Santo Pure Suites & Villas in Oia, Santorini

Essentials
• Location: Quiet location at the western end of Oia, north of the Castle Ruins.
• Hotel website: santocollection.gr link
• Hotel phone: +30 211 2340063
• Check rates for Santo Pure Luxury Suites

Hotel Review

Santo Pure Suites & Villas – Premium, all-suite retreat with 6 swimming pools and the finest spa on Santorini.

This luxury resort is located inland in Oia, near some of the village`s top restaurants, shops, and attractions. Santo Pure boasts unique sunset views over the Aegean Sea from their fine dining restaurant Alios Ilios, as well as most guest rooms. All guest rooms and the two villas provide ample private space, outdoor heated hot tubs, and some include private pools. The spa is a highlight of the resort, offering a holistic approach and outstanding amenities, like an indoor heated pool, cryotherapy, sauna, and hammam. Five outdoor pools are spread throughout the grounds, and genuine hospitality completes the experience.

See Also

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

Santo Pure – Location

• Area: Excellent, quiet location at the western end of Oia, north of the Castle Ruins and Maritime Museum, and about 300m from the bus terminal with service to all of Santorini’s villages. Though the area itself feels secluded, it is less than 300m from some of the best restaurants, bars, and boutiques in Santorini. The famous caldera sunset is only 500m away.

• How to Get There:
The inn is situated along the main northern road leaving Oia, making it very convenient to access, whether by taxi, personal vehicle, or bus. It is roughly 18km from the Athinios ferry port and the Santorini Airport, though in divergent directions.

Public transportation is constantly available at the ferry dock for every ferry arrival, as well as buses departing consistently from Santorini Airport. There are no direct buses from the port or airport to Oia; however, buses from both places travel to Fira, where another bus must then be boarded to Oia – the entire trip from the port or airport to Oia will take at minimum an hour and cost roughly €5 altogether. Tickets are purchased on the bus using cash only. The hotel is only 300m downhill from the Oia bus station, so it’s very simple walking on arrival, but somewhat of an ascent on the return.

Rides can also be obtained from the port or airfield via taxis, though only approximately 25 cabs support the entire island, so waits are frequently lengthy; reserving a vehicle ahead of time through a private transportation service aids in bypassing this delay (I employ and propose Welcome Pickups). Cabs on Santorini do not feature meters, so be sure to agree on a cost with the driver before departing. A taxi from the airport to Santo Pure will likely cost roughly €35 to €40. A taxi from the ferry dock will cost around €35 to €40. Scheduling through a private transportation service will cost just slightly more – about $60 (or €50), but is worth it to avoid the wait and for the benefit of prepaying.

For travelers who prefer to arrange their own transportation, we advise renting a vehicle either at the airport upon arrival, or in Fira. The road from the ferry dock is steep and narrow, with numerous tricky turns, large trucks, and buses. Those conditions are best dealt with by locals. We strongly suggest reserving a car in advance, especially if an automatic is essential. Upon arrival in Oia, Santo Pure provides free parking on site.

• Convenient to: Oia Bus Terminal, Venetian Castle Ruins, and the heart of Oia’s pedestrian area.

Santo Pure – The Basics

• Ages: Only ages 12 and above. Patrons tend to be newlyweds or couples celebrating a noteworthy occasion, along with a few families with older children. Roughly one third of guests are American, while the others typically originate from the UK or Western Europe. Their target audience appreciates privacy, tranquility, and a romantic ambiance.
• Beach: The nearest spot for swimming (though it is not a proper beach) is at Ammoudi Bay, the port directly below Oia, 1 km (it’s a steep hill) from Santo Pure. This is a popular location for swimming and cliff diving; though it’s too rocky and small to spend much time 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 cab at the bottom to bring you back up the hill. (Purchase a snack at one of the restaurants and the waiter will be happy to call one.) Katharos Beach is another rocky beach nearby, with 1 beach bar. It is off the beaten path, so much quieter than Ammoudi Bay, but not as beautiful.
• Most rooms provide a ocean vista or sunset ocean view, with a few pool view suites as well. The sunsets and sea perspectives over the Aegean but not the caldera. This is an incredible spot to watch the sunset from a unique angle.
• Kitchen: Most suites and villas have a hideaway kitchenette with a sink, Nespresso machine, kettle, a mini-fridge, and a minibar.
• Private Pools/Jacuzzis: All suites contain a heated outdoor hot tub or private pool on a private veranda with sun loungers. Villas all have private, heated swimming pools.
• Parking: Free parking onsite
• Extras: All suites include a pillow selection, turndown service, and a complimentary bottle of wine and sweets. Facilities consist of a holistic spa with an indoor, heated pool, hydrotherapy baths, and theme days (meditation, nutrition, etc) plus 5 outdoor, unheated pools.
• When to Book: Guests can reserve accommodations at the hotel from early April to late October. It is best to make arrangements at least 4 months in advance for stays during the busiest months from June to September, while about 2 months ahead is sufficient for the less busy early and late parts of the season.
• Method for Reserving Accommodation: Booking.com will provide the most competitive pricing.
• Phone: +30 211 2340063

star: Mercer hotel link

• Website: santocollection.gr

Santo Pure – Amenities

• Pool: 1 heated, indoor pool in the spa. 5 unheated, outdoor pools spread throughout the property; the main pool has a bar.
• Spa: The spa provides premier, holistic facilities (heated pool, hydrotherapy baths, cryotherapy, sauna, and hammam) and an extensive selection of services based on Greek and international healing customs. The spa presents thematic experiences that regularly change, such as meditation or nutrition.
• The small but well-equipped gym offers cardio machines, free weights, and a cable machine. Yoga instructors are available upon request (Fitness Center).
• For Guests with Disabilities: As the hotel is not within the volcanic crater, it has fewer staircases than most other accommodations in the area but does not have an elevator. It would suit someone with mild to moderate difficulty climbing and descending steps, but not those requiring a wheelchair.
• For Families: Only ages 12 and up are permitted, but no special amenities or facilities for children. Largest units contain 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with 2 king beds and 1 or 2 sofa beds.
• Activities: No organized onsite activities are provided. Guest Experience Specialists are available to arrange customized tours, excursions, and adventures for guests.

Santo Pure – Food and Drink

• Restaurant: Alios Ilios is their fine dining restaurant, offering Cretan cuisine with influences spread all over Greece, and an exquisite selection of local wines. In addition to their regular menu, they also offer an 8 or 11-course tasting menu with wine pairings. Situated on the main level with the pool and facing the Aegean, this is a perfect vantage point for watching the sunset. This restaurant is open to the public, so reserve a table to ensure the best view. Open for dinner from 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Poolside Bar: Akratos Poolside Bar proposes a Mediterranean variety of snacks and lunch, fresh juices, and beverages. 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Breakfast: A complimentary spread with hot and chilled dishes, fresh juices, and coffee. This breakfast has been endorsed by the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels as an authentic Greek morning meal. Served at Alios Ilios from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. An early breakfast is available upon request.
• Room Service: Available 24 hours daily.

Santo Pure – Rooms

• Accommodation Types: Suite Pool Front with Hot Tub • Junior Suite Sea View with Hot Tub • Suite Sea View with Hot Tub • Cave Junior Suite with Pool • Junior Suite Sunset & Sea View with Hot Tub • Suite Sunset & Sea View with Hot Tub • Exclusive Junior Suite Sunset & Sea View with Hot Tub • Exclusive Junior Suite Sunset & Sea View with Pool • Honeymoon Junior Suite Sunset & Sea View with Pool • Exclusive Suite Sunset & Sea View with Hot Tub • Exclusive Suite Sunset & Sea View with Pool & Hot Tub • Royal Suite Sunset & Sea View with Pool & Hot Tub • Ilios Pool Villa with Sunset & Sea View • Seleni Pool Villa with Sunset & Sea View
• Yacht Captain License: This is the most comprehensive permit that allows you to operate any type of boat without limitations.
• Best Accommodation: For couples, the best choice is the Exclusive Suite Sunset & Sea View with Pool & Hot Tub. Refresh in the cooling pool by day and stay warm in the crisp evenings with the hot tub. This 1-bedroom suite features a king-sized bed, separate living room, a dining area, a spacious terrace with sun loungers.
• For Families: The largest housing options well-suited for families are the 2-bedroom Ilios or Seleni Pool Villas. Both can sleep up to four visitors with 200 square meters of area and include king-sized beds, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a spacious garden and terrace. Ilios is situated on a single level, while Seleni is split across two floors.

Santo Pure – Local Transport

• Walking: The hotel is located northwest of Oia’s center, with its amenities like fine cuisine, luxury boutiques, and handful of bars only a brief 4-minute journey away (uphill, though). Nearby are the ruins of Oia Castle reachable via a 12-minute route. Ammoudi Bay can be accessed by a steep and winding path, an easy downhill walk southwest towards the caldera rim, but energy-draining to return upwards; numerous people opt for taxis or donkeys back to the top.
• The primary transport for traveling around the island is a bus. The Oia Bus Terminal is a short 300m walk uphill and east, handling all routes between the major villages and beaches, sometimes requiring a transfer at Fira. Tickets can be bought on board, priced between €1.80 to €2.50 per person during the day depending on distance. Night services operate less regularly from 12:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. at a slightly higher cost of €2.30 to €3.10. Buses tend to fill up quickly especially in high season, often past full capacity where additional passengers cannot board. There are only 23 public buses serving Santorini.
• Taxis: The nearest taxi stand is at Stathmos Taxi, also 350 meters uphill and east near the Oia Bus Terminal. There is often a wait here as only 25 taxis serve the entire island (with guests from about 1,000 hotels, villas, and Airbnbs). Booking ahead avoids the wait, plus they can meet directly at the hotel. A small additional charge applies for advance reservations and luggage, usually just a couple euros. The average fare from Oia to Fira is €20, and from Oia to the airport 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.

Santo Pure – What’s Nearby?

Best Nearby Restaurants

• Candouni: Cozy, family-operated restaurant with live, Greek music and absolutely delicious meals.
• Roka: Authentic, Santorinian menu with solid dishes, especially the meatballs and octopus.
• Lotza: Basic, straightforward Greek comfort food with stunning caldera views.

• Highest Rating: Imperial

• Melitini: Menu consisting solely of local Santorinian, Cycladic, and Greek ingredients. Cozy interior and stellar caldera perspectives from the rooftop terrace.
• Ammoudi Bay Restaurants: Each of these waterside restaurants is phenomenal, offering the freshest seafood on the island. The steep 15-minute walk down takes longer to return from, but staff will be pleased to call a taxi.

Best Nearby Bars and Breweries

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

Best Nearby Cafes

• Meteor: Excellent coffee and breakfast menus with expansive caldera perspectives, though somewhat higher in cost.
• 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.

Nearby Shopping and Cool Shops

• A prominent Greek brand offering casual linens for men and women isB.Loose
• A Greek-inspired clothing and accessories retailer
• BLOW by Labro: Top-grade designer boutique with distinctive items.
• 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.
• Bligaki: Santorinian accessories, especially attire and bags, mostly handmade.

Nearby Attractions

• Oia-Fira Hiking Trail: One of the top attractions on the island is this scenic 10.5 km route connecting Oia and Fira. This path offers beautiful views throughout as it combines sections with sidewalks, cobblestones, and dirt. Hiking south toward Fira, the entire length from the Venetian Castle Ruins takes between 2 to 5 hours if walked fully; Adding around an hour for a detour at Skaros Rock in Imerovigli. The trail is only a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
• Museum of Ancient, Byzantine Musical Instruments: Faithful reproductions of Greek instruments dating from the prehistoric via Byzantine eras display at this location.
• 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.
• Maritime Museum: Small museum focused on Greek naval and Santorinian maritime history. Only €3 entrance fee.
• Castle of Agios Nikolaos (aka Oia Castle aka Venetian Castle Ruins): The medieval castle ruins are the most popular sunset viewpoint on the island.
• 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

• Proton Supermarket: A small grocer, but often has the most affordable prices. Many locals do their shopping here.
• Asteras Supermarket: Small but solid selection includes surprising amounts of fresh produce, prepackaged deli items, snacks, beer, wine, and some beach gear.
• 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.

Santo Pure – The Hotel