Essentials
• Location: At the entrance to Oia village, with villas overlooking the caldera.
• Hotel website: anemomilos.com
• Hotel phone: +30 22860 71410
• The Hotel ILOMA Corail Résidence hotel phone number is +596 5966 21101
Hotel Review
Anemomilos Hotel and Villas – Affordable, visitor-friendly hotel with a variety of rooms, apartments, and villas, plus a free-flowing pool and an exceptional restaurant.
Anemomilos provides lodging to suit every budget, ranging from reasonably priced rooms to moderately priced studios and their new boutique cave villas. All villas feature spectacular sweeping views of the caldera with either a private jacuzzi or a shared pool including hydrotherapy jets. Rooms and studio suites are in the main hotel area across the street, many with perspectives of the Aegean Sea (not the caldera). Superior Studios add a hot tub. Amenities here include an exceptional locally-styled restaurant, free parking on location, a children`s pool, and a freeform pool deep enough for diving. Service is friendly, warm, and easygoing.
See Also
- The Top Accommodations in Santorini
- Where to Lodge in Santorini
- Top activities and experiences in Santorini
Anemomilos Hotel and Villas – Location
Situated at the entrance to Oia, the villas at this location all overlook the caldera with rooms and studio suites located in the main hotel across the street from the caldera views. The hotel is conveniently within easy 10-minute walking distance to top restaurants, shops, and attractions in Oia and Finikia.
• How to Get There:
The hotel is situated along the main road leading into Oia, making travel to and from very convenient whether by taxi, driving oneself, or taking the bus. It is roughly 18km from both the Athinios ferry port and the Santorini Airport to the hotel location, though they lie in opposite directions
Transportation is readily available to and from both the ferry port and airport on the island of Santorini, with buses waiting at each location for arriving transportation. While there are no direct buses to the town of Oia from either the port or airport, connecting bus routes are available that will transport travelers there within approximately one hour for a total cost of around €5. Passengers purchase tickets with cash directly from the driver, and the hotel is conveniently located only a short distance away from a bus stop.
Travelers can use taxis to get from the port or airport, though only about 25 serve the whole island, resulting in often waits; to avoid this, schedule a pickup in advance through a private car service like Welcome Pickups. Taxis on Santorini do not use meters, so agree on a price with the driver before departing. A taxi from the airport to Anemomilos will cost around €35 to €40. A taxi from the ferry port will cost about €35 to €40. Booking through a private car service will cost just slightly more – about $60 (or €50), but is worth it to bypass the wait and pay ahead.
For visitors who favor self-driving, 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 many tricky switchbacks, large trucks, and buses. Best to leave that route to local drivers to navigate. We strongly suggest reserving a car in advance, especially if you require automatic transmission. Upon arrival in Oia, Animomilos offers free parking on site (a major perk).
Handy locations include: The marble pedestrian path in Oia, Finikia village, Church of Panagia of Platsani.
Anemomilos Hotel and Villas – The Basics
- Ages: All ages are welcomed here. Guests tend to be a good mix of couples and families, with family travel being most common in the summer months.
- Coastal swimming location: The nearest place for swimming is Ammoudi Bay, situated below Oia at the port entrance approximately 1.5 kilometers from the hotel. This popular spot draws people for cliff diving and taking a dip; however, the rocky shore and small size limit sunbathing activities. Ammoudi Bay serves as Oia`s main harbor and several magnificent seafood eateries line it. Though a steep descent and climb, taxis can easily be hailed at the bottom to transport one back uphill after stopping for a snack where the servers will call a cab.
- View: The 4 villas all have gorgeous caldera views. Rooms and studios have sea views of the Aegean (not the caldera) or the pool.
- All studio and villa accommodations contain basic cooking areas.
- Private Pools/Jacuzzis: Superior Studios with hot tubs feature indoor private Jacuzzis, while Superior Studios with Hot Tub and Sea View include outdoor private Jacuzzis. Villas Avra and Armonia boast outdoor private Jacuzzis with caldera perspectives. Villas Gaia and Hydor share a private pool with hydromassage jets overlooking the caldera.
- Extras: Wheelchair-accessible studios in the main hotel. They offer the following services for an additional fee: port or airport transfer, wedding planner, boat and road tours.
- When to Book: The hotel typically operates from late March through early November. Guests are advised to reserve at least 4 months in advance (6 months is preferable) for stays during the busy summer season from June through September, and about 3 months ahead for the quieter shoulder seasons.
- How to Reserve: Booking.com will feature the most competitive rates.
- Phone: +30 22860 71410, +30 22860 71517
- Electronic mail: [email protected]
- Website: anemomilos.com
Parking: Free parking is available in their on-site lot.
Anemomilos Hotel and Villas – Amenities
- Pool: Large, deep free-form pool with an attached kids` pool in the main hotel courtyard.
- Spa: No spa.
- Fitness Center: No gym.
- For Guests with Disabilities: Some ground-floor studio rooms in the core hotel building offer wheelchair access. The villas situated around the caldera are not suitable for guests with reduced mobility.
- For Families: This is an all-ages hotel. Guests here have access to the main pool with an attached children’s pool. Standard Studios can accommodate up to 3 guests, Villas Avra and Gaia sleep up to 4, and Villas Armonia and Hydor can host up to 5 guests. All villas are 1-bedroom/1-bathroom units.
Anemomilos Hotel and Villas – Food and Drink
- Restaurant: Anemomilos Restaurant has served locals and visitors alike for over 30 years, offering simple, rustic Santorinian and Greek dishes and wines prepared in a traditional manner. Built long before the accommodations, it retains a dedicated local clientele and remains remarkably untouched by tourism. This is where to enjoy standard Greek favorites like moussaka and pastitsio. The restaurant is open daily from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. with especially fine lunch and dinner service.
- Lounge/Bar: The restaurant has a full dining area with a selection of local beverages.
- Breakfast: A simple traditional breakfast buffet is offered from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and can be reserved as part of the room rate or added separately for €10.
- Meals can be requested during dining hours.
Anemomilos Hotel and Villas – Rooms
- Accommodation Styles: Budget Double Room without Balcony • Double Room with Sea View • Standard Studio • Superior Studio with Hot Tub • Superior Studio with Hot Tub and Sea View • Villa Avra • Villa Armonia • Villa Gaia • Villa Hydor
- 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 top options for couples are the Villas Avra and Armonia. These cave-style villas are 45 sqm and 60 sqm respectively, both with king-sized beds, private terraces, outdoor hot tubs, and amazing views of the caldera.
- For Families: The best choices for families are the Villas Gaia and Hydor. These cave-style villas measure approximately 60 and 52 square meters respectively, and both include a king-sized bed in the master bedroom, plus two single-sized sofa beds in the living area, and a small kitchen. Villa Gaia can add an extra child-sized bed upon request. Villa Hydor is a two-level unit. These villas share a private swimming pool, making them ideal for larger families or groups to rent together.
Anemomilos Hotel and Villas – Local Transport
- Ambulation: The hotel is situated at the entrance to Oia, alongside the principal road connecting Oia to Fira and the rest of the island. Walk 4 minutes west to arrive at the marble pedestrian path that leads to the center of Oia, where you’ll find a boundless selection of restaurants, shops, and attractions, as well as the bus terminal. Head east to discover the traditional village Finikia, which has a couple of great restaurants and Sigalas winery. The Oia Castle ruins are just 19 minutes away, while Ammoudi Bay is just 5 more minutes beyond the castle at the bottom of the caldera.
- Public transportation: There is a bus stop located approximately 20 meters from the hotel; ensure to disembark here upon returning from excursions. However, the bus often fills up at its initial stop, the Oia Bus Terminal 11 minutes west of the hotel, making it best to board the bus out from that location to guarantee securing a seat. Buses from this area serve all of the major villages and beaches on the island, sometimes requiring an interchange in Fira. Tickets are purchased on board and range in cost from €1.80 to €2.50 per traveler during daytime hours, contingent on the route. Nighttime buses (12:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.) run less frequently and are marginally more costly, from €2.30 to €3.10. Buses can become extremely crowded, especially during peak season, to such an extent that they regularly fill to maximum capacity and are unable to accept additional passengers. There are only 23 public buses serving the island.
- Taxis: The closest taxi stand is located at Stathmos Taxi, near the Oia Bus Terminal. There are only 25 taxis serving the entire island from the approximately 1,000 hotels, villas, and Airbnbs with guests. It is often busy here as a wait is common. To avoid waiting, booking ahead allows the taxis to meet you directly at your hotel near the parking area. A small additional charge is typical for reservations made in advance and for transporting luggage, usually only a couple Euros. The average fare from Oia to Fira is around €20, while from Oia to the airport is roughly €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.
Anemomilos Hotel and Villas – What’s Nearby?
Best Nearby Restaurants
- Melitini: Menu consisting solely of local Santorinian, Cycladic, and Greek ingredients. Cozy interior and stellar caldera perspectives from the rooftop terrace.
- 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-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.
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: Remarkable little spot on a covered patio with caldera views. Very casual, fantastic cuisine, and great scenery.
- 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: 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 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 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: Considered the premier vineyard on Santorini, providing opportunities to sample wines, small plates, and full excursions.
- 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
- Perivolas Market: Small shop with a decent selection of drinks, wines, and breads.
- Village Super Market: Good selection of staples 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: This small market usually offers the best prices in the area. It is a popular shopping destination for many local residents.