Carved into the volcanic rocks, in the northwestern tip of the island of Santorini, lies the picturesque village of Oia. Steeped in history, and with a strategically placed west facing, architectural landscape of traditional whitewashed houses, Oia overlooks the mystical Caldera, and boasts some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.
Its beauty and tranquillity, give Oia an element of elegance and artistic opulence, suggesting expensive hotels of grandeur, but this simply is not the case.
For the discerning traveler on a budget, there are plenty of choices where price does not compromise comfort. Here are seven of the best.
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Aplada Suites
Located in one of the best areas in Oia, these four-star apartments offer peace and tranquillity in an understated luxurious setting. The Aplada Suites offers air-conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, terrace, TV and private bathroom. Some suites also have a private plunge pool, and all of them come with amazing views of the Aegean Sea. You can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast, and there is free Wi-Fi throughout the property.
Katharos Beach, known for its dramatic scenery is less than a mile away. It is considered as one of the most beautiful beaches, in the area. There is a small parking area offering a vegan meze bar 50 meters from the beach. Cape Columbo beach is just 3 miles from the hotel, and is rated in the top 100 best beaches in the world. Oia is reachable by a short stroll through the beautiful vineyards that surround Aplada, and guests have been known to spend a lot of their time in the vineyards just relaxing and taking in the views, and being at one with nature.
You can stay at the Aplada Suites from as little as £18 per person per night, bed and breakfast.
Reviews praise the location, the tranquillity and the friendliness of the staff and owners of the Aplada Suites.
Address: Epar.Od. Firon-Ias, OÃa 847 02, Greece
Best for: Couples looking for peace and tranquillity at a fantastic price
Rating: 9.2/10
Ambelia Traditional Villas
These beautifully quaint and traditional cave houses have been renovated to a luxuriously high standard. The three-star villas offer air-conditioning, kitchenette, private bathroom, communal terrace and swimming pool. Guests can have breakfast at the poolside bar whilst enjoying panoramic views of the northern shore. The property has no TV, but instead guests benefit from a CD player. The property offers room service and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the complex.
The villas are located in the village of Finikia, with its colourful buildings and traditional architecture, and the village is just a two minute walk. Here can you find shops and taverns offering local cuisine. It is a small village, but if you are looking for something a little more lively, then Oia with its bustling restaurants and shops is just 900 yards away.
You can stay at the Ambelia Traditional Villas from £40 per person per night, bed and breakfast.
Reviews praise the location and charm of the property. They also rate highly the friendliness of the staff and good service.
Address: Finikia, Oia, 84700, Greece
Best for: Couples wanting privacy and touch of luxury
Rating: 8.8/10
Panorama Oia Apartments
These highly rated family-friendly apartments are located 0.6 miles from the center of Oia and offer self-catering accommodation. Sat on top of a hill, the Panorama definitely lives up to its name, with stunning panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and surrounding area. Each apartment is fully equipped with a kitchen and dining area. There is air conditioning, a private bathroom, balcony and TV.
The sandy beach of Bexedes is 2.4 km away, where the beach’s shallow waters make it a perfect choice for families with younger children. The beach has sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. There is also a café offering access to their pool if you fancy a change from the beach. To benefit from the use of the pool, the café owners require you to eat there first, but with the café offering affordable local cuisine, this isn’t a bad compromise. Oia is just a 15-minute walk away, and if you want to venture further afield, the staff will be happy to arrange car hire for you.
Reviews praise the location, and rate the property as ideal for families. Staff are friendly and overall good value for money
It will cost you around £30 per person per night on a self-catering basis
Address: Finikia, Oia, 84702, Greece
Best For: Families wanting a great location close to the centre of Oia
Rating: 8.8/10
Georgis apartments
These three-star family-friendly apartments are highly rated for their superb location, close to Oia village. The Georgis Apartments come complete with air conditioning, kitchenette, TV and Wi-Fi, and include a free organically produced breakfast. The complex features a swimming pool and relaxing sun terraces. One of the best features of this property is the rooftop terrace where you can experience the world-famous sunsets. If you want to explore the sights, and local culture, the friendly staff will happily arrange excursions for you.
The historic village of Oia is a short 600 meter walk. Here you can find souvenir shops, art galleries and restaurants, as well as museums and beaches. The beautiful Caldera is just a 10 minute walk, and it will take you around 20 minutes to walk to the nearby Bexedes Beach, with its stunning mile long black sandy shore, and crystal clear water.
You can stay at the Georgis apartments from £23 per person per night including breakfast.
Reviews praise the location of the property, which is a top pick for families with children.
Address: Finikia , Oia, 84702, Greece
Best For: Families and couples wanting a an ideal location
Rating: 8.8/10
Dreamland Houses
The beautiful Dreamland Houses consist of just five apartments, all with a sea view. They offer soundproofing, air-conditioning, satellite TV and a kitchen. All apartments come with either a terrace or balcony, and you can have breakfast in your room. The Dreamland houses have a beautiful swimming pool with sun loungers, and there is free Wi-Fi throughout the complex.
Located right in the heart of the historic village of Oia, you are never far from restaurants and shops. The Santorini Caldera is just 100 yards away, and the stunning Bexedes beach, a favorite with the tourists, is a short half mile walk. If you want to venture a little further afield, then the hotel provide a car hire service and shuttle services upon request.
You can stay at the Dreamland Houses from £55 per person per night including breakfast.
Reviews praise the spacious rooms and quiet location. They also rate the friendliness of the staff.
Address: Oia, Oia, 84702, Greece
Best For: Families and couples wanting a little bit of luxury at an affordable price.
Rating: 9.6/10
Anchor Suites
Inspired by the Cycladic architecture of Santorini, the Anchor suites have recently undergone a complete renovation. The beautiful cozy rooms all offer a private balcony with either a sea view or a countryside view. Rooms have air-conditioning, a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, and a fridge and kettle. You can relax in the lovely outdoor pool and soak up the sun on the terrace. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the complex.
The quaint and charming Armeni beach is 1.4 km away, and is known for its unspoilt and peaceful surroundings. It has a pebble beach and crystal waters. There is also a diving centre nearby if you decide to do something a bit more adventurous. Oia is 1.2 miles from the hotel, where you can do some shopping, or enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants and taverns. You are just a 4 minute walk from the amazing Santorini Caldera, which is a must-see.
Reviews praise the spacious rooms and quiet location. They also rate the friendliness of the staff.
You can stay at the Anchor Suites from just £35 per person per night including breakfast.
Address: Oia – Foinikia Road, Oia, 84700, Greece
Best For: Couples looking for a quiet retreat with the choice to explore local attractions
Rating: 8.8/10
Aspa Villas
Located in the village of Oia, the Aspa village provides guests with the convenience of all that Oia has to offer, right on your doorstep. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a kitchenette, and safety deposit box. They are designed in the traditional Cycladic style with some studios and some cave units. Rooms have a simple décor, with modern facilities, and spectacular views of the Caldera and Aegean Sea can be seen from every balcony. There is a small outdoor pool, and free Wi-Fi throughout.
The location of the Aspa Villas is perfect for visiting the nearby beaches of  Armeni and Ammoudi bay, as both are just a short half-mile walk. Whilst both beaches are beautiful, Ammoudi bay also has a small port and is lined with many seafood restaurants. You can take a boat tour from here where you visit the volcano and hot springs, or take one of the popular sunset cruises. There is a bus stop outside the property, should you wish to venture further afield, and if you like museums, then the navel maritime museum is close by.
You can stay at the Aspa Villas from just £40 per person per night. No breakfast is included but reviews say there is a certain amount of food stocked in the cupboards.
Reviews praise the location, and exceptional service of the staff.
Address: Main Street, Oia, 84700, Greece
Best For: Couples wanting to be close enough to the main strip but still able to enjoy peace and quiet.
Rating: 9.4/10