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One of the more ‘affordable’ (a relative term on Santorini) caldera-facing hotels, the Avaton Resort and Spa offers caldera views and an excellent spa, housed in an atmospheric grotto.
The hotel is for adults only, and its semi-secluded location will appeal to couples seeking a romantic stay for all budgets. There is no restaurant, but plenty of good dining options within a ten-minute walk.
There’s good choice of rooms, ranging from a privacy-conscious lavish honeymoon suite to some affordable entry-level standard rooms by the infinity pool, all without sacrificing an iota of luxury.
The spa here is the big draw: grotto-like atmospheric, it comes complete with sauna, hammam, jacuzzi and a cold plunge pool that feels positively primeval.
The hotel is by the Fira-Oia path at the end of the continuous Fira/Firostefani/Imerovigli built-up area, so it’s a convenient place to pick up the trail to Oia as well as visit Skaros Rock.
As it stands on its own, it’s very quiet at night, but there are about a dozen good restaurants and bars within walking distance. The bus stop to the rest of the island is about 200 yards away.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[2.5 miles]
Arguably the most memorable hike in the Aegean, this easy 6-mile trek on the rim of the Santorini caldera offers precipitous views and mesmerising landscapes.
Best for ages: 16+ | Free | 4-5 hours
Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[5.1 miles]
Watch the sunset at Oia and marvel at the changing colours of the rocky cliffs as the sun dips below the horizon.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 1-2 hours
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[2.5 miles]
A small archaeological museum stuffed with frescoes and figurines from Bronze Age Akrotiri. Furniture and figurines, tools and weapons, seals and ceramic vessels all reveal aspects of how the inhabitants lived thousands of years ago.
Best for ages: 18+ | £3
Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[5.1 miles]
Antiquarian bookshop in Oia with many rare first editions some on sale for over £1,000, attracting clients from all over the world. Just walking through the doors feels like visiting a museum of books.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[5.6 miles]
This small but interesting museum outside Kamari offers great insights regarding Santorini’s unique viniculture: and 400 years if wine-making history. You can sample the winery’s offerings, too. Here the vines are twisted into crown-shaped baskets so the grapes are protected from harsh winter winds.
Best for ages: 18+ | £12
Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[8.7 miles]
The Chapel of Theoskepasti, suspended between sea and sky in a nook on Skaros rock, is a spectacular spot to watch the sunset. Enjoy with a bottle of chilled Assyrtiko.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Greek Islands, Greece
Incredible volcanic scenery, enchanting cave hotels, fine wines and memorable sunsets equal heaven for romantics.
