Just 600 metres east, the small sister village of Finikia enjoys a rather different feel: calm, tranquil and traditional. This is where Santorini's vineyard workers once lived, while the island's rich merchants had big houses in Oia; historically, the 2 villages have always been linked. Surrounded by vineyards and vegetable gardens in Finikia, 4 luxury self-catering villas offer a rural retreat for romantics, families or small groups of friends (three sleep 2-5; the fourth is a bijou gem for couples). Blissfully cool under a baking Aegean sun, the houses are minimalist and elegant: a blue and white archetype of Cycladic chic. Their charming manager, Yota, prepares a delicious breakfast – best eaten alfresco by your private plunge pool – and can arrange everything from quad bike hire and cooking classes to catamaran trips around intriguing lava islets.
Highs
- Peaceful vineyard setting away from Oia’s crowds, but within easy reach by foot (30 mins) or car (10 mins)
- The villas are cool, airy and beautifully designed, with careful attention to detail; each terrace has a shaded area for sun respite
- Private plunge pools are perfect for cooling off by day and romantic by candlelight
- Flexible dining. A fresh and organic breakfast is included in the rate and you can request homemade dinners too, or self cater
- Great value for Santorini, especially in shoulder season, and for families or groups of 2-5
Lows
- It lacks those famous clifftop views which everyone wants (or thinks they want), but we’d much rather stay here: no crowds and much better value
- The quiet location won’t suit those looking for nightlife, but you can walk to a beach in 15 mins
- No twin bedrooms and only 1 bathroom per house
- No restaurant on-site but a couple within strolling distance and plenty of choice in Oia (1.5km); note that in-villa kitchen equipment is limited, but you can ask Yota for more pans & utensils if needed (she has a store)
- We have yet to see the latest addition, Mezzo Villa, in person
- Boutique Villas
- 4 villas for 2-5
- Breakfast included, self catering, restaurants nearby
- All ages welcome
- Closed: November to April
- Plunge Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Babysitting
- Creche / Kids Club
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
Rooms
There are 3 villa-apartments and a separate dome villa, each showcasing the clean lines and curves of classic Cycladic architecture. Thick white walls contrast dramatically with deep shades of blue from the shuttered windows and doors. Each sleeps 2-5 people, and has a spacious living area with kitchen, leading out to a private terrace and plunge pool. Huge earthen pots and chunky rope baskets suggest carefully styled tradition, while air-conditioning, power showers and super-comfortable beds ensure a touch of high-end luxe.
First-floor Vinsanto (sleeps 5) has 2 secluded verandas, looking out to sea and towards Finikia. Of its 2 bedrooms, one has a mezzanine sleeping area accessed by a steep ladder – an additional cosy space for an older child or adult (though limited headroom). If you're looking for complete privacy, this is the villa for you.
The two neighbouring ground-floor villas, Athiri and Nykteri (sleeping 4 each), also have 2 bedrooms, each with a kingsize bed. There are no extra beds, so two children would have to share a double. On Athiri’s terrace, the plunge pool is half-shaded by a white domed archway - the perfect frame for the beautiful blue sea beyond.
Since our visit, cosy Mezzo has been added 10 metres from the other villas for maximum privacy for couples. Its plunge pool, dining and lounge areas are hidden, but the villa has a private view of the sunset and Finikia village.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
Each villa has a simple kitchen for basic self-catering. Hobs, ovens and fridges are ideal for preparing easy meals and keeping your drinks ice-cold, and there are supermarkets in Oia for stocking up on supplies. We felt that ours could have done with a few more pans and utensils; but this was during the pandemic - and Yota is happy to raid her store room if you ask her for specific things. Likewise, no basic ingredients are provided, so you'll need to buy everything.
For breakfast, included in the rate and served at your villa, choose from fresh organic products including yoghurt, honey, fruit, bread, bacon, eggs and cheese, with tomatoes and cucumbers fresh from their own farm. Depending on the heat, eat indoors at chunky wooden tables, or outside on the patio.
On request, Yota can provide traditional home-cooked dinners - moussaka, fried squid, that sort of thing. Finikia itself has a couple of unpretentious eateries, while Oia offers some excellent restaurants and there are waterfront tavernas down at its harbour, Ammoudi. Ask Yota for her dining tips - she recommended us a great place called Ochre, with unobstructed sunset views and superb Italian-Greek fusion cuisine (bookings advised).
Features include:
- Breakfast
- Coffee maker
- Dinner by arrangement
- Fridge
- Full kitchen
- Hob or stove
- Lunch by arrangement
- Oven
- Restaurants nearby
- Shopping service
Activities
- Explore Santorini’s black-sand beaches: Baxedes (15 mins’ walk / 3 mins’ drive) and Cape Columbo (15 mins’ drive, a gem with striking cliffs and very few people) are close
- Walk (30 mins) or drive (5 mins) to picture-postcard Oia, with its Cycladic architecture, art galleries, handicraft boutiques and a quaint Maritime Museum. Sunset at Oia is incredibly special but you'll be sharing the occasion with throngs of tourist
- Take a catamaran tour of Santorini’s volcano hot springs and the famous red beach, followed by a BBQ on the boat
- Drive to Santorini’s capital, Fira (15km) and walk - or catch the cable car - down to the Old Port
- Yiota can arrange a whole host of activities from cooking classes, quad bike hire or sailing cruises, as well as massages in your villa
Best Time to go
Our Top Tips
Location
Vineyard Villas is set in the village of Finikia, 600m from Oia in northern Santorini, one of Greece's Cyclades islands.
By Air/Sea:
Fly into Santorini (14km, restricted flights); or fly to Athens / Crete and take a short internal flight. Alternatively you can take a boat or hydrofoil to Santorini from Athens (4-8 hours) or Crete (2-4 hours). There are daily departures in summer, and it's a lovely way to arrive.
From the Airport/Port
Yota can arrange transfers from the airport or port - request in advance. Alternatively you could hire a car; it's 30 minutes' drive from the airport or port.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Santorini (Thira/Fira) 14.0 km JTR
- Athens International Airport 317.0 km ATH
Other:
- Beach 0.5 km
- Shops 0.5 km
- Restaurant 0.5 km