White Pearl Villas Hotel in Oia, Santorini

Essentials
• Location: In the caldera center of Oia, at the start of the pedestrian zone.
• Hotel website: whitepearlvillas.com
• Hotel phone: +30 69880 64128
• � See cost projections for White Pearl Villas

Hotel Review

White Pearl Villas – Adults-only, luxury villas with caldera views, all featuring a private hot tub or pool.

Romantic villas in the heart of Oia, with breathtaking sunset views. Traditional, cave-like architecture blends seamlessly with modern elements, elegant décor, and lavish amenities. Each spacious villa is between 30 to 60 sqm, and incorporates a kitchenette and a private jacuzzi and/or swimming pool overlooking the caldera. With only eleven villas in total, service is intimate and personalized. These private villas are spread throughout various sites, all within a brief walk of each other)..

See Also

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

White Pearl Villas – Location

Prime location in the caldera at the center of Oia. Situated at the beginning of the pedestrian zone, the villas are less than 5 minutes from multiple restaurants, cafes, and boutiques, and just shy of 9 minutes from the Oia Bus Terminal.

• How to Get There:
The hotels are located on the walking path just outside of the main road into Oia, making travel to and from very convenient whether by taxi, driving yourself, or taking the bus. It is approximately 18km from the Athinios ferry port and the Santorini Airport to the hotel, though they are in opposite directions This tastefully modern contemporary artwork museum opened to the general public in 2007, focusing on promoting Greek artists nationally and globally. The museum hosts rotating short-term displays along with a permanent selection of operates by the renowned modern Greek painter, Spyros Papaloukas. The foundation also offers concerts, workshops, and educational programs for kids and grownups at the museum – check the website for a current calendar of events. There’s a great gift shop on the ground floor, and a Mediterranean restaurant on the first floor with views to the National Garden and the Parliament building. FREE. Open daily 10am-6pm. Thursdays open 10am-8pm except in July and August (10am-6pm). – Full Review

Means of transportation are also accessible from the port or airport on the island of Santorini, though only about 25 vehicles service the entire location, so there is often a wait; scheduling a ride beforehand through a private transportation service can help avoid this delay (I use and recommend Welcome Pickups). Vehicles on Santorini do not have set rates, so be sure to agree on a cost with the driver before departing. Getting from the airport to White Pearl Villas would cost roughly €35 to €40. Traveling from the ferry dock would cost around €35 to €40 as well. Booking through a private transportation service will only cost a little more – about $60 (or €50), but is worthwhile to avoid waiting and for the convenience of prepaying.

For those preferring self-transportation, we endorse renting a vehicle either upon arrival at the airport, or in Fira. The road from the ferry terminal is steep and narrow, with numerous tricky switchbacks, large trucks, and buses. Locals are best suited to navigate that. We strongly advise reserving a car in advance, especially if you need automatic transmission. On reaching Oia, White Pearl provides complimentary parking nearby in their lot.

– Close to: The start of the pedestrian street and the Church of Panagia of Platsani.

White Pearl Villas – The Basics

• Ages: Only patrons age 16 and up (though some flexibility exists). A couple two-bedroom/two-bathroom villas can host up to 5 visitors. Typical patrons are couples on their honeymoon or having a destination wedding (which staff can help plan).
• Beach: The closest location for swimming (although not truly a beach) is Ammoudi Bay, the harbor directly below Oia, 1.5 km from White Pearl Villas. This spot is popular for diving from the cliffs into the water and swimming; however, the rocks and small size do not allow for much relaxing. Ammoudi Bay serves as the main port of Oia, and several spectacular seafood eateries are found there. Though it involves a steep descent and return, it is relatively easy to hire a taxi at the bottom to bring you back up the hill. (Purchase a snack at one of the restaurants and the server will be happy to summon one for you.)
• View: Breathtaking perspectives of the caldera and volcano from all except one villa: Villa Aqua Dream. It has a more restricted caldera sightline (still pretty spectacular though) and an indoor pool with a cascading waterfall making up for it.
• Kitchen Facilities: Most villas had a fully equipped small kitchen; just one lacked a stovetop.
• Personal Pools/Hot Tubs: All villas contain some form of water feature in virtually any potential combination: 2 with outdoor hot tubs, 2 with outdoor heated plunge pools, 1 with an indoor heated plunge pool, 1 with both indoor and outdoor hot tubs, 1 with an indoor hot tub and outdoor heated plunge pool, and 1 with an indoor heated plunge pool and an outdoor hot tub.
• Parking: Private parking available nearby.
• Extras: Complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival, cell phone in each room to contact staff (since there is no lobby area), assistance with luggage and storage.
• When booking accommodations: The villas operate regularly from mid-March through early November. For stays outside of peak season, contact them directly to arrange it.
• The primary method to make reservations is provided: Booking their accommodations through the website Booking.com is suggested to obtain the most affordable prices.
• Phone: +30 69880 64128
• Email: [email protected]
• Website:whitepearlvillas.com

White Pearl Villas – Amenities

• Pool: Each villa has at least 1 pool, jacuzzi, or both. There is no shared pool area.
• Spa: No on-site spa, but services can be arranged in the villas.
• Health and fitness facilities: The hotel does not have a gymnasium.
• For Disabled Guests: Many stairs. Not accessible for anyone with mobility issues.
• For Families: This is an adult-only residence for visitors over 16 years old. While they offer 2-bedroom villas that can hold 5 people, they lack any family-specific amenities.
• On-Site Activities: None, but they provide a concierge service to suggest and arrange cruises, tours, and excursions.

White Pearl Villas – Food and Drink

• Restaurant: Passaggio is situated at the top of the caldera. This charming café has the finest coffee on the island, outstanding cocktails, and an excellent Greek and European à la carte menu. Breakfast, lunch, and sunset cocktails are the main attractions here, served on their rooftop terrace with views overlooking the caldera.
• Morning Meal: Complimentary breakfast at Passaggio offers 5 set menu selections: Greek, Wellness, Vegetarian, Vegan/Organic, and Full Breakfast (American breakfast with an omelette, bacon, and pancakes). Breakfast can also be served at the villas for an added cost.
• Room Service: Available all day from Passaggio for a fee.

White Pearl Villas – Rooms

• Accommodation Types: Villa Aqua Dream • Villas Mystic Luxury (2 villas usually rented together) • Villa Full Moon • Villa Aegean Magic • Villa Hidden Gem • Villa Infinity Blue • Villa Pure Bliss • Villa Sunset Chaser • Villa Secret Escape
• Smoking Rooms: Smoking is not permitted inside the rooms. It is allowed outdoors on the private terraces.
• Finest Living Space: Villa Sunset Chaser offers arguably the ideal property, boasting unparalleled scenery of Oia`s renowned sunsets from its 100 sqm outdoor terrace featuring a private hot tub and an 18th century chapel. One bedroom contains a queen bed and a convertible couch while the other accommodates a king bed that can be split into two singles upon request if needed. Two luxurious bathrooms with cave-inspired open showers, a separate lounge, and a fully equipped compact kitchen complete the lodging. This villa sleeps up to five visitors.
• For Families: Families should opt for the Villa Sunset Chaser, or the Villa Secret Escape for up to 4 guests. This 2-story villa has a bedroom with a queen bed upstairs, kitchenette, and bathroom, and a bedroom with a queen bed, bathroom, indoor hot tub, and 2 private verandas downstairs, 1 of which boasts a private pool.

White Pearl Villas – Local Transport

• Walking: The villas are situated in the heart of Oia, at the starting point of the marble pedestrian pathway amongst an abundance of dining, shopping and attractions. The Oia Bus Terminal is a mere 9 minutes away on foot, as is Oia’s most photographed church, Panagia of Platsani. The castle ruins comprising one of the island’s premier sunset viewing points require roughly a 16-minute trek westward, while Ammoudi Bay lies a small distance further, approximating 22 minutes altogether from the villas.
• Bus: White Pearl Villas is very near to the Oia Bus Terminal, just a short 700m away. Coaches service all significant villages and beaches across the island from here, often requiring a transfer in Fira. Tickets can be purchased onboard, priced from €1.80 to €2.50 per person during daylight hours based on destination. Nighttime buses (12:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.) run less regularly and are somewhat more expensive, €2.30 to €3.10. Coaches can become very crowded especially in peak season, so crowded in fact that they are occasionally unable to accept any additional riders. Only 23 public coaches provide transportation across the island.
• Taxis: The nearest stand for taxis is at Stathmos Taxi, near the Oia Bus Terminal. There is often a wait here as only 25 taxis serve the entire island (with guests from approximately 1,000 hotels, villas, and Airbnbs). It is best to book ahead to avoid the wait, plus you can have them meet you at the beginning of the pedestrian street, which is much closer. There will be a small additional charge for reservations made in advance and for transporting luggage, usually just a couple of Euros. The typical rate from Oia to Fira is €20, and from Oia to the airport runs about €35 to €40.
• Motorized Transportation: Scooters are the primary mode of transportation for locals, yet unfamiliar terrain makes their operation risky. Roads zigzag and climb hills at steep angles with sheer drops lacking guardrails or nighttime lighting in most areas. Numerous dirt paths and sunken sections are present.
• ATVs/Quads: While ATVs offer amusement and are commonly used by visitors, locals stuck behind them may find their slower pace and congesting of roadways troublesome in an area where transportation is already difficult. Those without regular experience operating quads (i.e. most people) could face hazards at high speeds or on turns. Crashes can easily ruin one`s holiday.

White Pearl Villas – What’s Nearby?

Best Nearby Restaurants

• Eastside Kings Festival – This mid-September event presents a weekend of blues, gospel and jazz acts celebrating some of the greatest living musicians.

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• 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.
• A restaurant in Finikia village: Cozy, romantic restaurant in a converted wine cellar in the charming village.
• Ammoudi Bay Restaurants: Each of these waterside restaurants is outstanding, offering the freshest seafood on the island. The steep 20-minute walk down takes longer coming back up, but the waiter will be happy to call a taxi.

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.
• Traditional Greek clothing and accessories store: Handcrafted leather footwear, cotton and linen garments; situated in one of Oia`s original cave dwellings.

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.
• 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

• Village Super Market: Good selection of essentials 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.
• Casa del Mar • (Hotel contact number: +30 22890 26676)

White Pearl Villas – The Hotel