Katikies Hotel in Oia, Santorini

Essentials
• Location: On the caldera in Oia
• Map
• Hotel website: katikies.com
• Hotel phone: +30 22860 72382
• › Obtain quotes for Katikies

Hotel Review

A premier lodging facility – Reaching a height of elegance, it offers luxurious rooms, three infinity pools, and outstanding restaurants.

Katikies, located on Santorini, is one of the island`s original caldera hotels. It offers stunning views framed by its cave-like architecture. Rooms are elegantly appointed wholly in white, and many feature private hot tubs or swimming pools on their terraces. The hotel spreads down the side of the caldera, with infinity pools on three levels, plus two spa treatment rooms, two bars, and a restaurant led by a chef awarded a Michelin star. Their Katikies Club, to which all guests automatically belong simply by staying there, provides exclusive experiences ranging from sailing to wine tastings, privileged access to the archaeological site, and more. And with a staff to guest ratio of 1:2, they offer premier hospitality that is personal and attentive).

See Also

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

Katikies – Location

• Area: Fantastic location on the caldera edge in central Oia, inside the pedestrian zone, less than 5 minutes from restaurants, cafes and boutiques, and about 8 minutes from the Oia Bus Terminal.

• How to Get There:
The accommodation is situated on the marble pathway located just off the main road into Oia, making it very convenient to travel to and from, whether by taxi, driving personally, or catching the bus. It is approximately 18km from the Athinios ferry port and the Santorini Airport to the hotel, though they are in opposing directions.

There are always vehicles waiting at the port for every arriving ferry, as well as vehicles departing hourly from Santorini Airport. There are no direct vehicles from the port or airport to Oia, however; vehicles from both places travel to Fira initially, where passengers must then board a different vehicle to Oia – the entire trip from port or airport to Oia will take a minimum of an hour and cost approximately €5 total. Tickets are purchased on the vehicle using cash only. From the Oia Bus Terminal, it’s an easy 8-minute walk to the hotel.

Transportation from the port or airport on Santorini includes taxis, though only around 25 serve the whole island, resulting in potential waits; reserving a vehicle ahead of time through a private carrier like Welcome Pickups can help avoid delays. Taxis on Santorini do not use meters, so agreeing on a fare with the driver before departing is important. A taxi from the airport to Katikies hotel will cost in the range of €35 to €40. A taxi from the ferry port to Katikies will cost around €35 to €40 as well. Booking through a private service will cost a bit extra – about $60 (or €50) – but provides the benefit of prepaying and convenience.

For those preferring to drive themselves, we recommend renting a vehicle either upon arrival at the airport or in Fira. The road from the ferry port is steep and narrow, with many tricky turns, large trucks, and buses. Best to leave that section to the local drivers. We strongly advise reserving a car in advance, especially if an automatic transmission is required. Upon arrival at the hotel, Katikies offers complimentary valet parking (a major perk).

• Close to: The starting point of the pedestrian path, Church of Panagia of Platsani).

Map of Katikies

Katikies – The Basics

• Ages: This adults-only hotel only allows guests ages 13 and older. Couples usually visit to celebrate occasions like honeymoons, anniversaries, or weddings held at the location.
• Beach: The closest place for swimming is at Ammoudi Bay, the port directly under Oia, 1 km from the hotel. This location is popular for diving into the water and off cliffs; though there is too much rock and little space to just sit and relax. Ammoudi Bay serves as the main port of Oia, and various spectacular seafood restaurants can be found there. It’s a steep walk down and back up again, but it’s relatively simple to call a taxi at the bottom to bring you back up the hill. (Purchase a snack at one of the restaurants, and the waiter will gladly phone one for you.)
• Views: Breathtaking caldera perspectives from all rooms and throughout the hotel.
• Private pools and hot tubs: Suites for seniors and guests have indoor jacuzzis. Rooms for newlyweds and others feature privately-owned, outdoor hot tubs. The largest suite offers a solo, outdoor plunge pool.
• Parking: Free valet parking.
• Extras: Boutique with exclusive Greek-designed products; hospitality room for early arrivals or late departures; choice of in-room luxury amenities; Katikies Club exclusive experiences; small weddings (10 guests maximum) and events.
• When you should Book: The hotel operates from April 1st until November 15th. Reserve no less than 4 months in advance (6 months is better) for keeps during the peak season from June through September, and roughly 2 months in advance for the low and shoulder seasons.
• How to Book:Booking.com often has the best rates.
• Phone: +30 22860 72382
• Contact: [email protected]
• Black Family Gathering

Katikies – Amenities

• Pool: 3 expansive infinity pools with panoramic volcano views, each situated on a different level. 1 heated, 2 unheated. The one near the Champagne Bar by Fleur de Miraval has a DJ, while the others offer tranquil spaces. The smallest pool provides the most seclusion and picturesque scene.
• Spa: 2 spa therapy rooms and in-room massage available. Visitors of Katikies have entry to the larger spa at their sister property Katikies Kirini, simply a 7-minute walk eastward.
• Fitness Center: There is no gym at the hotel, but guests have free access to the gym next door at Katikies Kirini.
• For Disabled Visitors: This is a caldera hotel with quite a few staircases throughout. There are two elevators but they do not service every floor. Guests with mild mobility issues will be fine staying in one of the spaces on a higher floor with less steps, but it is not suitable for those in wheelchairs.
• Activities: Extracurricular activities requiring added fees are accessible through the Katikies Club, such as wine sampling, cruises around the caldera (by catamaran, speedboat or Riva), special access to the archeological site, self-driving tours of the island, private dinners, exclusive spa treatments, and transfers with champagne.

Katikies – Food and Drink

• Restaurants:Botrini’s focuses on Cycladic flavors and is perched on a panoramic terrace, requiring reservations. The Champagne Bar by Fleur de Miraval serves lunch and dinner daily from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with a focus on sushi and caviar.
• Lounge/Bar: The poolside restaurant and bar serves fresh cocktails and light snacks throughout the day, with soothing musical accompaniment cultivating a relaxed atmosphere.
• Breakfast: Complimentary breakfast is offered daily with a varied buffet supplemented by an a la carte menu. Breakfast can also be preordered and delivered to your room at no additional cost.
• Room Service: Available around the clock.

Katikies – Rooms

• Room Types: Double Room – Junior Suite – Senior Suite – Superior Suite – Honeymoon Suite with Open Air Jetted Tub – Katikies Suite with Open Air Jetted Tub – Master Suite with Private Plunge Pool
• Smoking Rooms: The hotel does not allow smoking in any of their room categories. It is permitted on the private outdoor terraces and in the outdoor common areas.
• Best Room: The expansive Master Suite with Private Plunge Pool is the premier accommodations, offering the most seclusion. It provides nearly 40 square meters of interior space plus a sizable patio including a heated plunge pool, sun loungers, and al fresco dining. This open concept suite has a living room, king bed, and jacuzzi tub, with butler service available upon request.
• For Families: This hotel caters only to guests ages 13 and older as there are no child-friendly facilities or rooms that can sleep more than 3 people.

Katikies – Local Transport

• Walking: The hotel is situated in the heart of Oia, at the beginning of the marble pedestrian route, surrounded by endless options of eateries, shops, and attractions. The Oia Bus Terminal is approximately 8 minutes away on foot, while the most photographed Church of Panagia of Platsani is around 8 minutes away. The castle ruins, the most popular sunset vantage point is a 14-minute stroll west, while Ammoudi Bay is just a little further.
• Transportation: The hotel is in very close proximity to the Oia Bus Terminal, just 8 minutes away by foot. Buses from here travel to Fira (and make stops in Imerovigli and Firostefani along the route). To reach other destinations you’ll need to switch buses in Fira. Tickets can be purchased on board and range from €1.80 to €2.50 per person during the daytime hours depending on the route. Night buses (operating from 12:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.) run less frequently and cost marginally more, priced between €2.30 to €3.10. Buses can become quite crowded, particularly during the high season, so much so that they regularly reach full capacity and are unable to accommodate additional passengers. There are only 23 public buses servicing the island.
• Taxis: The nearest taxi stand is at Stathmos Taxi near the Oia Bus Terminal. However, there are only 25 taxis serving the whole island so wait times can be long. It`s best to book taxis ahead to avoid waiting. The average fare from Oia to Fira is €25, and from Oia to the airport or port is around €30 to €45.
• 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.

Katikies – What’s Nearby?

Best Nearby Restaurants

• Melitini: Menu composed entirely of local ingredients sourced from Santorini, Cycladic islands, and across Greece. Cozy interior and superb views of the caldera from the rooftop terrace.
• Anemomilos Restaurant: Located next to the hotel of the same name; refreshingly local atmosphere, not touristy at all. Great food, friendly environment.
• PitoGyros: Undoubtedly, the finest gyros in Oia. Seating is limited.
• Lotza: Basic, straightforward Greek comfort food with stunning caldera views.
• Candouni: An intimate family-run eating place featuring live Greek music and truly delightful meals.
• Roka: Authentic Santorini menu with solid dishes, especially the meatballs and octopus.
• A restaurant in Finikia village: Cozy, romantic restaurant in a converted wine cellar in the charming village.
• Waterfront Eateries in Ammoudi Bay: Each dining establishment along the coast is outstanding, offering the freshest seafood harvested on the island. The steep 20-minute descent takes longer to climb back up, but your server will gladly call a cab for you.

Best Nearby Bars and Breweries

• Fino Bar & Mediterranean Restaurant: The top cocktails in Santorini. Also, creative food from the region and a extensive wine selection.
• 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.
• A Greek-inspired clothing and accessories retailer
• 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: Handcrafted leather sandals, cotton and linen Greek apparel, situated in one of the original residential 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 Church of Panagia of Platsani is considered the most iconic church on the island of Santorini, with an interior and exterior of notable beauty.
• 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 to enter.
• 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.

That magical night took place in Yoho National Park, British Columbia. However, the country is so vast that there are many suitable areas throughout to admire witnessing the Northern Lights in Canada, from the shores of Hudson Bay to the border with Alaska in Whitehorse and Dawson City.

• Domaine Sigalas: Held in high regard as Santorini`s leading producer of wines, with options to tour facilities, participate in tastings and enjoy appetizers.

Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores

• Village Super Market: Good selection of staples at a fair price (for Santorini).
• Perivolas Market: Small shop with a decent selection of drinks, wines, and breads.
• 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.

Katikies – The Hotel