situation: Tranquil region in Oia, with views of Ammoudi Bay and sunset
• Regional Map
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• www.shelbydiamondstar.com

• Hotel phone: +30 22860 71501
• Pricing for Esperas can be checked.

Hotel Review

Esperas – Charming cave-style suites with a swimming pool and views of the caldera at sunset.

Situated in Oia, below the windmills and with spectacular views over Ammoudi Bay, this picturesque hotel offers unblocked sunset perspectives over the caldera. Suites, studios, and houses are simply furnished in traditional, Greek style (white walls, rich blue accents, and dark woods). Many include private jacuzzis and plunge pools, and most offer sunset views from their own private terraces. Their fantastic pool is half cave-style with seating inside, and half open to the sun. An a la carte breakfast is served to each room daily, while lunch, dinner, and cocktails are available at Ombra, with sweeping views and an authentic, local menu. Expect a warm welcome and exceptional care throughout.

See Also

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

Esperas – Location

• Location: Peaceful, tranquil place in a walking-only place at the western suggestion of Oia, underneath the wind turbines and over Ammoudi Bay. Within strolling distance to the fortress ruins, Maritime Museum, the eateries in Ammoudi, and the shopping and dining in central Oia.

• Directions: The accommodation is midway down the side of the caldera along one of Oia’s winding pathways. It is simplest to have staff arrange transportation from the airport or port, so someone can guide to the entrance and help with luggage. It is approximately 18km from the Athinios ferry terminal and the Santorini Airport to the hotel, although in different directions.

Public transportation is available for travelers arriving and departing from the ferry port and airport on Santorini island. Buses continuously wait at both locations to transport passengers. However, there is no direct route linking the port or airport to the town of Oia; the buses go first to Fira, where riders must change to a different bus to reach Oia. The entire journey from the port or airport to Oia takes at minimum one hour and costs approximately €5 total. Tickets are purchased with cash directly onboard. The Oia bus terminal is just 500 meters from the hotel, though arranging assistance through the hotel to guide guests to the entrance is still recommended.

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For those preferring to drive independently, we recommend renting an automobile either at the airport upon arrival, or in Fira. The road from the ferry port features steep and narrow pathways, with many intricate switchbacks, large trucks, and buses. Leave the navigation of that route to the locals. We strongly advise reserving a vehicle ahead of time, specifically if you necessitate automatic transmission. Upon arrival in Oia, there are a few free public parking areas within a 5 to 10-minute walk to the hotel, but require patience, as checking multiple areas may be needed before locating an open space.

• Handy to: Byzantine Castle Ruins, Ammoudi Bay (10 minutes on foot downhill, and about 15 minutes to climb back up), Oia Bus Terminal).

Map of Esperas

Esperas – The Basics

• Ages: Only those aged 18 years and older (although this is somewhat flexible). Guests tend to be couples between 28-45 years old mostly celebrating honeymoons and anniversaries.
• Beach: The closest spot for swimming (though it is not a proper beach) is at Ammoudi Bay, the port immediately below Oia, about 500m from Esperas. This is a popular area for swimming and cliff diving; though it’s too rocky and small to do much lounging. Ammoudi Bay is the main port of Oia, and is served by several spectacular seafood restaurants. It’s a steep trek down and back again, but it’s relatively easy to catch a taxi at the bottom to bring you back up the hill. (Buy a snack at one of the restaurants and the waiter will be happy to call one for you.)
• All rooms face toward the caldera, and most provide sunset views from private terraces overlooking the Aegean Sea.
• Both the Cave Suite and Esperas Suite include kitchenettes equipped with two-burner stovetops. All rooms come furnished with a minibar, mini-fridge, kettle, and coffee/tea amenities.
• Individual Pools/Jacuzzis: All 6 suites incorporate either an outside Jacuzzi or plunge pool.
• Extras: Amenities include a pool, complimentary breakfast delivered to rooms, welcoming wine upon arrival, and a DVD library for guests.
• When to Make a Reservation: The hotel operates from mid-April until the end of October. Reserve at minimum 3 months in advance (4 months is preferable) for stays during the high season from June through September, and about 2 months in advance for the low and shoulder seasons.
• How to Book: Booking.com will likely offer the most competitive rates.
• Contact numbers: +30 22860 71501, +30 22860 71088
• Electronic mail: [email protected]
• Location: Beachfront spot.

Esperas – Amenities

• Pool: The front half of the great pool is open to the sun, while the back half is sheltered inside 2 caves, both sections containing recessed seating areas.
• Spa: No spa.
• Health and fitness facilities: The hotel does not have a gymnasium.
• For Disabled Guests: This hotel is not accessible for anyone with mobility issues. Lots of stairs getting to and from the entrance, suites, and all facilities.
• For Families: Esperas is for adults only. Only ages 18 and up are permitted. There are no child-friendly features.
• No on-site activities are provided, but the staff can arrange tours, wine tastings, and sailing with outside vendors to organize activities.

Esperas – Food and Drink

• Restaurant: Ombra Restaurant is situated on the primary level close to the pool. Specializing in local cuisine and Mediterranean fine dining, the restaurant is open for lunch, dinner, snacks, and cocktails from 12 p.m. until 11 p.m. Decor is uncomplicated, and many tables overlook the caldera, providing spectacular sunset perspectives. Advance reservations are recommended for the restaurant which is accessible to the public to secure the best seating positions. No kids menu is offered. • $$$$.
• Bar: Within Ombra Restaurant lies the Esperas Pool Bar, which operates during the same hours, offering refreshing cocktails, local and Greek wine and beer, smoothies, and light quick meals.
• Breakfast: Complimentary morning meals. Orders could be placed the night before for delivery at a chosen time each day to be enjoyed either in the room or on the private terrace.
• Room Service: Always available for breakfast, and offered during regular restaurant hours from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Esperas Hotel – Rooms

• Room Varieties: Studios with Ocean Perspective • Superior Studios with Sunset Prospect • Standard House with Ocean Perspective • Superior Houses with Ocean Perspective • Cave Suite with External Hot Tub • Esperas Suite with Ocean Perspective and Plunging Pool • Honeymoon Suite with Ocean Perspective and External Hot Tub • Superior Suite with Sunset Prospect and Plunging Pool • Honeymoon Suite with Ocean Perspective and Plunging Pool
• Smoking Zones: Smoking is not permitted indoors, but is allowed in the outdoor areas.
• Top rooms: The Honeymoon Suites (whether with private plunge pools or jacuzzis) are best for romantic getaways, with spacious terraces offering breathtaking sunset views over the caldera from private water features.
• Visitors with Families: Esperas hotel is meant for guests ages 18 and older. Though family rooms are unavailable, larger groups can book rooms together. The best option is the Esperas Suite, accommodating up to six people with a king bed, queen loft, and two single beds (one in a separate small room and one as a daybed in the living area), plus a kitchenette with two-burner stove.

Esperas – Local Transport

• Walking: The hotel is in the western part of Oia, within walking distance to the area’s best eateries, shopping centers, and sights. Ammoudi Bay can be accessed through a steep and winding path, easy to go down the 500m but strenuous returning up; many people use taxis to go back to the top. The heart of Oia, with its fine dining establishments, luxury boutiques, and a few bars is only a 10-minute walk from the hotel, while the castle is just 4 minutes away.
• Bus: The Oia Bus Terminal is only 500m away, and serves all of the major villages and beaches on the island. Tickets are purchased on board, and range from €1.80 to €2.50 per person in the daytime, depending on the route. Night buses (12:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.) run less frequently and cost a little more, from €2.30 to €3.10. Buses can get very crowded, especially during the high season, so much so that they often fill to capacity and are unable to take on more passengers. There are only 23 public buses serving the island.
• Taxis: The closest taxi stand is located at Stathmos Taxi, uphill about 500m east near the Oia Bus Terminal, but often there is a wait since just 25 taxis serve the whole island (with guests from about 1,000 hotels, villas, and Airbnbs). Reserve in advance to avoid the wait while also selecting a closer pickup point. A small surcharge applies for advance reservations and for carrying luggage, usually only a couple Euros. The average cost from Oia to Fira is €20, and from Oia to the airport is around €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.

Esperas – What’s Nearby?

Best Nearby Restaurants

• Lotza: A comfortable Greek restaurant with wonderful ocean perspectives.
• Roka: Authentic, Santorinian menu with solid dishes, especially the meatballs and octopus.
• Candouni: Cozy, family-operated restaurant with live, Greek music and absolutely delicious meals.
• PitoGyros: Undoubtedly, the finest gyros in Oia. Seating is limited.
• Restaurants along Ammoudi Bay: Each of these eateries near the water served the freshest seafood on the island. While the steep and lengthy descent took its toll returning uphill, requesting transportation assistance from staff eased the journey.
• Melitini: 100% Greek menu, using local Santorinian, Cycladic, and Greek ingredients only.

Best Nearby Bars and Breweries

• Marykay’s Spot/Hassapiko: The only real bar in Oia, this is the only location for dancing in Oia, regularly hosting live bands and DJs.
• Evening Bar with Drinks and Snacks: Relaxing spot for sangria, cocktails, and appetizers near scenic sunset views (though not of the caldera).
• Fino Bar & Mediterranean Restaurant: The top cocktails in Santorini. Also creative, regional cuisine and an broad wine list.

Best Nearby Cafes

• Vitrin Café Creperie: Provides one of the top breakfast selections on the island, plus SPECTACULAR sunset views if you arrive early enough to grab a table.
• Meteor: Excellent coffee and breakfast menus with expansive caldera perspectives, though somewhat higher in cost.

Nearby Shopping and Cool Shops

• 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.
• A Greek-inspired clothing and accessories retailer
• Spilia Cave Greek Clothing: Handcrafted leather sandals, cotton and linen Greek apparel, situated in one of the original residential caves of Oia.
• Bligaki: Santorinian accessories, especially attire and bags, mostly handmade.
• BLOW by Labro: Top-grade designer boutique with distinctive items.

Nearby Attractions

• Oia-Fira Hiking Trail: One of the top attractions on the island involves this scenic 10.5 km route connecting Oia and Fira. Combining sidewalk, cobblestones, and dirt trail, this path offers gorgeous vistas throughout. Hiking south toward Fira, the full length from the Byzantine Castle Ruins takes from 2 to 5 hours if starting from Oia; adding about an hour for a detour at Skaros Rock in Imerovigli. Merely a 3-minute walk from the hotel.
• Maritime Museum: Small museum focused on Greek naval and Santorinian maritime history. Only €3 entrance fee.
• Museum of Ancient, Byzantine Musical Instruments: Faithful reproductions of Greek instruments dating from the prehistoric via Byzantine eras display at this location.
• The medieval ruins of Castle of Agios Nikolaos (also called Oia Castle) are a very popular spot to watch the sunset on the island.
• The Church of Panagia of Platsani is considered the most iconic church on the island of Santorini, with an interior and exterior of notable beauty.
• Ammoudi Bay: Best known 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 incredibly popular spot for cliff diving, and is one of the best places to swim on the island.

Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores

• Small Store: Located at the top of the hill directly above the hotel is a modest market providing drinks, snacks, and basic items.
• Asteras Supermarket: Small grocery store, yet offers a surprisingly good selection of fresh produce, prepackaged deli meats and cheeses, snacks, beer, wine, and beach essentials.
• 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.

Esperas – The Hotel

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